5.56 Reloading Help

[JonProphet]

So I'm moving onto my next set of dies and project. I've pretty much shot up all of my 5.56 Federal surplus ammo. Looks to be Lake City brass.

Now, the question is a two part question.

1. What is the cheapest powder and the cheapest bullet (bullet grain doesn't matter) to use in 5.56. I want to stock pile 5.56. Probably will sit for a little while and not get shot unless my finger gets itchy. Again this is for Zombies and plinking.

2. What is considered the best accurate bullet and powder combo? Just in case I was to shoot 5.56 accurately?

RIght now I'm using IMR 4064 for my .308. I can see from my book that there are a few grain bullets that have load data for the 4064. If I continue to use 4064 it looks like I can get about 300 rounds from a single pound of 4064.

Anyone got any insigts?

Thanks,

-JD-

 

[red_zr24x4]

Cheapest powder and bullet combo I've used is surplus 844 and surplus 55g FMJ. If I'm going to use the same powder for .223 and .308 I like to use AA2015

 

[JonProphet]

And where can it be had and for how much?

 

[U.S. Patriot]

It depends. Every rifle is different.

 

[sloughfoot]

For 100 yards or less use a 52 grain Sierra. For up to 300 yards use a 68 Hornady or any 69 grain bullet. For up to 600 yards use a 75 or 77 grain bullet.

Use 4895, N140, N135, 748, Varget, RE15, 4064 or several others.

Disassociate the words cheap and accurate. The two words do not belong together. FMJ is not accurate, unless you have a sloppy definition of accurate.

BTW, how good is your rifle?

Pay the money and enjoy the results if your rifle and you are capable.

Fer pete's sake, a pound of powder is going to be in the $25 range. A couple of bucks either way. A pound of powder is going to load up about 290 rounds. What difference does it make if it is 9 cents or 11 cents per round?

 

[wilianknow]

you can buy 62gr green tip lake city bullets on gun brokers . com

 

[billybob44]

Again this is for Zombies and plinking

Cheapest powder and bullet combo I've used is surplus 844 and surplus 55g FMJ. If I'm going to use the same powder for .223 and .308 I like to use AA2015

^^^This is the way to go to accomplish your goal.
These will not be "Match Grade" loads, but they will do the job you need them for..Bill.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

I load using Varget powder and 55 grain Hornady FMJ bullets. They get the job done.

 

[Hosted]

I am in the same boat you are right now. I think the best inexpensive combo for 5.56 is Wolf Magnum Primers, 844 surplus powder, and 55FMJ or spire point. You can get them all through Wideners or everything but the powder from Grafs. If you are close to Indy you can get in on the group buy every month that Profire does.

For accuracy I'm sure you can get good results with 4064 and some 55gr V Max or 69gr SMK.

If you are from up around Fort Wayne and want to order some things let me know because I'm getting ready to order a bunch of stuff.

 

[dukeboy_318]

I'm doing the same as US Patriot, Vargent and 55 FMJs, Ive been seeing Vargent and other common 5.56 powders going for 20-30 bucks a pound depending on location, the pound I picked up last week cost me 26. H335 is another good one and I've seen it below 20 in a couple places. I would go with either surplus 55 FMJs, or go with Montana gold, you can get them for less than 10bucks/100. Hope that helps.

 

[turnerdye1]

If your wanting cheap plinking stuff get the surplus pull down stuff.

8lbs of pound for 85 bucks. and 1k of 62gr bullets for 75. its hard to beat those prices. im reloading 1k of 5.56 for right around 125

 

[VinceU1]

Check with Andrew at Pro-fire in Indy. He's got everything you need for not a lot of money. I disagree with the divorcing cheap and accurate. My best Coyote load is a 50gr BT Nosler, 27grn of WC844 and Wolf primers that go into .375" out of an AR at 100yds.

 

[JonProphet]

Disassociate the words cheap and accurate. The two words do not belong together. FMJ is not accurate, unless you have a sloppy definition of accurate.

It was a two part question. Cheap was separate from accurate. I'm looking for the cheap load and 2nd, I'm looking for something completely different, an accurate load. HOw accurate is my weapon, chances are, not athat great. Its a plinkster. But if I choose to go accurate, would like to know where to start.

-JD-

 

[red_zr24x4]

Pat's Reloading - Prices
Welcome to Bartlett Reloaders - Jeff Bartlett

You can get most of the surplus stuff at these 2 places.