Another newbie reloading question

[Unobogus]

OK, I'm still trying to buy everything to start loading and I've been reading on a lot of other sites along with this one. I ran across something that I hadn't thought of yet, so I thought I'd ask on here. What is the highest BC bullet that I can run in a semi-auto, standard ar15 magazine? I wanted to buy some 75gr A-max but now I'm not sure they'll work because of the overall length. I'm sure there are a lot of tricks but I just want a safe, standard answer. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Icarry2]

Might want to see what your AR barrel will like first before dumping a bunch into reloads that it won't like.

TJ

 

[Unobogus]

Your probably right, but how do you start? The options/combinations are endless and most of the time the bullets are sold in 100pk. I guess I was just wanting to get something that I could start with? Thanks.

 

[billybob44]

.223 OAL..

Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com
^^^This web site shows 2.250" OAL for 75gr. VLD Bullets, your A-Max should be similuar.

For me, if no cannelure, I try to load to data specs, as long as they fit the magazine without any hang up..Bill.


PS: Be it known-^^^This does NOT usually apply to bolt guns...

 

[mac45]

Hornady lists a COL for the 75gr A-max as 2.390"
So no, it won't fit.

 

[j706]

No go on 75 amax for ar magazines. Try some 75 grain match hornadys, nosler 77 grain. Good hard hitting and super accurate bullets with 1/7 or 1/8 twist barrels. My favorite is 24.0 grains of varget or re-15 with nosler 77 grain projectiles.

 

[billybob44]

Bullet slection and OAL??

Your probably right, but how do you start? The options/combinations are endless and most of the time the bullets are sold in 100pk. I guess I was just wanting to get something that I could start with? Thanks.

Bullet Samples for Sale-Sportsman Rifle Bullets
^^^With this you can order as many, or as few as you like.

No go on 75 amax for ar magazines. Try some 75 grain match hornadys, nosler 77 grain. Good hard hitting and super accurate bullets with 1/7 or 1/8 twist barrels. My favorite is 24.0 grains of varget or re-15 with nosler 77 grain projectiles.

Hodgdon's Data list for Varget:
75gr. Berger VLD@ 25.0C for 2907fps.
77gr. Sierra HPBT@ 23.7C for 2737fps.
The "C" stands for Compressed Loads-will overfill the case-Easier with a drop tube funnel.
BOTH are MAX loads listed-(I would back off .5 to 1.0gr. at least to start with).

And THANKS for the Rep..Bill.

 

[Unobogus]

Great, thanks for the other website I'll check it out. Thanks for all of the input.

 

[j706]

Bullet Samples for Sale-Sportsman Rifle Bullets
^^^With this you can order as many, or as few as you like.


Hodgdon's Data list for Varget:
75gr. Berger VLD@ 25.0C for 2907fps.
77gr. Sierra HPBT@ 23.7C for 2737fps.
The "C" stands for Compressed Loads-will overfill the case-Easier with a drop tube funnel.
BOTH are MAX loads listed-(I would back off .5 to 1.0gr. at least to start with).8


Yea I know. Their load data is always been very weak. I worked mine up from 21 grains or so. In my experience varget likes to be compressed. I load mine on a lnl-ap with not to many problems. Every now and then I get a spill over from the powder not flowing into tne case neck.

 

[Unobogus]

This site is a little different. I think I placed an order last night but I'm not sure? They didn't ask any questions, address, payment method? I haven;t received an email from them today either. How does it normally work?

Bullet Samples for Sale-Sportsman Rifle Bullets
^^^With this you can order as many, or as few as you like.


Hodgdon's Data list for Varget:
75gr. Berger VLD@ 25.0C for 2907fps.
77gr. Sierra HPBT@ 23.7C for 2737fps.
The "C" stands for Compressed Loads-will overfill the case-Easier with a drop tube funnel.
BOTH are MAX loads listed-(I would back off .5 to 1.0gr. at least to start with).8


Yea I know. Their load data is always been very weak. I worked mine up from 21 grains or so. In my experience varget likes to be compressed. I load mine on a lnl-ap with not to many problems. Every now and then I get a spill over from the powder not flowing into tne case neck.

 

[Sniper 79]

Where to start depends on what you want to do with the rifle and more importantly the twist rate of the barrel. For example I have a 1-9" barreled AR and I wanted to puch tiny holes in paper at distance. I went with a 69grn SMK and it shoots darn near in the same hole. I picked up some 68grn Hornady match since they are cheaper to try out.

You will need a faster twist if you want to go any higher than 69grn. Not sure on OAL since I have never loaded anything that long. I am sure there is a way since the military is shooting 90grn VLD at a 1000.