Reloading for the AR15

[Willyboy]

I have just bought a RRA Predator Pursuit, 20" barrel and 1:8 twist.
I am experienced in reloading 223 in target type bolt rifles but this is my first AR15 type rifle. I have used H322 with 50-55gr bullets and Varget with heavier 69 gr bullets with both giving good results. I would like to develop a load with the 69gr Sierra MK. Do any of you have experience with CFE223, or any other slower powders for the 223? Any advice is appreciated.

Also, I expect any 223 case will be fire formed to a slightly looser AR15 chamber after the first firing. I will keep the AR15 brass separate from the bolt action brass for reloading.

Thanks, Willyboy

 

[fredj338]

The only real diff in a bolt gun & AR is you are not likely able to get neck sized brass to chamber. With the same twist rates, loads that run well in Your bolt gun should be fine in The AR.
I like CFE, also AA2520 with 68-69gr bullets. I FL size my brass for reliable chambering. Because i use mixed range brass & load for 4 rifles, i went small base dies for insurance.

 

[rockquarry]

Get at least a Sierra load manual. They have a data section on AR15 .223 loads in addition to a section on bolt-action .223 loads. If you plan on reloading for ARs, a case gauge is a necessity.

 

[Rule3]

Fire forming does not matter for a semi auto AR 15. The brass needs to be resized every time. No getting away with just neck sizing.
Due to full length sizing you will need to keep checking the brass length and trim it when needed.

 

[scooter123]

First, my most accurate load for my Shilen Barreled 20 inch AR in 223 Wylde features a 68 grain Hornady Match HP loaded with Varget. On one of my better days when my eyesight is cooperative I've managed sub 3/10 MOA accuracy for consecutive 3 shot groups if I let the barrel cool a bit between groups. A very close second is the same bullet combined with CFE223, so it's a powder that can work well with some bullets.

However I have tried to get CFE223 to work with a Nosler Ballistic tip hunting bullet and with this bullet the very best group I've managed is about 5 MOA and when attempting every single possible charge at 1/10 grain increments from minimum to maximum groups ranged from a best of 5 inches to over 12 inches at 100 yards. With some bullets I've found that CFE223 just plain doesn't work at all. BTW, loaded with Varget this Nosler bullet has grouped between 5/16 and 3/8 inch at 100 yards, so it's not a defect in the bullet.

The big plus for CFE223 is that it meters wonderfully, downside is obviously a severe loss in accuracy with some bullets. BTW the only difference of note between the Hornady Match and the Nosler bullet besides weight is that the Hornady is a Boat Tail and the Nosler is a flat Base bullet. As for Varget, I have yet to see this powder not work will with any bullet or caliber I've used it with. It meters poorly so every charge must be hand weighed but it's a great powder for building accurate ammunition.

I can also suggest one tip concerning loading for the 223 in regards to case sizing. That is if you take the time to determine the point for the maximum shoulder to base length that will chamber in your rifle and use that for your sizing you can reduce the growth in case length at each firing cycle to a minimum. I set my trim length at 0.002 inch below the SAAMI mid point and set the shoulder so I can extract a newly sized case without "mortoring" but do have to tug a bit and doing this allows me to get in 4 to 5 firing cycles before I need to trim again. While getting the shoulder length tuned to this point took a bit of trial and error IMO it's well worth doing because reducing case growth at each firing should help extend case life.

 

[sbrmike]

Magazine length and use H335 or RL-15. 335 is easier as it is fine as sugar and meters very well straight from the measure.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

24.8 of RL-15 under a 69SMK shoots very well indeed from my old Colt 1/7 AR.

 

[Willyboy]

Reloading for AR 15

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will use commercial ammo for set up until I can order the recommended items for AR 15 loading.

Willyboy

 

[H Richard]

I friend advised me that CFE really shines when you use magnum primers, especially the Fed 205M match primers.

 

[Sportsdad60]

CFE223 and BL(C)-2 are two powders I enjoy reloading on an autoprogressive press. I typically load 1000 at a time.

Both powders are near identical with exception of CFE is 'cleaner'.
I shoot with a Colt LE6920 1/7 twist 16 barrel and obviously a 1/7 twist barrel likes heavier grain bullets.

55 gr are 'okay', 62 a lot better, when I get into a 68 or 69 gr bullet, we're talking 1/4" MOA at 50 yards and 1" at 100 yards. Anything beyond that, it's my fault in my breathing technique.

 

[Rule3]

Here is a good fact sheet on the 223/556. Also if you click the Sierra boxes on the right you get their load data for AR 15 or Bolt action

223 Rem + 223 AI Cartridge Guide

 

[fredj338]

Fire forming does not matter for a semi auto AR 15. The brass needs to be resized every time. No getting away with just neck sizing.
Due to full length sizing you will need to keep checking the brass length and trim it when needed.

Unless you go RCBS 'X' sizer. Trim once & done, regardless of chamber.

 

[fredj338]

I've never used CFE, and I have no intention of ever doing so.

There seems to be a LOT of it on the market, and at low prices.
That should tell you something.

That said, its probably OK.

I use two powders for 5.56: Varget and TAC.
I use Varget exclusively, unless none can be had, and then I will use TAC.

24.2 grains Varget and a 77 SMK does great.
I shoot mostly 77 or 80 grain bullets.

If you are going with lighter bullets, you might prefer TAC.

TAC (a spherical powder) meters with better flow than VARGET (a stick powder).

If you are just getting started reloading for 5.56, I have two things for you"
1. Get a case gage, and use it.
2. Do not crimp your loaded ammo

If you do those two things, you will avoid 95% of the headaches reported by persons just getting started reloading for 5.56.

Not sure what price has to do with powder performance but I like CFE223 with 60gr & lighter. It meters well, good accuracy, shoots clean. Tac is fine, Varget is the one that can be finicky for me. Seems to do really well with heavier bullets like 75gr, but no better than other with 55-69gr. AA2520 is my choice for 68-69gr. Best group my 20" hvy 1-8 has ever shot was single loaded 75gr Amax & Varget, 5rd in 3/8".