jmason
Well-Known Member
Can you guys give me some tips on "Rolling my own" for an AR-15? How do I note pressure? Any pet loads you might have? It's a 9 twist 5.56...
AR-15 Hand loading tips
- Thread starter jmason
- Start date
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nfhjr62
Well-Known Member
Need help also as now have a DPMS 1.8 24 inch barrel upper and not sure if the Sierra 77 Gr. MK will work in my chamber any and all help is appreciated.
Kevin Thomas
Well-Known Member
To start off here, recognize the fact that these aren't bolt guns, and that many of the accepted techniques for tightly chambered bolt actions will cause problems in an AR. These are different. I'd suggest both of you guys purchase and use a chamber gage, and use full length sizing at the very least. Any of several makes of shouldeer bump gages will help you set your dies up to ensure that you're moving the shoulder back .003"-.005", which is what you want for a semi-auto. The bolt guns run with .001" or .002", but that's an invitation to a problem with a Service Rifle. Small base dies may not be needed, but they'd be what I'd suggest, just to avoid any potential problems, especially related to body diameter after resizing. The 1x9 twist is going to top out with the various 69 grain bullets available, while the 1x8 can use the heavier 77s and 80s without a problem. Among HP Service Rifle shooters, the split is about even between Varget and RL-15 for bullets of 77 grains an up. They'll work for the 69s as well. I'm running N540 for my heavy bullets right now, and am very pleased with it. For ther 69s, I might also try N135 or N140. For lighter bullets, they'll work just fine in these twists, but I'd step up to a faster powder, such as N133, N135, Benchmark or H-322. Pressure signs are going to be the same sorts of things you'd see in a bolt rifle with regards to primers, case head appearance, etc..
Beyond that, just don't hesitate to ask questions here. Plenty of good info from folks who've already been down the road. You might also want to check out the USrifleteam site as well, and see what you can find on the Service Rifle boards pertaining to reloading.
Hope this helps,
Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA
Beyond that, just don't hesitate to ask questions here. Plenty of good info from folks who've already been down the road. You might also want to check out the USrifleteam site as well, and see what you can find on the Service Rifle boards pertaining to reloading.
Hope this helps,
Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA
new2mud
Well-Known Member
Start below max and work up.
Noting pressure is not any different than for bolt guns. Look for the usual signs such as flattened primers, cratered primers, shiny case 'rings' where it is being stretched.
Dangerous Dan
Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Messages
- 18
As Kevin said a Chamber Gage It a Great Tool For The A/R and all Guns , It trows The jam factor out the door . The 1-9 Twist A/R is easy to please . COL is set to Your magizine It will shoot from 40 gr Vmaxes To 68 Gr SMK . always start low and work Up Ramshot Tac and Extermanator both work well . Hope This Helps DD
new2mud
Well-Known Member
BTW--some 1:9 barrels stabilize the Hornady 75 BTHP just fine...you may be lucky!
jmason
Well-Known Member
Thanks Guys! I appreciate the help. Put a timney trigger in it the 3# one. It has a lot of creep but it's better than what I had.
new2mud
Well-Known Member
Thanks Guys! I appreciate the help. Put a timney trigger in it the 3# one. It has a lot of creep but it's better than what I had.
Timney w/ creep? That's odd. Or is that compared to a set trigger you have on a bolt gun?
jmason
Well-Known Member
I agree! I talked to a fellow named Jeff at Timney and they are sending me a replacement while I keep this one in the gun! I don't have to go without.
Now that is Great CS!!! I have some Timneys in other guns and their great. Every once in a while one slips through, I don't care who you are. The thing is they are a good company, taking care of me and getting a lifetime customer in the process.new2mud
Well-Known Member
I agree! I talked to a fellow named Jeff at Timney and they are sending me a replacement while I keep this one in the gun! I don't have to go without.
Great to hear they are taking care of you. Let us know how the new one compares.
