I’m using a BCM BFH 16" 1:7 mid upper and so far I’ve got 150 rounds of the Federal 100 round bulk pack 55gr through it.
I think my chrono was too close to get good readings because I had some show up as >4000 and some show up as 2000, but many in the 2700-2800 range and it averaged just under 2800 when I deleted all the odd ones.
At 100 yards with a T1 and 8" black bullseye targets, one 5 shot target had a 1.96" group on it. I may try a scope on it at some point to see how it does.
I’m a reloader, but I don’t have dies or anything else yet. Is 55 grain typically pretty accurate in 1:7 barrels, or should I try 62 grain or heavier bullets? The 55 grains ones are certainly the least costly ones I’ve seen.
If you really wanna see what it can do, scope it then work up some loads using 52gr, 69gr, & 77gr SMK’s and load thoseis over some RE-15 with Remington primers and LC brass. Work those loads up and report back.
you may or may not be too close but make sure you have the shades on your chrono. what you are describing sounds a lot like what I get when I sometimes get lazy and try to run without them.
This doesn’t count, unless you can do it consistently. Shoot at least five separate five-shot groups, and then average the size…
I think you’re confusing two very different types of reloading.
Some guys reload for ultimate accuracy, because they load ammo more accurate than any factory ammo they can buy, at any cost. They’re typically using premium (expensive) components and taking great care and spending a lot of time producing relatively little ammo. They’re also probably very methodical about testing the ammo they produce.
Some guys reload for cheap ammo, because they can reload for less than they can buy any factory ammo. They’re typically using the cheapest acceptable/satisfactory components, and they’re cranking out huge quantities of ammo quickly, because they shoot a lot.
What type am I? I try and develop an accurate load using different components to see what my rifle/handgun likes. Then I make a decent amounts of that load to use on my range trips. I also tinker with different weight bullets, powder, COL, brass types, to see what the outcome is. I have both cheap and premium components. I found that some cheap components will work just as good, if not better then premium components. I don’t have a chrony but i borrow it if I need one.
That was directed at the OP… it sounds like he’s (1) searching for the cheapest bullet he can find and (2) hoping for impressive accuracy. Those two don’t usually go together…
Wahoo’s advice is good, but note that SMK bullets typically cost as much as steel-cased cartridges.
I have to agree, the bullet is the critical component. We were testing the shit out of loads, then I bought 500 SMK and said, “Mark, just run these through the mill as fast as you can and lets see how they shoot.”
The run and gun SMK’s shoot submoa out of several guns. With mark loading them as fast as he could. But the cheap 55gr cost .15 vs .30 for smk’s.
If you wanna keep the cost down and also have pretty good accuracy pick up some 55gr Hornady BTHP which can be had for around $85/k. They are the most accurate 55gr bullets I have been able to find.
Does Hornady make a 55 BTHP? I know they make a FB 60 grain HP, and a 53 grain HP, and 68 and 75 garin BTHPs. Are you talking the lighter match bullet, the VMax, or something else?
I’ve found the Hornady 55gr FMJBT to produce more than acceptable accuracy for use as a practice/training/plinking round. My preferred load is 24.5gr of Ramshot TAC with the 55gr Hornady bullet. More than a few folks here use that load.
For me, that is a reasonable balance between cost of components and accuracy. If I want to get even more accurate, I’ll use 69 and 77gr SMKs. I don’t have a preferred load for them yet…too many powders, and not enough time.
