Cast bullets in .223

[Moonie]

My load with the Bator that functions 100% in my mid-length port 16" is 18gr of H4895, standard springs, standard carbine buffer standard port size.

[morme@gte.net]

Here is a good explanation of gas systems, dwell time, etc

http://www.ar15barrels.com/prod/operation.shtml

Geeze, that sounds like a real can of worms. It's a lot easier to change that sort of thing on some other types of gas guns.

[JIMinPHX]

Here is a good explanation of gas systems, dwell time, etc

http://www.ar15barrels.com/prod/operation.shtml

That was probably a good basic first explanation for someone like me that is starting from scratch on that style of rifle. Since I've never had one apart, I'm not really sure what all the different parts look like. Could you possibly also point me to a place that has some diagrams that I could look at.

Thanks,
Jim

[JKH]

Jim,

The definitive site is ar15.com on the home page you will find a plethora of information, not to speak of whats inside

[morme@gte.net]

Assembly guides

I tell people the rifle goes together like Legos. Simple, and accurate. Minimal number of tools, but a barrel wrench and upper receiver vise block are a must, as is a set of STEEL punches.

I have built a half dozen. It takes about 10 minutes for a lower, half hour for an upper.

Use am M-16 bolt carrier (no other M-16 parts), as it is heavier. They remove steel that would trip the auto sear from AR-15 carriers. If you want a heavy buffer, use the 9mm version. It is all steel. The other versions have 1, 2, or 3 tungsten plugs to adjust the weight, and cost a bunch more.

I get my barrels from Compass Lake Engineering, Trigger assembly from White Oak Armament or Armalite. White Oak used to take a Rock River Arms trigger and tune it the way you want. I set mine for 3 lbs first stage, 1 lb second stage.

Armalite has the best "cheap" trigger assy.

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.asp...b-90009c5adc2c

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=184086
http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/


DO NOT get the barrel wrench they recommend. This type is much better, but requires a 1/2" socket drive

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=762854

an upper receiver vise block is a must
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=829522



Rock River makes "kits" all parts except the lower receiver. I use lowers from Cold War shooters marked 22LR.

Jim,

The definitive site is ar15.com on the home page you will find a plethora of information, not to speak of whats inside

[JIMinPHX]

Wow, lots of good info.

Thanks.

Can you please check that vice block link though?

[morme@gte.net]

updated original post with correct link.

but, if you made it to the wrench, the link at the top of the item "Barrel Vises, Action Wrenches & Receiver Tools", would take you to a page with most of the tools you need

Wow, lots of good info.

Thanks.

Can you please check that vice block link though?

[goodshot]

I have an old lyman 225450 and I would shot cast boolits from it in my m16 a1 clone 5,56 ( norinco ) full lenght 1:12 . can you suggest any load that works at about 100y using H4895 ? thanks

[Moonie]

goodshot, as I said, 18gr of H4895 works the action for me with a midlength gas system. You should work from there to determine functioning and accuracy in your rifle.

[goodshot]

Ok, I'll try to hit the Target starting from 18 grs.
I'll post results as soon as possible.
Thanks

[thehouseproduct]

Geeze, that sounds like a real can of worms. It's a lot easier to change that sort of thing on some other types of gas guns.

this is what can make cast or even reloading for AR15 fun and or challenging. For my 300 Whisper, I am trying to balance the gas needed to cycle the action, the correct load for accuracy and ideally trying to keep velocity at about 1050 without going over. I am especially excited to get my new 247gr. 30 cal mold so I can use the same charge of powder but have it push the boolit slower, allowing me to meet all 3 goals.

I also just traded for a bator mold and can't wait to try getting a 223 AR15 load going in cast.

[Tenbender]

Sheepdog makes a good point as I also use a .22-250 with cast bullets..using the same bullet (55 grain RCBS-GC) the .22-250 is far more accurate, however the .22-250 sports a varmint bull barrel... I do happen to think that the .223 with cast bullets is accurate enough for me out to medium ranges...to me it is just a souped up .22 Magnum RF...

You must have one H of a 22 Mag. I love my 223 and I own a Browning B78 22-250. I can call my shots with the 700 Rem. 223 with a 6.5 X 20 Leupold. Out to 350 yrds. with a 40gr. Nosler , if I need to put one in a Coyotes ear I and put it there!

[freebullet]

You must have one H of a 22 Mag. I love my 223 and I own a Browning B78 22-250. I can call my shots with the 700 Rem. 223 with a 6.5 X 20 Leupold. Out to 350 yrds. with a 40gr. Nosler , if I need to put one in a Coyotes ear I and put it there!

I feel like I'm cheating when I use those. I still smile and have fun though. Very easy bullets to get accuracy with.

[dogmower]

another good load for the 55 grain rcbs fngc is 18.5 grains of aa2230.