Test load results, which one to keep?

[gemini1]

I've managed to find out which of my test loads my 16" AR likes to shoot accurately. Using Varget & 77 grains Sierra, Nosler and 2nds from PVI, I got several loads that I was happy with. Of the different loads, I tried, 22.8, 23.1, 23.4 and 23.6 grains gave the best results.
The chrono I got with 23.1 grains, the AV 2460, while 23.6 grains was 2594. I haven't chrono'ed the other two loads.

For now, the only range I go to only has 100 yard range max. So I was wondering, and perhaps the expert long range guys could chime in.
From the economical point of view, 22.8 grains is the winner, but what I want to know is, will this have enough ump-energy/velocity to reach out to 600 yards?

I'm also trying to find out if I can get good results going higher, up to 24.1 grains. But since higher loads would also spell rapid wear & tear on the barrel, I'm not sure if I should load and keep a lot of this rounds.

Hodgdon's webiste has 23.7 grains as max load vel at 2737 fps, while Nosler's has its max at 24.0 grains, and vel at 2658 fps. Im assuming the velocity difference is due to the barrel length on their test loads.

[highpower790]

Myself and many other highpower shooters are using 24.5,with 2800fps at the muzzle being the result,but from a 20" barrel.
Your load will get to 600 with a few more clicks than I would use.

[gemini1]

Highpower, the Nosler guide load at 24.0 max was 2658 also from a 20" barrel. To me, your load is a bit scary. Ive tried 24.1 the first time, but I didn't get it chrono'ed. No pressure sign on the spent brass, but I was nervous shooting the 3 rounds I loaded.
What do you mean by a few more clicks, you're not talking about the elev adjustment, are you?

[FLIGHT762]

My go to load using 77 grain Nosler CC's is 24.3 grains of Varget in Lake City 5.56 cases. Great accuracy and no pressure issues in my Sig 516 and Colt CAR-A3.

I disagree with you that there is going to be "Rapid wear & tear on the barrel" with that load.

I would be careful not to use brass that weighs over 100 grains for this load as the internal capacity would be less and may cause higher pressures. The Lake City brass I use weighs 94-97 grains (with a fired primer). There are several brands of 223 / 5.56 brass that weighs over 100 grains.

[highpower790]

Highpower, the Nosler guide load at 24.0 max was 2658 also from a 20" barrel. To me, your load is a bit scary. Ive tried 24.1 the first time, but I didn't get it chrono'ed. No pressure sign on the spent brass, but I was nervous shooting the 3 rounds I loaded.
What do you mean by a few more clicks, you're not talking about the elev adjustment, are you?

I am exactly taking about elevation. Your load is rather weak,and to a new reloader my load is off the chart.
if the intention of the op is any kind of accuracy at distance then your going to need more velocity or be prepared to flight the wind.
Your located near the bay bridge... SF?match at Richmond 200yds Sat and Sun,I'll be there Sun.

[Pauliedad]

When I first started loading for rifle (about a year after I had been loading for pistol), I was told the same thing here and thought, "why push it if no need to?"
This is why, if you'll be taking your loads anything past 100 yards, your drop and influence to wind will be huge. I took all my early loads to a 200 your range and was shocked how much groups opened up. Went back and started pushing for more FPS. I found I was able to tighten up the groups again and when I started getting flatter primers I called it a day.
Lately, I've taken these loads out to 700 yards in 100 yard increments and have come to realize that it's all about FPS if you plan to shoot distance.
Now that all said, if you will be mostly shooting 100 yards, don't sweat it. Save the brass, powder, and you all the stress and load those rounds to what gets it done.
I still load some boxes just for 200yards and less. I will use those for new shooters and when I just plan to plink.

[DarkSoul]

Might find this will help you out

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com

[gemini1]

Ok, if I follow the Nosler guide, where the 20" barrel with 24.0 grains gives 2658 fps, will I be able to get the same FPS/velocity using my 16" 1/7 barrel? Obviously loading over the max. I've already tried 24.1 grains, but the chrono result was likely an error, no pressure signs though. So would a .2 increment be safe or just go .1 till I reach either the guide's fps or pressure signs? And about how many rounds would you recommend, I try for each increment above max? will 3 rounds cut it for an ave. chrono reading?

@Flight, I am using LC brass when doing test loads. I also do have a bunch of other brands, FC, WCC etc, so I'll take note of the brass weight.

@Paulie, thats what I may end up doing. Since most of my range time is spent only on a 100 yard distance, I'll be loading to the lower charge for plinking. And if as I mentioned above, can safely load a few grains above max, and be able match the velocity on the Nosler guide, with good groupings at 100 yards, then at least I can load a hundred or so, to shoot at longer distance, if I get the chance. And will also have a reference load that my rifle can safely shoot.

[highpower790]

Forgot to mention Im also using the same 24.5gr load with 80-82gr bullets for long range.For me 24.5 works from a 100-1000yds...one load shoots everything ,and for me this keeps reloading simple,just change the bullet.
The only time I lighten the load is when I use old Russian copper colored primers,they are a little weak so the load drops to 23gr.

[gemini1]

Wait Highpower, I dont follow. Russian primers like Tula? so if this is a weak primer, why would you lessen your load to 23 gr.?

[highpower790]

Wait Highpower, I dont follow. Russian primers like Tula? so if this is a weak primer, why would you lessen your load to 23 gr.?

The old Russian primers (copper color)have a thin cup.If I run my highpower load through "those"primers the firing pin will punch through.By reducing the load the problem goes away...less power for a weak primer cup!

[gemini1]

Oh okay, I'm using Tula primers, which are also copper colored. No issues as of yet, so I guess I have to watch out for that as well.
Also, are you a member at Richmond Rod? isn't the 200 yard lane exclusive for members only?

[highpower790]

Oh okay, I'm using Tula primers, which are also copper colored. No issues as of yet, so I guess I have to watch out for that as well.
Also, are you a member at Richmond Rod? isn't the 200 yard lane exclusive for members only?

I am a member, but on match days membership is not required.
The match will be 50 shots plus 2sighters in each position. Match is fired from the offhand/standing 20 shots,rapid sitting 10shots,rapid prone 10 shots, & slow prone 10 shots
Sign in 0800-0830,shoot at 0900.Relay 1shoots ,relay 2 pulls targets,then its relay pulling targets relay 2 shoots.

[gemini1]

Not ready for that yet, Highpower may later on, when I get all good and ready, shooting offhand. The only time I even do offhand, is when I've shot all my test loads, and after I get tired shooting with a scope. Usually around 30-50 rounds just blasting at the metal silhouette, counting how many plinks I hear, using irons. I do feel my support arm getting fatigue after 3 mag change. Can I pm you later on, if/when Im ready to try it out to 200?