5.56 AR Only Loads

[BG94591]

New to reloading, bought a bunch of once fire brass that had been processed. I separated them by head stamp and started seating primers with my RCBS universal hand primer. Primers are Fed 205’s and FC brass. Some of the primers seat and some don’t. They’ll crush or won’t seat at all. With the price of primers and they’re hard to find, this is getting spendy. These are being reloaded for an AR.

 

[Shoots 700's]

Did you remove the crimp

 

[PusherX11]

New to reloading, bought a bunch of once fire brass that had been processed. I separated them by head stamp and started seating primers with my RCBS universal hand primer. Primers are Fed 205’s and FC brass. Some of the primers seat and some don’t. They’ll crush or won’t seat at all. With the price of primers and they’re hard to find, this is getting spendy. These are being reloaded for an AR.
View attachment 7544079View attachment 7544080View attachment 7544081View attachment 7544082View attachment 7544085View attachment 7544091View attachment 7544092

Pop the bad primer out and use the Lyman primer pocket reamer. I have found that swaging does not always remove enough of the crimp.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/lyman-primer-pocket-reamer-tool

 

[BG94591]

Did you remove the crimp

Can I send you a dm?

 

[padom]

This is why I dont swag shit. RCBS crimp cutter on case prep center. Cuts it right out one and done

 

[BG94591]

Pop the bad primer out and use the Lyman primer pocket reamer. I have found that swaging does not always remove enough of the crimp.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/lyman-primer-pocket-reamer-tool

I bought them from a member on another forum fully processed. Guess there was a step left out. I’ll have to buy that tool.

 

[padom]

I bought them from a member on another forum fully processed. Guess there was a step left out. I’ll have to buy that tool.

He may have swag them but it doesn't always work. Get this crimp cutter

Trim Mate Military Crimp Remover-2 | RCBS

The redesigned Trim Mate Military Crimp Remover—2 speeds up case processing and reduces the amount of primer pocket being cut away.

www.rcbs.com

 

[PusherX11]

I bought them from a member on another forum fully processed. Guess there was a step left out. I’ll have to buy that tool.

I too have bought fully processed lc brass that was swaged and had the same issue seating primers.

This is why I dont swag shit. RCBS crimp cutter on case prep center. Cuts it right out one and done

I have mine on the Lyman case prep center. Cuts the crimp right out, and don’t ever have to worry about it.

 

[BG94591]

I too have bought fully processed lc brass that was swaged and had the same issue seating primers.



I have mine on the Lyman case prep center. Cuts the crimp right out, and don’t ever have to worry about it.

View attachment 7544112

Guess I’ll go buy another prep center. Sold mine a couple years back when I got out of reloading. Thanks for all your answers.

 

[padom]

I too have bought fully processed lc brass that was swaged and had the same issue seating primers.



I have mine on the Lyman case prep center. Cuts the crimp right out, and don’t ever have to worry about it.

View attachment 7544112

Yep mines on my Frankford Arsenal Platinum case prep center.

 

[Snoooy]

My plinking load:
hornady 62gr bthp
23.1gr H322
LC case
wolf small rifle magnum or Rem 7.5 primer
2.240" coal

Stupid accurate was from Nosler No.3 manual...
91% density load using 68 gr nosler bthp
24.5 grains Reloader 15...210M Federal primers...can't remember the case but density is listed..
This load shot bugholes even in a mini 14 !

 

[Claluja]

77 SMK
23.4 Varget
LC +
BR-4
CLE chamber

SD not good; accuracy is.

 

[huntnh]

Looking for a good accuracy load with 69 grain and varget ?

 

[PusherX11]

 

[moneypit808]

Looking for a good accuracy load with 69 grain and varget ?

24.5g, as always, work up

 

[jLorenzo]

I have found 23.9gr of Varget in
LC brass
CCI SRP
at mag length
to hammer in my WOA 18".
Have seen the exact same results on Johhny's Reloading youtube channel. Velocity looked to be lackluster but the accuracy is great.
I'm going to try seating back by a few increments to see if I can get it any tighter, how much should I seat the bullet back from mag length?
Initial results at mag length are sub MOA, right around .75.

 

[Mooseknuckles]

View attachment 7558405

I have been loading sierras accuracy load for the 69gr smk out of my 20 inch ar15. It has been a great load. It pretty crunchy when seating them and I put a light crimp on the case. Velocity out of my gun was right at 2900fps. Group was right at 1 inch.

 

[FOHA1]

20" 1:7 Ballistic Advantage barrel, Timney trigger, Viper PST II scope, set up for PRS style matches.

77g SMK
24.8g Alliant Power Pro Varmint
Lapua brass
Federal Match AR primers
CBTO 1.866
OAL 2.247
2830 fps
8.3 SD
14 ES

 

[TxWelder35]

20" 1:7 Ballistic Advantage barrel, Timney trigger, Viper PST II scope, set up for PRS style matches.

77g SMK
24.8g Alliant Power Pro Varmint
Lapua brass
Federal Match AR primers
CBTO 1.866
OAL 2.247
2830 fps
8.3 SD
14 ES

Any experience with the temp stability of power pro varmit?

 

[FOHA1]

Any experience with the temp stability of power pro varmit?

So far so good. It was 80's on this past Saturdays match, supposed to be 100 this weekend, maybe I'll chrono it again and see if it's speeded up. I'm up near max, but not max.

 

[larryh128]

Question for all. Crimp or no crimp? My experience loading for the AR platform is limited. Most of my loading for the AR will be coyote hunting extending to mid range plinking based. However, I do want to load some FMJ “ shoot the hell out of it” stuff too.

I've never crimped a round for an AR. Some do but after many thousands of rounds, never had 1 issue.

 

[Belisarius]

WOA 18" barrel

LC brass
cci#450
75 BTHP
26.5 gr. TAC
col - 2.350 single feed
mv - 3000, 2992, 3006, 2996, 3000
no pressure signs

 

[S3th]

New Criterion Core Series Barrel - .223 Wylde 16"
SW Match
RMR 69gr 3GH
CCI400
Mixed Headstamped Brass

Charges were weighted on FX120i and all high-end equipment was used in the reloading process. Every group shot poorly, so much so that I didn't even go grab my targets. I'm trying to diagnosis what the hell is going on with my SD/ES. I'm going to try Varget next and I'll anneal before sizing/mandrel work to ensure a better neck tension even though with mixed brass, there is going to be wide variations.

I don't care too much about my AR15 loads but this is far from acceptable to me. I'm in single-digit SD/ES with my 6BR & 6.5 Creedmoor bolt guns.

 

[TxWelder35]

Mixed Headstamped Brass

I found your problem.

What did you expect using brass with varying case capacities? Different case capacities, different pressures, different velocities, different barrel harmonics = a non precision loads

 

[S3th]

I found your problem.

What did you expect using brass with varying case capacities? Different case capacities, different pressures, different velocities, different barrel harmonics = a non precision loads

It isn't like I am expecting single-digit SD and ES like my bolt guns. However, I figured I would be sub 25 SD and sub 50 ES.

 

[clcustom1911]

It isn't like I am expecting single-digit SD and ES like my bolt guns. However, I figured I would be sub 25 SD and sub 50 ES.

Mixed brass will easily cause your issue. If you want sub 20 SD you're gonna need same headstamp brass at minimum. When I run Mixed headstamp brass my SD is usually 25-30 over a 30 shot average, ES is right about 100 or so. Gives about 2-3 MOA accuracy out of any AR I put it through.

 

[S3th]

Mixed brass will easily cause your issue. If you want sub 20 SD you're gonna need same headstamp brass at minimum. When I run Mixed headstamp brass my SD is usually 25-30 over a 30 shot average, ES is right about 100 or so. Gives about 2-3 MOA accuracy out of any AR I put it through.

Okay, good to know. Thank you.

 

[clcustom1911]

Doing up IMR 4166, 77 SMK, IMI Brass tomorrow out of my Mk12. 0.2gr increments from 5 each @ 22gr to 23.4gr. IMR said max was 23. There was a bit of crunch at 23.2 and 23.4, so we shall see.

First run with my new AutoTrickler V3. All I can say is WOW how much quicker everything went when the powder throw is automatic and 8-10 seconds each.

 

[Thumper580]

Looking for a good accuracy load with 69 grain and varget ?

LC brass
25.0 gr of Varget
CCI primers
2.255 oal
Wonderful accuracy.......

 

[NukeMMC]

LC Brass, BR4
75gr BTHP or 77SMK
23.5gr 8208XBR
2.250" OAL (mag length)
2750fps
sub-moa to 700yds
MK12 Mod1 clone with Rainier 1:8" ratchet rifled Lilja SPR & Ops Inc 12th Model

 

[S3th]

Manufacturer	Bullet	Weight (gr)	Manufacturer	Powder	Weight (gr)	Headstamp	Primer	Average (fps)	SD	ES
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	25.3	Mixed	F#205	2,699	42	100
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	25.5	Mixed	F#205	2,734	38	86
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	25.7	Mixed	F#205	2,764	48	116
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	25.9	Mixed	F#205	2,753	53	132
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.1	Mixed	F#205	2,805	50	128
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.3	Mixed	F#205	2,789	37	91
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.5	Mixed	F#205	2,850	41	89
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.7	Mixed	F#205	2,881	19	53
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.7	Mixed	F#205	2,880	53	114
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.9	Mixed	F#205	2,886	37	97
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.9	Mixed	F#205	2,855	42	96
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	27.1	Mixed	F#205	2,900	53	129
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	27.1	Mixed	F#205	2,888	39	94
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	24.4	Mixed	F#205	2,604	25	66
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	24.6	Mixed	F#205	2,659	26	65
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	24.8	Mixed	F#205	2,697	7	20
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	25.0	Mixed	F#205	2,697	7	18
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	25.2	Mixed	F#205	2,736	20	47
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	25.4	Mixed	F#205	2,788	16	44
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	25.6	Mixed	F#205	2,808	12	32

.223 Wylde - 16" Criterion Core

 

[Cfshooter]

Manufacturer	Bullet	Weight (gr)	Manufacturer	Powder	Weight (gr)	Headstamp	Primer	Average (fps)	SD	ES
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	25.3	Mixed	F#205	2,699	42	100
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	25.5	Mixed	F#205	2,734	38	86
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	25.7	Mixed	F#205	2,764	48	116
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	25.9	Mixed	F#205	2,753	53	132
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.1	Mixed	F#205	2,805	50	128
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.3	Mixed	F#205	2,789	37	91
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.5	Mixed	F#205	2,850	41	89
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.7	Mixed	F#205	2,881	19	53
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.7	Mixed	F#205	2,880	53	114
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.9	Mixed	F#205	2,886	37	97
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	26.9	Mixed	F#205	2,855	42	96
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	27.1	Mixed	F#205	2,900	53	129
RMR	3GH	69	Shooters World	Match	27.1	Mixed	F#205	2,888	39	94
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	24.4	Mixed	F#205	2,604	25	66
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	24.6	Mixed	F#205	2,659	26	65
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	24.8	Mixed	F#205	2,697	7	20
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	25.0	Mixed	F#205	2,697	7	18
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	25.2	Mixed	F#205	2,736	20	47
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	25.4	Mixed	F#205	2,788	16	44
RMR	3GH	69	Hodgdon	Varget	25.6	Mixed	F#205	2,808	12	32

.223 Wylde - 16" Criterion Core

Thanks for sharing, great info. I use SW Precision and it seems pretty darn close to Varget for my 69gr loads.

 

[Brandon05_88]

77 SMK
23.4 Varget
LC +
BR-4
CLE chamber

SD not good; accuracy is.

I'm very close to this with the same issue on SD. 77 SMK or OTM with 23.5 Varget in a Lapua case with BR4 in a CLE chamber.
I struggled to get down into a single digit SD with 5 rounds. It always groups in the 0.3s for the 5 shots though.

Did you ever get it resolved?

 

[semperfireloading]

77 Berger OTM
21.5 Benchmark
8 different types of brass
Fed GM Match Primers
WOA Shilen 20" barrel
pretty lights out AR15 load honestly.
7 shots .59 inches and some other .5 inch groups with other Brass brands. I think the Lapua didn't group super great, and was odd out, because its highest FPS load, since the brass is by far the heaviest. So I bet if I lowered the charge to 21.3 or 21.2 it would be .5 or so as well.

http://natoreloading.com/223brass/assets/d367e38c-1c91-454e-88a9-ed1ec7e2220e

http://natoreloading.com/223brass/

 

[tim3gun]

77gr Nosler Custom Competition
23.0 8208
mixed LC brass
Wolf SR primer
loaded to mag length w/ slight crimp
2760fps

 

[tim3gun]

77 Berger OTM
21.5 Benchmark
8 different types of brass
Fed GM Match Primers
WOA Shilen 20" barrel
pretty lights out AR15 load honestly.
7 shots .59 inches and some other .5 inch groups with other Brass brands. I think the Lapua didn't group super great, and was odd out, because its highest FPS load, since the brass is by far the heaviest. So I bet if I lowered the charge to 21.3 or 21.2 it would be .5 or so as well.

http://natoreloading.com/223brass/assets/d367e38c-1c91-454e-88a9-ed1ec7e2220e

http://natoreloading.com/223brass/

Velocity?

 

[Belisarius]

Did some more testing today.
LC brass, cci#450, 75ELD bullet, 26.5gr. of TAC, col-2.450 single feed
18" WOA barrel-3040fps
26" WOA barrel-3200fps
no pressure , 90*F Labradar

 

[semperfireloading]

Velocity?

2625-2675 depending on what brass you use. Lapua will be higher, Norma will be lower.

 

[Baddog 0302]

I see that only a few have listed the chamber [223 Rem. Wylde,or NATO] they have, would the ones that list "hot" loads have the 223 Rem. chamber ?

 

[TxWelder35]

18” proof barrel
223 wylde chamber
90F 800’~ASL
Mix LC/Frontier brass
25.6gn CFE 223
75gn hornady bthp
2.250 COAL

 

[Arko]

20" 1:7 Ballistic Advantage barrel, Timney trigger, Viper PST II scope, set up for PRS style matches.

77g SMK
24.8g Alliant Power Pro Varmint
Lapua brass
Federal Match AR primers
CBTO 1.866
OAL 2.247
2830 fps
8.3 SD
14 ES

Been working up 62gr loads with Varmint and it's an outstanding powder. Great numbers all around. Accuracy is there too. Loading 62gr Fusions over 26.0gr of Varmint for 2930fps from a 16" Centurion Arms CHF CL barreled AR. Even more was that there was no signs of over pressure, primers and cases both looked outstanding. I'm really liking this powder. It didnt work out with my 6.8 loads but sure am liking it in 5.56.
My 8208 load with a 77gr SMK IS 23.6gr, excellent load and in my gun, another Centurion Arms barrel( his Mk12 barrel) it is one of my Mk262 clone loads.

 

[jLorenzo]

Anyone have any experience with the CCI no. 41 military primers? Just scored some off midway but I have never used them before. All I know is they have a harder cup to prevent detonation from a floating firing pin?
Just wondering if anyone has been able to work up a precision load using these.

 

[charnicus]

Anyone have any experience with the CCI no. 41 military primers? Just scored some off midway but I have never used them before. All I know is they have a harder cup to prevent detonation from a floating firing pin?
Just wondering if anyone has been able to work up a precision load using these.

I got a pretty decent load in an HCS Mk12 upper with 23.2 grains of 8208 XBR under a 77SMK over a CCi 41. From what I understand they are the milspec (tested) equivalent to a CCi 450. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them in anything that was applicable.

 

[clcustom1911]

Anyone have any experience with the CCI no. 41 military primers? Just scored some off midway but I have never used them before. All I know is they have a harder cup to prevent detonation from a floating firing pin?
Just wondering if anyone has been able to work up a precision load using these.

Use standard power hammer springs and you'll be fine.

 

[nn8734]

Mk12 Mod 1: 77smk, 25g AA2520, Remington 7-1/2 primer, LC 1x fired. Mean MV 2810. Very consistent and no pressure signs.

5 shots @ 500m

5 shots @ 600m

rifle

 

[clcustom1911]

Yup. AA2520 is my go-to powder for 75/77gr loads.

 

[TxWelder35]

Yup. AA2520 is my go-to powder for 75/77gr loads.

Only problem I’ve ran into with 2520 is that a load developed in the summer doesn’t shoot near the same in the winter.

 

[clcustom1911]

Only problem I’ve ran into with 2520 is that a load developed in the summer doesn’t shoot near the same in the winter.

Yeah correct. Being a ball powder, it's temp sensitivity kinda requires 2 different loads where about 65-75⁰ is the delineation between the 2 loads. My IMI RazroCore 77gr shoots awesome out of my Mk12 Mod 0 below 70⁰, above that it opens up.

 

[r.tenorio671]

New to reloading, bought a bunch of once fire brass that had been processed. I separated them by head stamp and started seating primers with my RCBS universal hand primer. Primers are Fed 205’s and FC brass. Some of the primers seat and some don’t. They’ll crush or won’t seat at all. With the price of primers and they’re hard to find, this is getting spendy. These are being reloaded for an AR.
View attachment 7544079View attachment 7544080View attachment 7544081View attachment 7544082View attachment 7544085View attachment 7544091View attachment 7544092

...I would suggest this tool kit, economical and has everything you need. As a new reloader, using it in manual mode will ingrain the feel and knowledge you will develop the more you use it. But.....if time is a factor, you can always chuck up the bits in a hand drill/screw driver to speed things up Tool can be purchased practically anywhere, storefront, online, etc.

 

[Hetzer]

How did your IMR4166 load test turn out?

Doing up IMR 4166, 77 SMK, IMI Brass tomorrow out of my Mk12. 0.2gr increments from 5 each @ 22gr to 23.4gr. IMR said max was 23. There was a bit of crunch at 23.2 and 23.4, so we shall see.

First run with my new AutoTrickler V3. All I can say is WOW how much quicker everything went when the powder throw is automatic and 8-10 seconds each.