M&P15-TS Handload Recommendations

[oneyeopn]

The way I figured it...I am in the middle of changing out computers and dont want to download any more software...All of my brass is once fired so I didnt charge anything for the brass. But because I bought my Z-max in a 500 bullet lot and my V-max in a 250 lot. My cost of loading is $.23 Z max and $.25 V max, I am using CFE223 and CCI #41 5.56 primers. so for now I am happy with that cost versus $.40 a shot which is the cheapest I can buy around here but with over 1200 pieces of brass (mostly loaded right now) I shouldnt have to buy bullets for a while

 

[crracer_712]

You're using a lot better quality bullet in those z and v max. So if you compare your reloading cost to that of the factory ammo in z or v max, it's going to look even better.

I like to average my cost. 84 bucks for a 1000 55 FMJ, 65 bucks for 500 zmax, that averages out to .10 cents a bullet. Powder and primers are going to be the same cost no matter what bullet i use. And I too do not count my brass. That just complicates the matter.

 

[xICEMANx]

I have a nifty excel file that figures out your exact cost with powder, primers, bullet, brass, etc. If I knew how to post it here I would. lol

 

[oneyeopn]

We have a new computer and when I get done transfering pictures off of this one it will have Office on it. I could use a nice spreadsheet as it is I have to do the match longhand

 

[xICEMANx]

We have a new computer and when I get done transfering pictures off of this one it will have Office on it. I could use a nice spreadsheet as it is I have to do the match longhand

Let me know and I could email it to you.

 

[oneyeopn]

as I posted earlier the results of the 26.8 CFE223 in the Vmax and the Zmax are outstanding...the following pics are the results shot yesterday the really tight one is at 100 yards the other 3 are at 200 yards.








I am pretty darn happy

 

[maximumhax]

ICEMAN: yes, I am reloading my brass. I thought the prices of those loads were pretty good. The only things that cost the most was the bullets themselves as I didn't buy them in bulk. I wanted to run tests on them to see which bullet worked the best before I bought that bullet in bulk. Almost everything except powder and primers were bought online so I did have shipping costs involved as well.

ICEMAN: Also I posted a spreadsheet a few posts up that you can calculate the exact cost of each shot as well. Calculates everything amount of powder, primer, brass, projectile. If you load 24gr of powder vs 24.5gr it will even calculate for that.

 

[oneyeopn]

so how did they shoot

 

[maximumhax]

Finally got time at 200yards to test all these loads, which are in order by most accurate out of my rifle:
NOTE: All loads are using H4895 powder, WSR primers, LC09 brass, 2.26" OAL
60gr V-Max, 25.5gr (1.7" groups @200yds)
60gr V-Max, 25gr (1.75" groups @200yds)
60gr Sierra HV HP Varminter, 25gr (1.75" groups @ 200yds)
77gr Sierra HPBT-Match, 23gr (1.8" groups @200yds)
60gr V-Max, 24.5gr (1.8" groups @ 200yds)
55gr V-Max w/MolyCoat 25.5gr (1.85" groups @ 200yds)
55gr V-Max w/MolyCoat 26gr (1.9" groups @ 200yds)
55gr Sierra Ballistic BT ((Pulled Bullets)) 24gr (2" groups @ 200yds)
55gr Sierra Ballistic BT ((Pulled Bullets)) 25.5gr (2.25" groups @ 200yds)
65gr Sierra Spitzer BT 23.5gr (2.25" groups @ 200yds)
65gr Sierra Spitzer BT 24gr (2.4" groups @ 200yds)
65gr Sierra Spitzer BT 24.5gr (2.5" groups @ 200yds)

Odd thing is the 60gr and 77gr hollow point sierra's did crappy @ 100yards but decent @ 200yards.

I was bench rested, using bipod, nothing holding butt except my shoulder. So these shots may have been a bit better if I were more steady. I could see slight movement during shots due to my heart beat, but no other movements. I need to find a way to stop heart durring the 2-3 second trigger pulling stage!

Next I am going to be buying some 55gr, 62gr FMJ to try, and also going to buy some Varget powder and also the powder oneyeopn is using CFE223, but I will probably have to pay $20 extra fee for shipping hazmat for the CFE223 as I can't find it locally

Also note these were all 3 shot groups, almost all the groups had 2 holes close and 1 flyer, and I did measure in the flyer.. so some of those 2"+ groups probably could have been better. I also think the Sierra Ballistic tip boat tails would have been better if they weren't pulled bullets. Some had slight denting from the puller which I'm sure messed up there accuracy a bit.

 

[maximumhax]

oneyeopn, nice shooting, I need to get some of that powder, looks like you are having good results with it. I also noticed on my scope the horizontal crosshair didn't look exactly perpendicular to my vertical crosshair looks that way on both my CenterPoint Scopes.. didn't seem to effect my shooting though. Does your centerpoint look that way?