Powder/primer suggestions, for AR-15

NY Harvester · 08-09-2009, 05:27 AM

Planning on starting the maiden batch of 5.56 reloads very soon.
Researching around the net seems that Hodgeson H-335 or the Ramshot TAC are the prefered powders.
I will be loading both 55 g , and 62 g bullets to experiment with, (For a DPMS 16" 1/7 twist)
Which of these powders or other suggestion would this board prefer?

As far as the primers go, I am on every backorder list in the country for the cci military #41 s, I believe I need the thicker cup for the semi auto.
I have read that the Rem 7 1/2 s will work also, has anyone used these in a semi auto application?

RLoving1 · 08-09-2009, 11:35 AM

As long as they are small rifle primers I wouldn't worry.There are some loads they suggest using hotter burning primers such as bench rest but I think thats for loads using BLC(2).I have loaded everything under the sun as far as powders,the vargent seemed like it was alot of powder but loaded some anyway.Looking at load books the 5.56 would shoot cornmeal if it would ignite!

LaneNebraska · 08-09-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NY Harvester

Planning on starting the maiden batch of 5.56 reloads very soon.
Researching around the net seems that Hodgeson H-335 or the Ramshot TAC are the prefered powders.
I will be loading both 55 g , and 62 g bullets to experiment with, (For a DPMS 16" 1/7 twist)
Which of these powders or other suggestion would this board prefer?

As far as the primers go, I am on every backorder list in the country for the cci military #41 s, I believe I need the thicker cup for the semi auto.
I have read that the Rem 7 1/2 s will work also, has anyone used these in a semi auto application?

Here's a good spot for some load info:
http://reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=18

You could also use IMR4320, or Reloader-15. I would look into Moly coated bullets as well...Their all we use for the .204 and .17 Rem

Lowers pressure, and makes clean-up WAY easier!!!

Got a Lyman Moly kit and tumbler-works great!

cataway · 08-10-2009, 03:59 PM

my AR has a profound preference for BLC2 with Sierra 55 gr bt hp #1390 ,25.5 gr

Ridge Runner · 08-10-2009, 04:05 PM

benchmark for the 55's, varget for the heavy's.
H-335 is a ball powder, so its pretty temp. sensative.
RR

falcon · 08-10-2009, 05:30 PM

i started loading for the .223 over 40 years ago an did a lot of experimenting with various powders early on. After a year or two i decided to use IMR 3031 in all of my .223 loads and it has worked very well for me. Am currently reloading for five .223 rifles and all of them are <.75 moa guns with my reloads. Two of those guns are AR-15s. One has 1/7 twist and the other 1/9.

Pete D. · 08-11-2009, 05:15 AM

I use RL-15 for all my .223 loadings from 52 grain to 77 grain bullets. Works just fine in my guns. The 52 grain AMax bullets and RL15 gave me the best groups I have ever shot - 1/2" at 100 yards - with iron sights. And that from a rifle that has "too much twist" for that bullet (NOT), a Colt AR/ 1-8". Primers are CCI or Win.
Pete

Howler · 08-12-2009, 05:49 AM

Quote:

I have read that the Rem 7 1/2 s will work also, has anyone used these in a semi auto application?

I use the 7.5's for my AR, but mine is the .204 cal. They work just fine though.

steve4102 · 09-09-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLoving1

As long as they are small rifle primers I wouldn't worry.!

This is not totally accurate. Remington 7 1/2 primers will work well in your AR. Remington 6 1/2 will NOT work in your AR. They are small rifle primers that are designed for low pressure rounds like the Hornet. Remington warns against using 6 1/2 Small rifle in high pressure rounds like the 223.

NY Harvester · 09-11-2009, 06:21 AM

Well..the first of my re- loads her all went bang. Used a LEE universal decapper on LC brass & LEE full length sizer to prep. Checked the brass after sizing to see if it would slip in and out of my chamber. No problems ..
I used 23 g. of IMR 3031, cci #41 primers and 55g rem fmjbt.
all went off, hit in center mass(pie plate) @ 50yd.
Gonna load a block of 25 to really check accuracy 100yd., also a doz. or so with the H335 to check/compare performance @ 50 yd. before I load quantity.

I scored a block of cci 400 caps and some Rem small pistol primers this week, perhaps primer production is catching up?