Ready to test, need some re-loading advice

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10 years 3 months ago #41477 by celser
Ready to test, need some re-loading advice was created by celser
Well, after 8 months I am almost finished with my AR-10's. Never thought my barrels would come in. I just ordered RCBS AR series dies for my Dillon 550 and I am chomping at the bit to try them. I have 3 AR-10's and a AR-15 I am setting up:
1. Armalite AR-10T .308 stock with a vortex viper FFP scope and bow a Midwest hand guard because scope relief was so long.
2. Home Built .260 based on SI defense upper/lower set, JP heavy profile barrel/hand guard/thermal dissipater/bolt/brake/.
3. Home Built .243 based on SI defense upper/lower set, Mcgowen heavy profile fluted barrel, hand guard is temporarily DPMS vented.
Both home build's have Nikon coyote specials on them

AR-15 is home built 6.8spc based on stag upper/lower, custom made stainless bull barrel.

I am using generic two stage triggers on all of them at this time but will probably upgrade in the future if I find one I like.

I have been researching loading recipe's but could use some advice from the reloaders out there. I figure I will use CFE223 (I have 8 pounds)on most but I am open for advice. I also have 2 pounds of super performance but even though its recommended for .243 the reviews are not very positive. I also have a bunch of powders for large rifle so I could have something recommended.

Bullet weights are also a question, what works good in these calibers for long flyers.

I plan to hog/deer hunt with these guns but shoot some paper from time to time.
Will zero at 200yds, expect many 400+ shots.

Dillon is progressive but I usually hand weigh my powder and drop it thru the powder die. RCBS AR dies do a taper crimp.

Going to use once fired .243, 6.8spc and .308, buying lapua .260 brass.

Well, that was long winded, so lets see what works for you.

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10 years 3 months ago - 10 years 3 months ago #41486 by MTM
Replied by MTM on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
Hey Celser. I have a couple for the .308 but primarily use Varget in my bolt guns and the AR10. The others get pull down powder. I tend to load on the light side using 40 to 42 grains of powder and a 178g AMAX or a 175 Sierra. My 550 does great with the powder consistency but I use a digital scale to set it up initially and then check every so often. I lose motivation after about 150 rounds.....

Been picking up different powders over the last few months and will see how they do (CFE 223, IMR 4895 & BLC2). Let us know how the CFE223 works.

Made up these generic recipe cards to slip into the test bag. I can annotate while sitting at the shooting bench so as not to forget the facts.


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Last edit: 10 years 3 months ago by MTM.
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10 years 3 months ago #41497 by Libertarian623
Replied by Libertarian623 on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
:I-agree: MTM - has said it, varget is the number one powder being used for weapons like yours for the ranges you describe.
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10 years 3 months ago #41498 by Siscowet
Replied by Siscowet on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
If you can't find Varget, RE15 is very close. Check some previous threads in reloading and you will find a lot of discussion and some load data for RE15 with 168gr and 175 gr Sierra BTHP's.
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10 years 3 months ago #41573 by foxhunter
Replied by foxhunter on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
I ran out of Varget, couldn't find more, so went back to IMR 4895. It works ok for me for the 243 and the 308. course they only let me buy 1 lb at a time now at the local store.
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10 years 3 months ago #41591 by celser
Replied by celser on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
I don't have any Varget or imr 4895, but what I do have is

1 lb H4831SC
1 lb Reloder 15
1 lb N105
8 lbs CFE 223
2 lbs super performance
2 lbs 748 Winchester
2 lbs 4350 accurate

Guess I should have mentioned what I had from the beginning since powder is hard to come by.
Been re-loading .223, .308 and .204 with the CFE.223, bought the super performance for .243 but it does not look like a great choice, 4350 for .270 and .30-06, and 4831sc for .300 win mag.

The .260 is the one that has conflicting information, what weight bullet, what powder, starting and max load.

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10 years 2 weeks ago #42858 by JRH_ArmaLiteAR10T
Replied by JRH_ArmaLiteAR10T on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
Varget must be made with unobtainium. It's existence is a myth, a Unicorn.
I've heard of it, but never seen it in the wild.
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10 years 2 weeks ago #42861 by celser
Replied by celser on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
Well, I shot my first rounds out of my AR-10 .260. I went with Federal Premium with the 120grn nosler ballistic tips to shoot factory rounds to get a feel for the round. Of the twenty rounds I shot, about 6 blew out their primers, this caused the bolt to get hung up because the primer went behind the lug. I called JP since I am using their barrel and bolt and they said the factory loads for a .260 are a little hot. I have since loaded some 120grn rounds a little light to see if they work better. I am not at the house now or I would list the load here. When I talked to JP, they recommended working up a Super performance load saying that they have had good luck with it in a 6.5mm.

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10 years 2 weeks ago #42867 by jtallen83
Replied by jtallen83 on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
I'd put in a call to Federal, I can't imagine them putting out a factory load that blows out primers :huh: just not acceptable..........

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10 years 2 weeks ago #42869 by Siscowet
Replied by Siscowet on topic Ready to test, need some re-loading advice
:I-agree:

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