anter eater refer to the 2 stage trigger on the Bushmaster --the assy takes a lot of maintance cleaning and lube I dont like it and have ordered a "Jewell" trigger.I purchsed my Bushmaster thru the D C M for matches and it is very accurate.Just to info anyone buying one the cheep part is buying it.By the time you buy all the tools necc. to clean it and the Wilson sling you have another $200.into it.Good luck

Marmax,
I agree with antler eater, please list your group sizes. I don't care if others don't believe you. I will.

I just wish that more people on here had an AR so there would be more discussion about them. I checked out AR15.com but it seems that all they are into is "militia like" AR's. I'm not into that, just accuracy and hunting with mine. I don't care much about installing a light or collapsible stock, or a 14"barrel/40 round mags. Just not my thing, I don't care if others like it.

Antler eater, I have fired a couple of 2-stage triggers. I don't care for them personally, but maybe you would love it. Try to find someone who has a 2-stage and give it a try.

I forgot that the other difference between the varminter and V-match was barrell length. The Varminter comes in a 24" barrel, the V-match has a choice of 16, 20, or 24". I went with the 20", I thought it was a good compromise between velocity and ease of carrying.

MH

ridge runner,
Nice rifles, I'm not familiar with the 458 socom, what type of ballistics does it produce?

Where did this cartridge get its start?

Thanks for the good info RR. I was not aware of the Colt problems of "interchangability."

I really had a hard time deciding about chrome -vs- non-chromed barrels. I ended up going with the chrome. I haven't regretted it. I'm getting sub MOA now with very cheap factory ammo, so that pleases me greatly.

Question, I see AA2230 powder mentioned as a good powder for .223 REM, reloads. Is this powder made by ACCURATE INC?

MH

Hey ridge runner, I got a bit of a quandry on what you said bout the .458socom-you called it? 'Bout that, you also said it was designed to remain subsonic, but also said it travels at 2200-2300fps, which unless somethin changed that I don't know about, is double the speed of sound, which certainly isn't subsonic. Sounds like a heck of a round though, I don't know if I'd want one for CQB, I'd probably prefer a HK MP5 for that-as it sounds like that .458socom would kick like the dickens in a light AR-type...might be something to acquire one for deer hunting though!!

I think you can interchange either the colt lower or upper with other brands, but you need special pin adapters, because colt decided to use a larger diameter pin. With the amout of supplyers out there and competitive pricing, Colt just isn't worth the hassle.

Two stage triggers.
I'm very fond of two stage triggers, especially on a semi-auto. They add a large margin of safety, and yet if tuned properly can have a break as crisp and light as any trigger. I second the recommendation of using a Rock River Lower equiped with the company's NM trigger. Should have a takeup of around 4 lbs, with a sharp second stage break of 0.5 lbs, and is more consistant than any otehr of the special AR triggers, including those costing twice as much.

Sorry guys I've been working a lot of hours. With my Bushmaster and Fed. ballistic tips I can routinely group 1/4 inch at 100yrds. At 200 yrds I will shoot 5/8 in groups. With the Colt I usually shoot 5/8 in groups at 100yrds and 1 1/8 at 200yrds. Anything from Black Hills shoots good. I usually shoot the 69gr. moly coated stuff.
I have 2-stage triggers on both and I'm sorry but I don't know the brand name. I've hade them several years and I had a local gunsmith install them. I could do it but he smooths them up so sweet and charges only for the part. He makes his money on the part. I love the 2-stage triggers but it took a while to get used to them.
One other thing you might want to think about is that you can always beef up any AR-15 by changing the caliber to 223 Ackley Improved. This is easily done by a compitent gunsmith. The local gunsmith here has been doing them for over 10 years and they really cook. You can gain about 200fps and still shoot regular 223's. Thats the best way to form your brass. I've been toying with that idea for awhile [:-]. Just something to keep on the back burner.

Marmax,

Are the Fed. ballistic tips factory or handload? If a handload, would you share your recipe?

The .223 Ackley Improved is a smokin' round. I also have an NEF full bull barrel in .223 Rem. I have been tempted to have my gunsmithing friend to rechamber it to the Ackley. My only hesitation is that the gun right now will shoot 1/2" groups at 100 yds. I'm afraid that for some strange reason it would lose the accuracy after rechambering.

MH

Hi Mainehunt,
The Ballistic Tips are Federals. I have a pretty large quantity of these which once exhausted will be handloaded.
You might want to leave that barrel alone for now if it is shooting that well. 1/2 inch is nothin to sneeze at and I wouldn't rock the boat either. That accuracy will degrade over time from throat erosion and that is when to rechamber the barrel . By rechambering your barrel at that time you will effectively double the life of your barrel. Thats what I am waiting for. [:-]

this is like reding an encyclopedia on ars. thanks to all for the excelent info. i picked up a new shotgun news and found a compelte ar with a 20'' colt 1-7 twist barrel carbon upper and lower for $549 + s&h and transfer. the maker is vulcan arms ever heard of them?