.223 Loads with RL-15 and AR Comp

[BrianRodela]

Did some chronographing today in SoCal using some loads including both Reloader 15 and AR Comp. Thought I'd pass them along for info. Rifle is WOA Service Rifle upper (20" Wylde chamber).

Bullet Powder Charge Primer Brass OAL Avg. Vel. (fps)

Berger 80gn VLD RL-15 23.8gn Rem 7 1/2 Lapua 2.383" 2723

Berger 80.5gn LRBTHP RL-15 23.8gn Rem 7 1/2 Lapua 2.435" 2736
Berger 80.5gn LRBTHP AR Comp 22.5gn Rem 7 1/2 Lapua 2.435" 2749

Sierra 69gn MK RL-15 24.5gn Rem 7 1/2 Winchester 2.255"
Sierra 69gn MK RL-15 24.5gn Tula Winchester 2.255"

Sierra 69gn MK RL-15 24.5gn Rem 7 1/2 Lake City 2.255" 2831
Sierra 69gn MK RL-15 24.5gn Tula Lake City 2.255" 2829

Sierra 69gn MK AR Comp 23.3gn Rem 7 1/2 Winchester 2.260" 2946
Sierra 69gn MK AR Comp 23.3gn Tula Winchester 2.260" 2881

Berger 70gn VLD AR Comp 23.0gn Rem 7 1/2 Lake City 2.250" 2876
Berger 70gn VLD AR Comp 23.5gn Rem 7 1/2 Lake City 2.250" 2936
SMK 69gn AR Comp 24.0gn Rem 7 1/2 Lake City 2.250" 2958

Brgr 70gn VLD RL-15 24.5gn Rem 7 1/2 Lake City 2.250" 2850

The AR Comp meters the same as the Reloader 15 as it's appearance is identical however it is a little more dense. At 24 grains I was noticing pressure signs on the primer but the brass still looked good. I'm sure more information will come out as more use this powder but at least it should be a place to start. Groups were all within 1 1/2 inches at 100 yards but that was also with iron sights. Being new to reloading, I'm happy and eager for any advice and input! As I get more info, I'll keep you posted

[RugerNo1]

These Berger 80.5 gn. bullets have me intrigued. At 2750 they are still supersonic at the 1000 yard mark for the range I shoot at.

I may have to try some since I have a bottle of VV540 I do not know what to do with.

[BrianRodela]

Really long ogive, nice bullet.

[RugerNo1]

Wow, they are actually cheaper than the Sierra 80 gn bullets as well!

You have shown numbers (which I like), but how is accuracy?

[ocabj]

This is actually the first I've heard of AR Comp. But that's what I get for taking a break from High Power.

I've been looking at stuff online about it and it looks interesting. Perhaps I'll get some and develop loads before I start shooting matches again.

My powder of choice is RL15. Interestingly enough, I never heard anyone complain about temp sensitivity of RL15 until AR Comp was announced. To be honest, I never had problems with RL15 and cold temps vs hot temps.

[BrianRodela]

I don't have any long range results to show, sorry. 100 yards really isn't long enough to make a good comparison. Groups were all about the same though which was most likely due to me and my aiming. Would love to get out to longer ranges to see what they will do. The 22.5 gn load had more consistancy then the RL-15 load I compared it to (13fps spread) so I was more interested in which powder I'll try. I will note the AR Comp had a nice feel to the shot and expanded the brass sealing off the chamber nicely.

[BrianRodela]

This is actually the first I've heard of AR Comp. But that's what I get for taking a break from High Power.

I've been looking at stuff online about it and it looks interesting. Perhaps I'll get some and develop loads before I start shooting matches again.

My powder of choice is RL15. Interestingly enough, I never heard anyone complain about temp sensitivity of RL15 until AR Comp was announced. To be honest, I never had problems with RL15 and cold temps vs hot temps.

Same here but I had the chance to try some so might as well. I think you can't go wrong with either. I think the biggest thing is you can cut a grain off from Re-15, thats about it.

[RugerNo1]

Thanks for the info. Now I have to add another powder and bullet to my list of stuff to tinker with. It never ends...

[Quinc]

Tag for future updates. I have a 26" WOA AR15 and will be using RL-15, CCI400's and starting with 69-77gr Sierra and Hornady bullets.