Reloading question

[Ivan]

I have a SIG SAUER AR-15 M400. I've been reloading rounds for it using 55gr fmjbt thru hornady and H335 @
25.5gr. My AR is a 16in barrel with a 1:7 twist. What is the heaviest grain bullet I can use without any feeding
Issues or damage to my rifle?

 

[Bam Bam]

You should be able to shoot 68-77grain bullets very easily. I have a 1-6.5 twist that i shoot 75gr Hornady HPBT match grade ammo that I load for it. The 1-7 twist can handle up to 80 grain bullets, but 77's are the longest you can use and still mag load. BTW my barrel doesn't shoot 55's very well.




Bam Bam

 

[scooterj]

You might try a different powder with the heavier bullets. I also load my 55's with H335 but I use Reloader15 with the 77's.

 

[beauxdog]

Shouldn't be any damage will any bullet made for the 5.56/223 family. They are also correct in that the 77 gr. is heaviest bullet you can use due to length. Where your going to find the most difference is in the powder you can use. There are a bunch and some rifles like one and not another. Find one that works and stick with it.

Thanks,

Bryan Guillory
Louisiana Gun
225-389-6077

 

[Ritten]

Actually, a few people on here have had very good accuracy with Berger 82's set at mag length.

 

[Ivan]

Thank y'all very much. I think I'll try so e 65gr and research so e powder.

 

[beauxdog]

How does that affect your powder capacity and what powders are they using for this? I realize this will cut down on capacity but what is it doing to the downrange performance and pressures?

Thanks,

Bryan Guillory
Louisiana Gun
225-389-6077

 

[Ivan]

Well I picked up a box of hornady match 68gr BTHP. I like my H335 powder but I simply cannot find any load data in any of my books except for a 65gr and a 69gr bullet. Does anyone know the load data for the 68gr bullet? I was thinking of starting out at 22.3-5gr of H335 and see what it does.

 

[beauxdog]

The load data for the 69 gr should work for the 68 gr. Hodgon is showing 22 to 24 grains of H335 for that bullet.

Bryan Guillory

 

[Ivan]

Thank you Bryan.

 

[Ivan]

Alright, I loaded 36 rounds of 55gr fmjbt hornady with 25gr of h335, and 36 rounds of 68gr hpbt hornady with 22.6gr of h335. Compared the two down range at 150yds. My sig ar-15 loves the 68gr and the 55 gr does not fly to straight at 150yds. I may have found my ar's sweet spot!!!!!! The 68gr hit where I aimed and the 55gr was all over the place. Now I've found a
Recipe that works, I'll record it and try another grain bullet, possibly different powder maybe some tac idk. Thanks y'all