Loading for bolt action vs. semi-auto

[ronas]

Loading for 5.56 AR type rifle.

One of my current reloading manuals has higher propellant charge for the bolt rifle loads as compared to the AR semi auto type rifles. This is for identical bullet for each rifle.

What's that about? I would think my AR type rifle is of better quality than a lot of bolt rifles.

[Lead Waster]

Your AR uses gas from the barrel to cycle the action, right? A bold action doesn't. So the AR maybe your chamber and barrel can handle the pressure, but can the action?

[ronas]

I understand.

My rifle is a Larue OBR 5.56 with a Wylde chamber. I can call them on Monday and ask if my rifle has a bolt as strong as a bolt action rifle.

Would that be the only way to determine bolt strength of my rifle?

Generally manufacters do not recommend reloads or give any advice regarding same.

[uscbigdawg]

Unless you're crankin' the piss out of the bullet on your bolt rifle loads, so long as you don't have a super light amount of neck tension and your OAL is okay, it should be fine.

Rich

[huckberry668]

that makes no sense. which reloading manual has different data for bolt and auto loader? I'd understand if you're talking about 5.56NATO vs 223Rem loads. Your Wylde chamber is designed to shoot 5.56NATO which has a higher chamber pressure rating than 223Rem.

I never load to the max anyway so it's never a problem. I might add, I found the max loads are not as accurate as the lower loads.

[Timberwolf]

A bolt gun is by nature able to handle higher pressures than a gas gun - nature of the beast. Same holds true with the M1 and M1A, its not just the AR platform.

[bruceflinch]

Most bolt guns are .223. Then you have the hybrid Wylde chamber or whatever for the AR.
In you manual, are the dimensional specs the same for the 5.56 AR & for the bolt gun? OAL?

I agree w/ Huckberry & Timberwolf.

I load for my bolt gun on a Rockchucker & a Dillon for the AR. Same load & bullet, but the bullet seating depth for the bolt gun is considerably shallower than the AR. My Bolt guns loads will not fit in the AR magazine.

[jmzhwells]

I think the Sierra manual has different loads for auto or bolt.

[TKM]

You are looking for the "sweet spot" that works best for your AR. The load which balances accuracy and reliability.


Bolt guns don't care. Autos do. That's why there are Garand loads for 30-06.

ARs aren't quite that finicky, no op rod to bend, but they will be happiest with something close to the round intended. I imagine that would be close to mil-spec.