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Posted: 4/20/2013 7:03:02 PM EDT
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Range Report
ARP 16" Barrel 11.25" twist Leopold Var-X I 3X9X40 scope Range 50 yards. Shooting 5 shot groups. I loaded up some rounds using Sierra 110 grn ProHunters and Hornady 120 grn SSTs using both H322 and Reloader 10X powder. All loads loaded at 2.285" in length with CCI 400 primers. Caution: These loads are pretty warm and the RL10X load with SSTs is 0.8 grn over max per Reloader powder data. Use all loads with caution and work up in your gun if you use this data. ARP barrels handle hot loads better than others. So, consider these loads way hot if you have a SAAMI Spec chamber and a 1-10" twist. Using H322 and Sierra ProHunters Started at 28.0 grns and worked up to 29.3 grns. The 29.3 grn load showed pretty good swipes, so I stopped there. The 28.5 grn load looks the most promissing accuracy wise. Using RL10X and Sierra Pro Hunters Started at 27.5 grns and worked up to 29.3 grns. Started getting slight swipes at 29.3 grns. The 29.3 load had the best group, but all of my groups were good with this powder. Using H322 and Hornady SSTs Started at 27 grns and worked up to 27.9 grns. Started getting slight swipes at 27.7 grns and pretty good swipes at 27.9 grns. The 27.3 grn load had the best group. Using RL10X and Hornady SSTs Started at 26.5 grns and worked up to 27.3 grns. Started getting pretty good swipes at 27.3 grns, so I stopped there. The 26.5 and 27.0 grn loads had the best groups, but all the groups were good with this powder. 26.5 load was nearly 1 ragged hole. Conclusion I love the 6.8 SPC. Definitely more powerful than .223. Best accuracy was with RL10X powder using both bullets. I was only shooting at 50 yards, but was getting 0.5" groups or less with RL10X powder. H322 loads shot well too, with groups around 0.75". Also, note my range doesn't allow me to bring my good wooden targets and had a flimsy target holder with cardboard targets and it was a kinda windy day. I'm sure this gun and I can do better with better target stand. Oh, and I got to get rid of this standard GI trigger, it's horrible. I'm probably gonna steal the Rock River arms 2 stage from my .223 gun and put it on my 6.8. Hunting Load - 26.5 grns of RL10X with Hornady 120 grn SST Plinking Load - 29 grns of RL10X with Sierra ProHunter I'll take one of these loads out to 100 yards to see how they do next range trip. I have a chrono, but can't use it at my range. What kind of velocities can I expect out of the hunting and plinking loads listed above? |
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I've never used RL10 but I know those H322 loads sure are hot. Pushing the upper limits like I did with my H322 Barnes 110 TSX loads (which are very special use loads) that I won't be shooting for target practice, otherwise I prefer to be easy on my brass and my bolt. Remember the 6.8 SPC bolt is less than ideal in strength since the lug pattern/bolt was designed for 223/5.56 not a cartridge with 50% more power. Hot loads will wear out these components in a 6.8 faster than hot loads in a 223.
Its too bad the range doesn't let you use a chrono. I have the same problem which is why I haven't bought one yet. Only the real data will tell you what they are as anybody's guess is still a complete guess. People have knocked the 6.8 for being innacurate but I don't know WTF they are talking about. I've shot 0.65" 5 shot groups at 100 yards. This is with standard CAR hanguards, no free float and out of a regular 16" M4 barrel. So yeah I'm guessing your groups will tighten up if you get a decent trigger on there. On a side note for a cheap trigger upgrade, I take a dremel and polish the chrome sufraces on the trigger and hammer (be careful not to polish too much to change the geometry) and install JP trigger springs. The difference over mil spec is significant, for basically $15-20 which is all the springs cost a Brownells. |
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For an 6.8 SPC SAAMI chambered gun with a 1-10" twist these loads would be too hot for sure.
For a 6.8 SPCII camber and an 1-11" twist these are pretty much what the guys at the 68 Forums are loading. That's where I got my data to start with. I don't plan on always loading them this hot, I was mostly testing to see what my maximum loads could be. My barrel is a ARP 16" Scout with a 1-11.25" twist My bolt is an ARP super bolt, probably the strongest bolt for the 6.8 I just bought some Nosler 110 Accubonds and I'll load them up for the next range trip to see how they do. I'm also gonna load up the remaining Hornady SSTs and shoot them at 100 yards. It seems most people on this forum like the 300 black out, but I'm just not too much of a fan of it. Yeah, the subsonic loading is pretty cool, but the 6.8 fills the gap between a .223 and .308 better in my opinion. |
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OP, go get some AA2200 for you 110gr loads. It seems to be in the right place in the pressure curve when it hits the gas port on my ARP upper and is softer feeling that the H322. Also, you can get more in the case.
My H322 loads were 2700fps with the Hornady 110gr OTM with no swipes or signs, but the AA2200 is 2740fps with no pressure signs. A half grain higher and I started getting light swipes and primers started to get flatter, not bad, just noticing it. The 2740fps was with 29gr of AA2200, but I'm going with 28.8 which is more accurate for me, and at 2715fps. Primers are CCI #450, and cases are SSA once fired, loaded to 2.295, using PRI mags. The primers have nice rounded edges. I'm doing 2625fps with the 115gr Nosler CC and 28.5gr of AA2200. I couldn't get that with the H322, and that's not a warm load, it's backed down over a half grain for where I started seeing mild swipes. The Re10X usually gets a bit faster than the H322 in a lot of guns, but the AA2200 seems to top the Re10X. |
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Quoted:
OP, go get some AA2200 for you 110gr loads. It seems to be in the right place in the pressure curve when it hits the gas port on my ARP upper and is softer feeling that the H322. Also, you can get more in the case. My H322 loads were 2700fps with the Hornady 110gr OTM with no swipes or signs, but the AA2200 is 2740fps with no pressure signs. A half grain higher and I started getting light swipes and primers started to get flatter, not bad, just noticing it. The 2740fps was with 29gr of AA2200, but I'm going with 28.8 which is more accurate for me, and at 2715fps. Primers are CCI #450, and cases are SSA once fired, loaded to 2.295, using PRI mags. The primers have nice rounded edges. I'm doing 2625fps with the 115gr Nosler CC and 28.5gr of AA2200. I couldn't get that with the H322, and that's not a warm load, it's backed down over a half grain for where I started seeing mild swipes. The Re10X usually gets a bit faster than the H322 in a lot of guns, but the AA2200 seems to top the Re10X. 29 GR of AA2200? WTF. I have 1/11" SPC II (its all RRA Makes from what I've seen) and got some load data off 68forums. Well I started with 27.5 gr with 115 grain Remington FMJBT w Cannelure and loaded them to 2.260 and had ejector marks all over my brass. As hot of a load as I've ever shot from any AR period as far as flat primers and ejector marks. I know before in my old RRA (same model, different handguard/ config) I did shoot Barnes TSX with 28 grains and considered those as hot as I wanted to go. |
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I haven't found a single gun store in NC that carries AA2200. I'd pick it up for sure if I could find it.
Alliant 1200R is supposed to be very similar to AA2200. I'm probably gonna have better luck finding it. I would place an online order, but trying out 1 lb lots right now to see what my gun likes before I purchase 8 lbs. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
OP, go get some AA2200 for you 110gr loads. It seems to be in the right place in the pressure curve when it hits the gas port on my ARP upper and is softer feeling that the H322. Also, you can get more in the case. My H322 loads were 2700fps with the Hornady 110gr OTM with no swipes or signs, but the AA2200 is 2740fps with no pressure signs. A half grain higher and I started getting light swipes and primers started to get flatter, not bad, just noticing it. The 2740fps was with 29gr of AA2200, but I'm going with 28.8 which is more accurate for me, and at 2715fps. Primers are CCI #450, and cases are SSA once fired, loaded to 2.295, using PRI mags. The primers have nice rounded edges. I'm doing 2625fps with the 115gr Nosler CC and 28.5gr of AA2200. I couldn't get that with the H322, and that's not a warm load, it's backed down over a half grain for where I started seeing mild swipes. The Re10X usually gets a bit faster than the H322 in a lot of guns, but the AA2200 seems to top the Re10X. 29 GR of AA2200? WTF. I have 1/11" SPC II (its all RRA Makes from what I've seen) and got some load data off 68forums. Well I started with 27.5 gr with 115 grain Remington FMJBT w Cannelure and loaded them to 2.260 and had ejector marks all over my brass. As hot of a load as I've ever shot from any AR period as far as flat primers and ejector marks. I know before in my old RRA (same model, different handguard/ config) I did shoot Barnes TSX with 28 grains and considered those as hot as I wanted to go. From what I've been seeing on the 68forums the 6.8 is highly dependent on it's chamber design, twist rate, and number of rifling grooves. There was a test done a few years ago of all the 6.8 uppers and the ARP barrel was able to handle the hot loads much better than most. It wouldn't surprise me if some of those loads listed where too hot in some guns. That's why we work up loads. I'm not one to push the limits with my reloading, but with the 6.8 there are so many variables and the loading data is on the safe side for the SAAMI specs. So, to get maximum performance you have to push the envelope some. Kinda like loading to .223 pressures or 5.56 pressures. |
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OP, they usually have it at Palmetto, or they have it sometimes.
There are a couple of stores near here with it as well. I'm in upstate SC, just off I-77 exit 48. If you're near this area, like in the Charlotte, Monroe, PIneville etc, I'd be willing to get an extra lb and hold it for you. Or, if you're local and want to work a load up quick, bring some primed brass down and your projectiles, and you can use whatever AA2200 I have for maybe 25-50 rounds. I have a chronograph, and shoot in my back yard, so you're welcome to come down and see where you're at, and like I said, work one up and check for pressure and velocity. These are the 29.0gr AA2200 / 110gr Hornady OTM cases. They are actually on their fourth firing. The ejector mark was there already from a test firing of a different load back about two years ago.  </a>" />
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Quoted:
I haven't found a single gun store in NC that carries AA2200. I'd pick it up for sure if I could find it. Alliant 1200R is supposed to be very similar to AA2200. I'm probably gonna have better luck finding it. I would place an online order, but trying out 1 lb lots right now to see what my gun likes before I purchase 8 lbs. Its kind of funny, that's pretty much all my local shop had. 2200 and some Power Pistol. I bought all he had of 2200 (3lbs) as well as 2lbs Power Pistol. Everything else I could think of for 223 / 6.8 SPC was OOS and has been every time I've been there in the last few months. |
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