M855 load data...

[Ridgerunner665]

I have some bullets and Reloder 15 powder.
I just loaded some with 25 grains (2.255 OAL) of the RL 15 and got 2650 fps from my 16 inch AR.
This is not going to be plinking ammo...I want it as "hot" as I can safely get it.
I am thinking about trying 26 grains since 25 didnt flatten any primers.
Anybody tried it??? Thanks

[WS6]

You are still 300fps slow. My guess is that a different powder would work better in this application as I doubt you will find another 300fps from this one safely.

[Ridgerunner665]

Yep...

26 grains got me 2780 fps, but it was a VERY accurate load...

EDIT: the M855 is the 62 grain FMJBT right???
These bullets do have the steel insert....and they do fragment at 2580 fps. (the MV of a 24 grain charge)

There is no chance of getting in more than 26 grains of Reloder 15 in a 223 case...its FULL and compressed with this load.

[Ridgerunner665]

You are still 300fps slow.

Even from a 16 inch barrel???

[WS6]

Even from a 16 inch barrel???

223 M855 62 FMJ AR15, 16" 2974

Taken from TOS.

[Ridgerunner665]

223 M855 62 FMJ AR15, 16" 2974

Taken from TOS.

Hmmmm...Food for thought.

[WS6]

Hmmmm...Food for thought.

I personally solved the issue by buying 1,000 rounds of Q3269 M855 and have been very pleased and experience 2.5-2.75MOA 10shot groups from it. It is also properly sealed at both ends and I soaked a round in WD40 for 36 hours with no ill effects observed when I took the round apart and then fired the primer.

[Ridgerunner665]

I' loading more for accuracy...but I want all the velocity I can get and still maintain 1.5" MOA...that 26 grain load shot 5 rounds at 1 1/16" MOA ( I know its not a 10 round group, but I'm working up loads...5 rounds at a time )

[Ridgerunner665]

Here is some load data from today...in case anybody is interested...very clean burning powder

Winchester brass
Federal 205M match primers
Hornady 60 grain V-MAX bullet
26 grains of Reloder 15 (over the published max for a 223 chamber, but worked great in my 5.56 chamber)
2.255 OAL with a decent taper crimp (these bullets don't have a cannelure)
2750 fps
5 shot 100 yard group measured 7/8 of an inch. (pure coyote destruction )

AND

Winchester brass
Federal 205M match primers
M855 62 grain FMJBT (AP) bullet
26 grains of Reloder 15 (over the published max for a 223 chamber, but worked great in my 5.56 chamber)
2.300 OAL (this is a little over the listed max OAL of 2.26, but worked fine in my gun....long bullets)
2780 fps
5 shot 100 yard group measured 1 1/16"

All rounds were fired from a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 (16 inch, chrome lined, 1 in 9" twist)