Anyone used the 5.56mm loading data as opposed to .223

[armoredman]

I discovered that Western Powders has 5.56mm data as opposed to just .223...if I had only read a bit longer I would have found it earlier! Oh well - tried the first ones with 28 grains of ##2520 - STIFF recoil, but solid functioning. About 3.5 inch group at 50 yards, standing, red dot only. No pics right now.

[M1A4ME]

Nope.

Looked at it.  Never tried to use it to make loads for my rifles.

My groups are just fine with the loads I use.  I've tested lots of powders and settled on two for my use with a third for back up.  The only bullets I've used for years are Hornady 55 grain FMJBT.  Are the "5.56X45" loads targeted towards the newer heavy bullets the caliber seems to be moving towards to try to improve it's performance on larger targets and longer ranges?  I bought some "heavy" bullets a couple years ago but just never got around to building some test loads.

[Wobbly]

My books only differentiate between bolt action and AR. Never seen or used 5.56 data.

[George16]

Same her.e. Never used 5.56 load data for my rifles too. I’m happy with 24.2 Gr of H335 along with 55 Gr Hornady FMJBT for plinking and 2 gun competition. I also used 24 Gr of Varget but it doesn’t meter well on my Dillon and also fills up the little .223 case. However, it’s more accurate and yields sub-moa groups at 100 yards with the same Hornady 55 Gr FMJBT.

[Unamower]

I'm using it my WOA 26" Varmint AR in bullet weights from 55 to 80gr.  I see no need for the Nato load data unless your shooting long range as I am.

With proper load development accuracy has been excellent.

[romukom]

I have use them. I settled down on the lower loads (ramshot tac & x terminator) as I was trying to match the xm193 loads. I average about 2 to 3 " group at 100 yard with RMR 55 grains fmj. With Hornady 55 grains fmj bt, my groups are around 1 to 1. 5" in my Bren 805.  By the way I have Western powder load book. It has extra information/ articles compared with the free version. Also it is easier to look for the load data since it has larger fonts.

[armoredman]

I'm cheap - free is what I have. However, maybe someday.
The Hornady 55 grain FMJBT is one of my favorites, WHEN I can find it - it is ALWAYS out of stock at all my local suppliers, so the 55gr SP is the fallback.
Interesting that most people don't use the data, but we can BUY milspec ammo cheap instead of trying to replicate it.

[M1A4ME]

Having carried/shot M16A1's a long time ago I can tell you the folks above me didn't care that neither of the two rifles I had were accurate or reliable.

Worn out?  I don't know.  In need of attention from an armorer that cared and knew what parts needed to be repaired/replaced?  Absolutely.

Was the wear/tear from age?  From negligence in care/cleaning/maintenance?  From ammo that had higher pressures/velocity than similar ammo loaded by the "commercial" ammunition makers?  I don't know.  I just know that I have to do my cleaning/inspection and parts replacement if I wear it out or break it.

Is 5.56 ammo to .223 Rem. sort of like 9MM to 9MM +P?  You can do it, but it's hard on the gun?

Like I always say, groups are more important than velocity.  And most of the time, my best groups hit the paper at 100 to 150 fps less than the max. loads listed in the book.  Not always.  But most of the time.

[George16]

I'm cheap - free is what I have. However, maybe someday.
The Hornady 55 grain FMJBT is one of my favorites, WHEN I can find it - it is ALWAYS out of stock at all my local suppliers, so the 55gr SP is the fallback.
Interesting that most people don't use the data, but we can BUY milspec ammo cheap instead of trying to replicate it.

This is the place where I get my Hornady FMJBT. Cheap and shipping is fast. They also supply AR parts such as BCGs to other manufacturers of ARs as well as sell them to consumers cheaper than others.

Hornady 55 Gr FMJBT 1000 ct for $75.

https://www.armorally.com/shop/hornady-22-caliber-55gr-spire-point/

[armoredman]

Hey, not bad...I think  got a BCG from them once, too.