Heavy Loads (60 gr +) for .223 /AR

[Altiman94]

I'm wanting to put together a heavier load than the standard 55gr for my AR. I'm running a 16" barrel with a 1-9 twist. I'm wondering what others successes are with various bullet weights over 60gr.

I may end up taking the gun to WY to hunt antelope (.22 centerfires need to have more than 60gr bullet weight to be legal) and thus need a heavier load to work up.

I know the 1-7 / 1-8 twist barrels can handle much heavier loads so I'm wondering what kind of groups people are getting from 1-9 barrels shooting heavier loads.

 

[Tim Hull]

The 69 grain black Hills ammo is what we shoot for law enforcement duty ammo. I think it is the best you will find.

 

[gundog870]

68 Gr HP are lights out. Even I can manage ragged hole groups at 100.

 

[Altiman94]

I picked up some 68 gr HP ultramax ammo to see if the 1-9 would stabilize the bullets. I also have some 75 gr bthp hornady bullets I plan to load up as well. Seems like its still fairly hard to find the heavier .224 bullets online yet

 

[blake]

I have a Remington R-15 with a 1-9 twist. I have shot 52 grain BTH Sierras, 55 grain FMJ and SP and Hornaday 68 grain HP through it. Doesn't seem to matter much, they all shoot great. Dime sized groups at 100 yards with all of those bullets. Having said that I do my own reloading.

 

[Altiman94]

I have a Remington R-15 with a 1-9 twist. I have shot 52 grain BTH Sierras, 55 grain FMJ and SP and Hornaday 68 grain HP through it. Doesn't seem to matter much, they all shoot great. Dime sized groups at 100 yards with all of those bullets. Having said that I do my own reloading.

What powder are you having best success with?

 

[Forestryguy]

With the newer bullets, you should not have a problem with faster rifling. The bonding should hold together. The older bullets use to peel apart. I would be more worried about feeding issues. with the heavier bullets, the head spacing will be different and may cause issues.