First powder to try behind .224 77gr Sierra Match Kings?

[FJ540]

I've got an 18" and 14.5" barreled AR both in 1/8 twist. I've seen most people prefer varget for the heavier bullets with longer barrels, but then it gets mixed when you shorten them down. I know I'll need to work different loads for the different barrels - just wondering if I should try something quicker burning first with the shorter barrel, or stick with the slower powder?

[JJ]

I've got an 18" and 14.5" barreled AR both in 1/8 twist. I've seen most people prefer varget for the heavier bullets with longer barrels, but then it gets mixed when you shorten them down. I know I'll need to work different loads for the different barrels - just wondering if I should try something quicker burning first with the shorter barrel, or stick with the slower powder?

AR-Comp, it is a reformulation of R15, and is a bit quicker burning.

When it comes to reloading AR-style rifles as well as other rifles, there's a new powder choice on the market-AR-Comp™ from Alliant Powder. Alliant's new AR-Comp is the ideal powder for fast action, high volume AR shooters as well as those who enjoy shooting traditional rifles. Developed specifically for AR-style rifles and ideally suited for heavy 223 and 308 match bullets, AR-Comp delivers high performance ignition each and every time.
•Developed specifically for the AR-15 style rifles
•Ideal for heavy 223 and 308 match bullets
•Consistent pressures and velocities across temperature extremes
•Suitable for all semi-auto rifles

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/ ... rtridge=46

[ScatterGun4015]

I would recommend trying h335. I have used it with 62g sierra's in an 18" ar and it loves them. Haven't bought them in a while though

[Erud]

If they won't shoot well with 23.5 grains or either Varget or Re-15, they probably won't shoot well with anything. Load to mag length and shoot. Fine tune the charge +/- as much as 1 grain if needed as long a pressure is ok. Same charge will also work well for 80 SMK if you are willing to single load them. These are tried and true loads used by shooters everywhere, no sense reinventing the wheel.

[Jackpine Savage]

I just ran across the recommendation of Ramshot Tac for the 77gr SMK here: http://www.jprifles.com/document_pdfs/JPHandLoading_17.pdf

He was talking a 20" barrel though.

[Rip Van Winkle]

If they won't shoot well with 23.5 grains or either Varget or Re-15, they probably won't shoot well with anything. Load to mag length and shoot. Fine tune the charge +/- as much as 1 grain if needed as long a pressure is ok. Same charge will also work well for 80 SMK if you are willing to single load them. These are tried and true loads used by shooters everywhere, no sense reinventing the wheel.

Eric beat me to it. If you can't get Varget or RL15 to work, there's something wrong with your rifle.

[promod1385]

I like the Ramshot TAC in both my 16" and 20" gun. I have tried Win748 as well, the TAC was much cleaner.

[FJ540]

Got some federal primers, redding dies, RL15, varget, and just need my bullets to show up from PSA and free up some brass.

[minnhawk]

I second on the H335; can't go wrong, made for the cartridge/rifle.

[Erud]

Got some federal primers, redding dies, RL15, varget, and just need my bullets to show up from PSA and free up some brass.

Sounds like you are all set. Just don't shoot your eye out!

[FJ540]

Been loading .25-06 for a couple years, but that's been pretty uneventful.

I'll be lucky to see my bullets by Christmas, since I ordered them with another AR upper Monday.

Should I get the compression crimp die, or is .223 light enough recoil not to wiggle the bullets? John's employee wasn't very thorough this morning, and I wasn't fully awake either.

[Erud]

Been loading .25-06 for a couple years, but that's been pretty uneventful.

I'll be lucky to see my bullets by Christmas, since I ordered them with another AR upper Monday.

Should I get the compression crimp die, or is .223 light enough recoil not to wiggle the bullets? John's employee wasn't very thorough this morning, and I wasn't fully awake either.

You can go either way. Personally, I do not crimp .223 and have never seen any need to for my purposes. Proper, consistent neck tension will keep the projectiles in place. I have never seen any of my .223 bullets move under recoil and I have shot many thousands of rounds of it. Some guys choose to crimp them and also get good results.

[FJ540]

I don't crimp my .25-06's and had a hell of a time pulling a couple bullets when I tried. That's why I figured I'd ask. Thanks!