Optimal bullet weight .223/5.56

[jacobsen919]

Hey guys, I got a couple of new additions coming my way, they should all be here at the end of next week. Going to be a Stag Model 6 5.56/.223, Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 BDC, and a Burris one-piece PERP mount. The rifle has a 1:8 twist 24" barrel, I'm going to be testing out different weighs and manufacturers for accuracy however I'd like to go ahead and get close instead of blowing a bunch of $$$ on ammo, b/c as we all know they don't give the stuff away. I have read the the 60's to the 77's is optimal with a set-up like this, but was looking for more input. As of now I have Privi 69gr BTHP match, Hornady 75gr BTHP match, and Federal Premium Gold Medal 77gr coming to me. Any of you tried different loads in a similar set-up with good results?

 

[SpeedyR]

I've got 1:7 and I have shot with decent accuracy down to 55gr bullets. I handload so it's been mostly 55gr FMJ, 60gr Vmax, 68gr HPBT so far..

 

[Chuckdog]

Every rifle's different and have their own preferences. Weight isn't the only thing affecting performance. I have a 1 in 8 barrel on one of mine. It shoots great with 55gr Hornady boat tails as long as I push them hard. If I drop back on the charge a little the group opens up. I get just the opposite results with the 68gr Hornady bullets. Top velocity opens groups up over an inch, I can drop back about a couple of grains and the groups tighten right up. I haven't shot anything lighter than 52/53 grainers in mine. As for heavier bullets, I haven't shot any heavier than the 75 grain bullets in mine. I'm just not into heavyweight bullets in the .223.

 

[jacobsen919]

Every rifle's different and have their own preferences. Weight isn't the only thing affecting performance. I have a 1 in 8 barrel on one of mine. It shoots great with 55gr Hornady boat tails as long as I push them hard. If I drop back on the charge a little the group opens up. I get just the opposite results with the 68gr Hornady bullets. Top velocity opens groups up over an inch, I can drop back about a couple of grains and the groups tighten right up. I haven't shot anything lighter than 52/53 grainers in mine. As for heavier bullets, I haven't shot any heavier than the 75 grain bullets in mine. I'm just not into heavyweight bullets in the .223.

I'm not going to be picky about weight, I'm just going with what little I have read up on first, it seems like the heavier bullets do better in 1 to 8 barrels, I probably will end up just grabbing a spectrum of different manufacturers and weights because curiousity usually gets the best of me.

 

[Chuckdog]

That's going to be your best bet, plus it's a good excuse to just shoot more, more often. To me, that's always a good thing!

 

[Bryan]

What is the primary purpose of the rifle? At what range are you going to be shooting it? The length of your barrel would indicate you are interested in long range shooting. Your 1:8 twist will stabilize all the the heaviest (longest) factory .223 ammo. If you are not planning to reload then just buy some ammo and try them. I would look at BTHP 69 gr or more moving pretty quick. What you want at longer ranges is a bullet with a good Ballistic coefficient so it is not as affected by the wind. If you want real accuracy you will have to reload. Then you get to add a whole bunch of variables to your load development.
Good luck.
Remember this is just my opinion.

 

[fz1boxer]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=406469
molon has tested alot of ammo,saved guys alot of money in doing so.
read up draw your own conclusions on what type to start with,like a previous poster said every weapon is different just like taste buds.
find what your weapon likes if you want to squeeze the tightest groups out of it plan on reloading and tailoring the loads to the weapon.






btw whenever you reference a new weapon make sure you post weapons pr0n

 

[jacobsen919]

What is the primary purpose of the rifle? At what range are you going to be shooting it? The length of your barrel would indicate you are interested in long range shooting. Your 1:8 twist will stabilize all the the heaviest (longest) factory .223 ammo. If you are not planning to reload then just buy some ammo and try them. I would look at BTHP 69 gr or more moving pretty quick. What you want at longer ranges is a bullet with a good Ballistic coefficient so it is not as affected by the wind. If you want real accuracy you will have to reload. Then you get to add a whole bunch of variables to your load development.
Good luck.
Remember this is just my opinion.

primary purpose will be poppin' yotes. As is stands right now the longest range I'll have is ~300 yds, but in the future I would like to do some long range shooting. I would start reloading but it seems like evertime I work my budget up some rifle or handgun comes along and grabs my attention before a reloading press does!

 

[jacobsen919]

Thanks for the link fz.

 

[ngcsugrad09]

Anything with a Sierra Matchking.. Seriously look at the 77gr and 69gr Matchkings. The other to test would be a 75 Hornady and the 77gr Nosler.