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Posted: 6/8/2012 2:17:21 AM EDT
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Just picked up a new Stag Arms Model 3 with all the bells and whistles and after being strictly a handgunner I am really getting into this black rifle thing. I have a couple boxes of Winchester White Box 5.56 55 GR to put through the rifle then I want to start reloading for it. I am not new to reloading; I crank out straight wall ammo by the thousand on a Dillon 1050 and have done plenty of bottle neck cartridges on a single stage.
Rifle: Chamber – 5.56 Length – 16” Twist – 1:7” I don’t have any grand expectations as for performance from this rifle/load. I may shoot it in competition in a 3 gun event and here in New England 200yards is a long shot. My main question is; with the fast twist of this barrel what is the lightest bullet I should load? The direction I am thinking on H4895 with a heavier than 55GR bullet. But I do have a thousand or two 55GR FMJ bullets here that I would not mind trying. Maybe start with the 55GR at lower velocity then go to a 60 or 65GR and work my way up to a moderate velocity? Appreciate any input. |
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You should be fine with 55 gr to start. The 1:7 may not shoot them as well as a 1:9, but maybe it will. Lots of people shoot TONS of 55gr through a 1:7 with no issues. Only one way to find out!
I am a huge fan of 4895 in both the IMR and H flavors, especially for M1As and M1s, but I would suggest something different for high volume reloading. In my experience, 4895 doesn't meter as well as a ball powder will. I've had great luck with Win 748. Lots of folks use H335 with great success as well. The 4895 is capable of yielding accurate loads, but again, the metering issue is there. The ball powders meter very uniformly and consistently. My pet load is as follows: LC or Win brass CCI #41 primer 26.3 grains Win 748 .....Topped off with either a 52 gr Sierra MK or a Hornady 55 gr FMJ Here's what it does at 100 yds from a chrome lined gov't profile barrel with a 4x32 RCO ACOG...... not too bad, huh? ETA that is a 1:9 twist barrel though... The Hornady FMJs shoot almost, but not quite as well as the Sierras if I do my part. Hornady makes the best FMJ available in my opinion. 
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Guys, thanks for the input.
Actually, I am starting to load .223 on the single stage as I don't want to spend $600 for a change over on the Dillon 1050 just yet (buying 45ACP kit later this month). But I can see where eventually I will be on the progressive so maybe I should look at 748 and/or H335 now rather thanchange horses later on. Thanks again. |
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