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Any mimmic of Federal American Eagle 7.62 for M1A?

Smokerroller

Si vic pacem, Para bellum
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 23, 2013
392
65
Sheridan, WY
I have a rifle that shoots "Federal American Eagle 7.62x51 168 For M1A" very well. I am curious if anyone has information on the components in that cartridge to sleuth the load.
Thanks.
 
Interested in this as well.

For some reason, this is the only round (I haven't done an exhaustive search, though) my rifle likes.

A reviewer on MidwayUSA indicated that this round uses Speer bullets.

EDIT: Typed in Sierra instead of Speer!
 
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Bullet is made by Speer ...

By J

from Roswell, NM

Bullet is made by Speer for American Eagle (Federal) with a .460 BC that I verified shooting in the field. FPS is slightly higher than the marked 2650. This bullet is Speer OTM and not BTHP Sierra MatchKing. If you have a good rifle and good skills you won't see much difference between the AE and the Federal Gold Match, which does use a Sierra BTHP MatchKing bullet. Thus, it makes an excellent practice ammo. Highly recommended.
 

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That's a little strange that Federal would use Speer match bullets instead of the Sierras... Speers cost more in most places, and Federal already has a working relationship with Sierra, of course.

That said, they're probably using a ball powder here, as it's easier to meter and QC cost could probably be reduced a bit. They seem to use AA2520 in some factory loads.

Using AA2520 and adhering to published load data, you might be able to get a handload to work as well for you here.

This is *not* to say that Federal is using AA2520 here... just saying it's probably in the running.
 
From a different thread:

So what is the difference between Federal's GMM 168gr SMK load #GM308M and the American Eagle 168gr OTM load #A76251M1A?

The price is dramatically different.

American Eagle:

Crimped Primers, sealed primers Speer 168 Grain match instead of the Sierra.
Also believe the brass is a bit thicker, but don't take that for gospel.
 
That's a little strange that Federal would use Speer match bullets instead of the Sierras... Speers cost more in most places, and Federal already has a working relationship with Sierra, of course.

That said, they're probably using a ball powder here, as it's easier to meter and QC cost could probably be reduced a bit. They seem to use AA2520 in some factory loads.

Using AA2520 and adhering to published load data, you might be able to get a handload to work as well for you here.

This is *not* to say that Federal is using AA2520 here... just saying it's probably in the running.

Not so strange when Federal and Speer are owned by the same conglomerate. Along with CCI and Alliant and a few others
 
For the M1a, I had some good luck with 168 smks and 42 RL15 or 41.5 IMR 4064. Not fast, but good out to about 500 yds
 
How does the Sierra Matchking bullet differ from the one by Speer?

I'm just about to start reloading, and only have rudimentary knowledge on the topic.
 
I all ways thought the reason to reload was to make better ammo than the crap you can buy off the shelf.
I would suggest you find a load the works for your rifle better. Because every rifle has it sweet spot and liked different loads.
I have a friend who is more patient than me and can get one hole groups out of most rifles. I settle for 1/4 MOA.
Take the time and find out what works best for your rifle. You will be amazed what you can do.
 
That's a little strange that Federal would use Speer match bullets instead of the Sierras... Speers cost more in most places, and Federal already has a working relationship with Sierra, of course.

That said, they're probably using a ball powder here, as it's easier to meter and QC cost could probably be reduced a bit. They seem to use AA2520 in some factory loads.

Using AA2520 and adhering to published load data, you might be able to get a handload to work as well for you here.

This is *not* to say that Federal is using AA2520 here... just saying it's probably in the running.

Sorry for the hijack but I'm astonished that Federal is using AA2520 in commercial loads.

I don't reload with the trendy powders. For instance, I never drank the Varget Kool-Aide. I don't use TAC or CFE223 or other fashionable powders. Accurate 2520 has been one of my go-to powders. But over the years I've read disdainful comments againt it such as: It's not Varget. Is not now/never was a "Camp Perry Powder". So temperature sensitive, it will bend/break the op-rod in their favorite battle rifle. 2520 is inaccurate in "their" rifles.

So, Federal may be using "my" powder?? No wonder I haven't seen it anywhere for a year! What are the suits at Federal thinking, using such a disreputable powder?? :confused:

FWIW: To anyone trying to mimmic Federal American Eagle 7.62 for M1A. Do not use AA2520! Accurate 2520 will put yer eye out! :eek:
In fact, all supplies of that pitable, ignominious powder should be disposed of in favor of Varget. Yeah, and I am stepping forward to accept all Accurate 2520 for disposal. I will, in fact, PAY you for the privilege of disposing of your powder. :D
 
We're not 100 percent sure on the AA2520 in the .223 GMM loads--but it walks, talks, looks and smells like it.

Ball powders meter more easily, and are probably cheaper for the big ammo makers to buy in bulk than are extrudes.

W748, though not the same powder identically, would work where AA2520 works (check load data sources and work up, of course).

Dan
 
Never used AA2520 in my .30 cals but it hammers in 5.56 77 grain loads. I tried Varget and 4064 and got good accuracy but so so velocity. AA2520 gave me the same accuracy but with respectable speeds, right at MK 262 speeds with no signs of pressure. I like it in 5.56....
 
when I pulled a round it looked like imr 4064 and it weighed 42 grains. The stuff I have was purchased recently from cmp and I assuming its hot off the press cause of the shortage.