am I giving it to myself. I loaded up a bunch of 55gr fmj with 5 different powders. I really haven't done much testing in the AR. It's a 24" Oly upper from 1987. A flat top, before anyone made flat tops, they cut the handle off and installed weaver base so the height is non standard. My go to bolt gun load is 3031 +-24

H-322
I4198
RL7
748
3031

Not knowing what your bolt load is I can't say anything about it.

For the powders you've listed IMR 4198 will give the best velocity according to Sierra. They list a max load of 21.8 grains for 3050. They used a 20 inch barrel so you may get a little more velocity.

I've loaded 52 grain SMKs for 3100 fps with 25 grains of H335 in my 20 inch barrel and 55 grain Varmint Nighmares from Mid South with 27.5 grains of Varget for 3150 fps.

I run WC 844 under 55 fmj's
I've run Varget also but WC 844 is only $90 for 8 lbs

I agree Ted, I wouldn't use expensive powder for those cheap FMJs.

When I load fmj's it's just for bangin ammo

My wife took up shooting AR's just this past April and since then I have been forced to find cheaper alternatives on loading as she loves to shoot her new rifle!

I don't have a chrono so here goes.

I shot the RL7, H-322, Varget. Best group was with RL-7 - 20gr. The rifle prefers 2900-3000 fps loads (as per quickload)

Next time I'll shot the H335, 748, 3031.

quote:

Originally posted by richj:
am I giving it to myself. I loaded up a bunch of 55gr fmj with 5 different powders. I really haven't done much testing in the AR. It's a 24" Oly upper from 1987. A flat top, before anyone made flat tops, they cut the handle off and installed weaver base so the height is non standard. My go to bolt gun load is 3031 +-24

H-322
I4198
RL7
748
3031

My favorite load is 55g Vmax 26.5g Varget 3100fps in 20" 1 in 8 DPMS bbl. Very accurate.