Load Recommendations for AR 18" 1:8 bbl

[gmar]

I know each rifle will be a little different but this will hopefully give me a good starting point.

I'm going to load for my 18" BCM bbl that has a 1x8 twist. Is anyone else loading for something similar to this? If so, what works best for you?

Thanks for any advice given.

 

[Madpap]

25gr H335 under 55gr Sierra sbt.

 

[mike_pinto]

What do you plan to do with it? Let's start there. For a plinker round out to 300 with good accuracy, I like 22.5gr of AA2460 with any bulk 55gr fmj w/c. For more accurate loads, I use 25gr of 2460 or 24.5 of 8208xbr under a hornady fmj or even for more accurate, same powder over a Nosler Ballistic Tip 55gr. If you are going to shoot high power or anything else that requires a heavier bullet, shoot that same powder at 24gr under a 69gr SMK. I like 2460 and 8208xbr and find they are versatile, not temp sensitive and consistent..

 

[gmar]

What do you plan to do with it? Let's start there. For a plinker round out to 300 with good accuracy, I like 22.5gr of AA2460 with any bulk 55gr fmj w/c. For more accurate loads, I use 25gr of 2460 or 24.5 of 8208xbr under a hornady fmj or even for more accurate, same powder over a Nosler Ballistic Tip 55gr. If you are going to shoot high power or anything else that requires a heavier bullet, shoot that same powder at 24gr under a 69gr SMK. I like 2460 and 8208xbr and find they are versatile, not temp sensitive and consistent..

For the most part I plan on just plinking but I would also like to load up some heavier bullets...maybe in the 70-75g range for hogs.

 

[Wall]

I like 24.0gr of 2230 under a 55gr FMJ

 

[bjl333]

21.5 gr Reloader 7, 55 gr Sierra BTHP. Win sm rp, PMC brass 5 shots sub 1/2" in my DPMS 18" MK12 SPR.

 

[mike_pinto]

For 77gr SMK's, I used 23.0gr of AA2460. It was a pretty good round, but my barrel did not like them. 1-8 is perfect for 55's and 69's IMHO and the 69's will whack just about any hog out there with the right shot..

PLEASE TAKE ALL OF THESE LOAD NUMBERS AS REFERENCE ONLY. START AT BOOK RECOMMENDED MINIMUMS AND WORK UP..

Cheesy disclaimer..

 

[tbsadavid]

I shoot only 55gn. FMJBT in my Mini-14. Have loaded several brands of powders. My best load is 24.5gn. of Hodgdon Benchmark. This powder is the cleanest burning of any powder I use.

 

[BadKarma]

I've had good luck with Benchmark and Hornady 55's in FMJ and Nosler BT's.
I have a 20" 1:8. Varget and 77 SMK's works pretty well also.

 

[gmar]

Thank for everyone's input...hopefully I'll have time to work up some loads in the next week or so.