Accurate AR ammo

To test a rifle, you need top quality ammo

To Test ammo, you need a top quality rifle.

Two unknowns are hard to determine the outcome.

62 grain green tip FEDERAL ... all my ARs eat it up & spit it out very accurately.

DadSmith said:

I usually do 10 shot groups. IMO that gives you more information than 3 or 5 shot groups.
That's why I always load at least 10rds of each powder weight when I'm testing new loads.

I sure hope that 8" group isn't at 100yds. I'm pretty sure rifled shotgun slugs with iron sights can do that.

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I usually do 5 shot groups.
Doubt I'd ever rip 10 shots at a non paper target.
Of course, seeing what a hot bbl does vs lesser temp is proly worth checking out.

HOWEVER last range trip I just did 3 from my Yote rig w 1-4X at 100 yds.
It did an inch or just under. Which is what it did before I removed scope/mount.
Same ammo, same lot #.

Honestly, I would test for cleaning interval and clean vs fouled bore.
I want my first shot on critters to be known.
Some rifles could be picky.

Hookeye said:

HOWEVER last range trip I just did 3 from my Yote rig w 1-4X at 100 yds.
It did an inch or just under. Which is what it did before I removed scope/mount.
Same ammo, same lot #.

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This is something that we easily forget. Good aligned irons are pretty accurate. One of the 1000 yard matches at the National Championships allows "any sight". I set my rifle up with a good tapered base, a good scope, on good rings. It was an accurate rig.

I earned exactly the same score with the scope rifle as I did with the iron sights. (admittedly top quality irons) The four points I lost with the scooped rifle were all underestimated wind calls. The same as the match that was irons only. The scope really did not plant the bullets closer to center. A gentle breeze makes a difference at 1000, a fish tailing gust is poison. Of course those were black bullseye targets in the sunlight.

I am no where the hunter as hookeye, but where the scope really helps me is making up for poor lighting and poor contrast. The scope on my .44 revolver is called a two power but is really only 1.7 magnification. The biggest part of the gain is in being able to separate the light brown fur from the light brown brush on non uniform targets.

Hookeye said:

Honestly, I would test for cleaning interval and clean vs fouled bore.
I want my first shot on critters to be known.
Some rifles could be picky.

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This is true. My muzzle loader is set up for sabots. It is very accurate, AFTER the first shot after cleaning. I always foul with at least one shot before taking it to the field.

I don't hand load so when I want try to win a match, I shoot the Gorilla stuff that Kirk posted earlier. It's very accurate but you'll pay the price. I've used both 69 & 77 gr. I've also shot a lot of the ADI stuff with great results. Both brands have done 1/2 MOA out to 500 yards UNSUPOPORTED, sling only. I never shoot matches from a benched position. Most of my targets are man-sized, 2-4 MOA.

For a Run-n-Gun, I try to find something that'll do 2-3 MOA at 100. Lots of loads will do that. I bounce around from brand to brand, adjusting my zero before a match. PPU Matchline (Gold box, not blue) is about the most cost effective I've found. I've made hits out to 930 yards with this stuff.


And with all that being said, I have a Colt 20" that eats everything and will print a 1-2 MOA groups with 55 gr M193 or 77 gr SMK.

My last yote trip, got wet.
AR is less hassle than a wood stocked rifle.

gregr said:

Yes, 16" barrel with 1:8 twist. Dang, I had hoped to stay with 55 grain since that seems to be much more available. You`re right though.

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Try reloading. At 100 yds, my Armalite AR 1:9 averages 1.5" with 21.8gr H335 and Sierra Game King 55gr pills.

Hookeye said:

I usually do 5 shot groups.
Doubt I'd ever rip 10 shots at a non paper target.
Of course, seeing what a hot bbl does vs lesser temp is proly worth checking out.

HOWEVER last range trip I just did 3 from my Yote rig w 1-4X at 100 yds.
It did an inch or just under. Which is what it did before I removed scope/mount.
Same ammo, same lot #.

Click to expand...

My hunting rifles get cold barrel loads and accuracy tests. Because of doubt I'll get more than one shot anyway.
The rest get 10 shot groups.

Creedmoor said:

I would suggest you buy a few boxes of these and see what it does.

Federal Premium Gold Medal Ammunition 223 Remington 77 Grain Centerstrke Jacketed Hollow Point Box of 20

Introducing an all-new way to truly go the distance. Federal Premium® Gold Medal CenterStrike™ leverages a proprietary open tip match design, sleek profile and extremely tight specifications for the ultimate long-range accuracy and consistency. Precision-built OTM bullet design High ballistic...

www.powdervalley.com

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That is exactly what Springfield Armory said they accuracy check with.

I dont have any experience with springfield armory rifles and im not sure how their barrels are made or what type of accuracy potential they have. I would hope less than 2moa at 100yds.

I have a jp rifles AR that's a 1:8 twist. 23.5gr of h335 and 55gr vmax at mag length yield sub 1 moa 10 shot groups. If you want to try a factory loading with the 55gr vmax might be worth a shot. Hornady most likely has one. Also as others have said 77gr smk is excellent. I shoot factory loaded norma 77gr smk (with cannelure) and it's around .75-1moa 10 shot groups. 77gr smk (no cannelure) loaded over 24gr varget to mag length id about .5-.75moa 10 round groups in that same rifle. I've never loaded anything with the 77gr with cannelure, but I've read the non cannelure is slightly more accurate. 3round groups are much smaller, but I prefer 10rounds to give a much better generalization of accuracy.

Late to the party, but Ill give my $0.02 anyway.

You aren't having great luck with 55 gr and 62 gr bullets because bulk 55gr and 62 gr FMJ bullets generally stink. They aren't going to be great performers in the best rifle made.

Try some better match or nicer varmint bullets. Sierra 55, 69, or 77 Matchkings, Hornady 73 ELD, etc. If it won't print a 69 Matchking under an inch, it won't with anything. Hornady 52 or 55 gr vmax have been outstanding accuracy-wise for me in 1:8 and 1:7 barrels. Like, I couldn't get them to group OVER an inch for a 5 shot group while working up a prairie dog load. Granted, this was out of a retired service rifle barrel that gave me 2 state championships and a distinguished rifleman badge, so I had a good base to start from. That barrel was a hammer. That same barrel wouldn't shoot M193 or 62 gr worth a crap (1.5-2" at 100).

1:8 will handle anything from 50 gr (maybe lighter) to most 80 gr (single feed only) rounds. You might start poofing 50 or 52s after you get some age on the barrel or if you're screaming them downrange, but using mild loads, I've never had one come up missing on me.

Also, you can't free recoil an AR and expect good results. Grip it tight, smash your cheek into the stock, and load the bipod like your trying to make it tap out. On my AR's, group sizes shrink in half when I smother it vs. a light grip and little bipod preload.