Help!! AR Setup

[titansvols28]

I have a AR with a 16" barrel and a 1-9 twist. I am trying to figure out the best setup. Best grain of ammo to use and effective range that I can expect to achieve. All input will be greatly appreciated.

1. What setup for distance and target shooting.
2. Best setup for deer hunting.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Help!! AR Setup

can get replies all day long but every gun is different, go shoot different loads and see what it likes.

i will say with a 1-9 prolly stay below 69 grainers

Editing to expand-

1- what type of accuracy are you wanting to achieve?
2- what is the typical yardage you shoot critters at?

 

[wfjames22]

Re: Help!! AR Setup

Not really sure what you are asking on question 1. The answer to question 2 is ideally something other than 223. Not that it wont kill a deer, but there are much better chamberings for deer hunting.

 

[Beef82]

Re: Help!! AR Setup

Mine, same length and twist, sweet spot for bullet weight seems to be between 40-60gr, but I haven't tried everything.
It shoots 60gr V-maxs into 1/2" @ 200yds, I can keep it under 2" at 400, that's handloads, did really well with the 60gr TAP factory load. 400 is the furthest I've shot it.
I tried to develop a deer load with 62gr Barnes TSX bullets, the results seem to be on the edge stability wise, its a really long bullet, they group acceptably for hunting at 100 and 200, but are horrible by 300, but I consider a 223/5.56 a short range deer rifle anyway.

 

[splean]

Re: Help!! AR Setup

A .223 is probably smaller than what you want to use on a deer. As far as accuracy goes, I have a 20" 1-9 that shoots 52gr SMKs .5MOA. The 69gr SMKs also shoot very well and will take you out further. The 65gr SGK was also quite accurate though I have never used it on game. Good luck.

 

[AMG04]

Re: Help!! AR Setup

I have found that my 16" 1/9 barrel will shoot anything from 50gr-70gr accurately. I have several loads that shoot sub .5 MOA @ 50-100 yards. If you plan to reload a few powders I would suggest would be H335 for bullets between 50 and 65 grains, then RE-15 or VV N540 for the 69-70 grain target loads.

For hunting applications I have found the 60gr Nosler ballistic tips to be devastating on hogs and deer. Shot placement being key, and keeping the ranges within reason.
I recently started working on a load for longer range targets. My rifle really likes:

70gr Berger VLD
25.4 gr of RE-15 (As always, work up slowly)
Winchester Brass
CCI .41 Primers
COAL: 2.260" (Mag Length)

69gr Sierra Matchking
25.6 gr of N540 (Again, work up slowly, rifles vary)
Lapua Brass
CCI .41 primers
COAL: 2.260"

I have been confined to 50 yard ranges for years but have finally been able to extend the ranges a little. 200 yard group from this weekend... Not spectacular for alot of guys on this forum as they are exellent marksman with alot of experience, but it currently ranks as my personal best. I plan to stretch that load out to 400 yards but thats probably the max range given my current ability and optics.

There are a lot of very good articles/threads here at Sniper's Hide. I would advise you take some time to look through the Marksmanship threads also. There are alot of great tips, tricks, and training drills to read about.

 

[PLeighton]

Re: Help!! AR Setup

As previously stated, 69 grain SMKs...

 

[titansvols28]

Re: Help!! AR Setup

Thanks for advice guys! I know .223 is not the ideal deer hunting rifle or round. I have been hunting for many years with 7mm,30-30,30.06,
308 and 270. Believe me....Im not going to try further than about 100m for deer. I have played around with the 7.62 some but kind of new to the
.223. Been researching ballistics but just wanted to get some "Real" people advice. Thanks again
Everyone!!