Sierra .22 cal 65 grain Gameking in an AR

MJFlores · April 14, 2013, 09:57 AM

Hi all,

I scored a few boxes of Sierra's 65 grain .22cal Gamekings and want to work up a load to shoot in my AR. I have a few pounds of H322. Just wondering if anyone has a pet load they've had good luck with using this bullet out of an AR platform. I'd of course start well below yours and work up. Thanks in advance. -Mike

A_Gamehog · April 14, 2013, 10:35 AM

2 Different sources of information and only for 63's(Sierra and Hodgdon) and the data overlaps. Sierra's start load is Hodgdon's max load!

Bulletsmiths 1.800.223.8799

Call Sierra for more data

http://www.sierrabullets.com/index.c...5&bullettype=0

It does have a very good BC for that Weight.

mxsailor803 · April 14, 2013, 11:26 AM

I figured that was too heavy/long of a bullet to be able to feed in a AR mag. Be sure to share the info.

MJFlores · April 14, 2013, 11:44 AM

Will do. I'm planning on starting with 21 grains of H322 and working up from there. I haven't seated one yet, but my load with Sierra 60 grain Matchkings fit nicely in an AR magazine so I plan on using the same seat settings.

603Country · April 14, 2013, 12:14 PM

I don't have an AR, but do shoot that bullet a lot (and like it). When I couldn't find load data, I called Sierra and they told me that the 65 grainer and the 63 gr SMP had the same bearing surface and to use the load data for the 63 grainer. I did so, starting low on the powder charges, and it worked fine. I got best groups with AA2230 powder, up near max. That's a good shooting bullet.

ligonierbill · April 14, 2013, 04:08 PM

25.5 gr. TAC/CCI 400 or 27.5 gr. BL-C(2)/CCI 450. COAL 2.26. Good for 2,850 from a 16" AR. Still need to shoot for group.

Marco Califo · April 15, 2013, 08:49 PM

Quote:

I figured that was too heavy/long of a bullet to be able to feed in a AR mag

I don't see why. Sierra list COAL as 2.250 for the 63 gr which is similar to the 65 SGK. Sierra also lists 2.250 for all 55 gr bullets.

Here is a link to Sierra's 223/AR section:
http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra223ar.pdf

Bamashooter · April 15, 2013, 10:25 PM

I have loaded hundreds of 65gr Sierra mostly with Tac and W748. I have shot them in my mini-14 and my Delton Echo 316. Shoots very well out of both rifles and killed a deer with the mini-14 and the 65gr sierra. Good bullet.

Txhillbilly · April 15, 2013, 10:37 PM

I load them with H335,and have charge weights of 24.5gr and 25.0gr. I shoot them out of my 1-8 twist RRA,and my 1-9 twist Savage 12.
They shoot really well for a hunting bullet,the AR groups in the .750" range,the Savage stays around .500" groups at 100 yards with these bullets. They will take down whitetails within 200 yards where they are standing.

My COAL is 2.260" with the AR,and 2.350" with the Savage

The 70gr Speer soft point is another good .224 caliber hunting bullet

BL-C2 and Varget also work good with these bullets.I've never had much luck with H322 shooting bullets over 55gr.

BumbleBug · April 15, 2013, 11:27 PM

My .223 is not an AR but it likes 65gr Sierra GK, fed case, fed 205, 28.0 gr of H380. Chrono's 2,800. This powder is a bit slow for general use in the .223 except with heavy bullets.

I've shot an unknown number of hogs with this load, most all head/neck shots.

I've shot 5 WT deer with this: 3 head shots 2 with lung shots. The lung shot deer required 2 shots each. The bullet mushroomed beautifully with good weight retention but stopped under the hide on opposite side. Not a good deer bullet IMHO.

...bug

Sarge · April 16, 2013, 12:39 AM

Excellent results with this bullet in a Mini14; thread here.

MJFlores · April 18, 2013, 01:13 AM

I did some shooting tonight after work, of several different charges of H322 I settled on 21.3 grains under these Sierra 65 grain Gamekings. Group size seemed to increase as powder charge increased. I averaged an inch at 100 yards, not bad for a 16" barrel and a 4 power scope. I plan to load another 20 rounds and shoot with a clean barrel to be sure that's the load I want but so far 21.3 grains if H322 is looking like it. Hard to tell what the velocity is, but judging by the figures I see from Hodgdon I'm estimating between 2725 and 2765 fps? This should be a pretty nice velocity for this bullet, and the cases aren't being worked hard pressure-wise.

mohr308 · April 18, 2013, 02:45 AM

24.5 gr of h335, CCI 41 primer 2.250"

Rifleman1 · June 2, 2013, 05:52 AM

Would anyone be able to tell me the length of the Sierra .22 65 grain Gamekings and also the length from the tip to the boattail junction? Much appreciated any responses.

SVTCobra306 · June 2, 2013, 10:36 AM

Measured one and got .836 bullet length, and .710 from the tip to the start of the boat tail.

My book shows a C.O.A.L. of 2.260 for the 65 grain vs. 2.250 for the 63 grain SMP, but they otherwise share data, looks like H335 and TAC showed the best results, but they do have H322 data also.

MJFlores · June 2, 2013, 10:54 AM

I'm having a tough time working up a really good load with H322. Looks like I'm averaging 1.5" groups at 100 yards. Not bad, but I'd like better. They also shoot about 4 inches higher than 55 grain loads so if I choose this load to hunt with I'll need a scope adjustment of 12 clicks. I really need a second scope to use on the AR for load development...it's near impossible with a 4X scope. Also I'm thinking a chronograph will be in my near future. So far I've settled on 21.3 grains of H322 but will try adjusting bullet seating depth and maybe other powders once I have a higher power scope and chronograph.

BumbleBug · June 2, 2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJFlores

...I really need a second scope to use on the AR for load development...it's near impossible with a 4X scope. Also I'm thinking a chronograph will be in my near future...

I'll have to agree that it is hard to develop a "hair-splitting" load with a low power scope. I've found that making targets that compliment your scope & reticule can greatly improve your aim. For instance, make a target easy to see that just fits your reticule at the distance you are shooting. Experiment. It can make a big difference.

Forget the chrono until you get that accurate load. IMO, use the chrono after the fact.

FWIW...

...bug

SVTCobra306 · June 2, 2013, 04:27 PM

Hmm, my Sierra data shows 21.3 as below a starting load, it shows:

H322:

21.9---2600 FPS
22.6---2700 FPS
23.3---2800 FPS

They have the max load highlighted as their most accurate test.

http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra223ar.pdf

MJFlores · June 3, 2013, 05:38 AM

My Hornady manual shows it mid-range. Pressure signs appear average...it doesn't seem like any source is consistent. This is why I was thinking a chronograph would come in handy...despite what the manuals say, if pressure signs appear low and velocities confirm it you'll know when your appraoching max load and when you can keep creeping up a bit.

April 14, 2013, 09:57 AM	#1
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	Sierra .22 cal 65 grain Gameking in an AR Hi all, I scored a few boxes of Sierra's 65 grain .22cal Gamekings and want to work up a load to shoot in my AR. I have a few pounds of H322. Just wondering if anyone has a pet load they've had good luck with using this bullet out of an AR platform. I'd of course start well below yours and work up. Thanks in advance. -Mike

April 14, 2013, 10:35 AM	#2
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	2 Different sources of information and only for 63's(Sierra and Hodgdon) and the data overlaps. Sierra's start load is Hodgdon's max load! Bulletsmiths 1.800.223.8799 *Call Sierra for more data* http://www.sierrabullets.com/index.c...5&bullettype=0 It does have a very good BC for that Weight. __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course"

April 15, 2013, 10:37 PM	#9
Txhillbilly Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Posts: 512	I load them with H335,and have charge weights of 24.5gr and 25.0gr. I shoot them out of my 1-8 twist RRA,and my 1-9 twist Savage 12. They shoot really well for a hunting bullet,the AR groups in the .750" range,the Savage stays around .500" groups at 100 yards with these bullets. They will take down whitetails within 200 yards where they are standing. My COAL is 2.260" with the AR,and 2.350" with the Savage The 70gr Speer soft point is another good .224 caliber hunting bullet BL-C2 and Varget also work good with these bullets.I've never had much luck with H322 shooting bullets over 55gr. Last edited by Txhillbilly; April 15, 2013 at 10:44 PM.

April 16, 2013, 12:39 AM	#11
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	Excellent results with this bullet in a Mini14; thread here. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

April 18, 2013, 02:45 AM	#13
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	My pet load for the 65gr SGK 24.5 gr of h335, CCI 41 primer 2.250" __________________ Lock and load, the zombies (democrats) are coming (to take your guns)!

April 14, 2013, 11:26 AM	#3
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	I figured that was too heavy/long of a bullet to be able to feed in a AR mag. Be sure to share the info.

April 14, 2013, 11:44 AM	#4
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	Will do. I'm planning on starting with 21 grains of H322 and working up from there. I haven't seated one yet, but my load with Sierra 60 grain Matchkings fit nicely in an AR magazine so I plan on using the same seat settings.

April 14, 2013, 12:14 PM	#5
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,996	I don't have an AR, but do shoot that bullet a lot (and like it). When I couldn't find load data, I called Sierra and they told me that the 65 grainer and the 63 gr SMP had the same bearing surface and to use the load data for the 63 grainer. I did so, starting low on the powder charges, and it worked fine. I got best groups with AA2230 powder, up near max. That's a good shooting bullet.

April 14, 2013, 04:08 PM	#6
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,448	25.5 gr. TAC/CCI 400 or 27.5 gr. BL-C(2)/CCI 450. COAL 2.26. Good for 2,850 from a 16" AR. Still need to shoot for group.

April 15, 2013, 10:25 PM	#8
Bamashooter Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2010 Posts: 1,860	I have loaded hundreds of 65gr Sierra mostly with Tac and W748. I have shot them in my mini-14 and my Delton Echo 316. Shoots very well out of both rifles and killed a deer with the mini-14 and the 65gr sierra. Good bullet.

April 15, 2013, 11:27 PM	#10
BumbleBug Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2013 Location: Near Heart of Texas Posts: 870	My .223 is not an AR but it likes 65gr Sierra GK, fed case, fed 205, 28.0 gr of H380. Chrono's 2,800. This powder is a bit slow for general use in the .223 except with heavy bullets. I've shot an unknown number of hogs with this load, most all head/neck shots. I've shot 5 WT deer with this: 3 head shots 2 with lung shots. The lung shot deer required 2 shots each. The bullet mushroomed beautifully with good weight retention but stopped under the hide on opposite side. Not a good deer bullet IMHO. ...bug

April 18, 2013, 01:13 AM	#12
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	I did some shooting tonight after work, of several different charges of H322 I settled on 21.3 grains under these Sierra 65 grain Gamekings. Group size seemed to increase as powder charge increased. I averaged an inch at 100 yards, not bad for a 16" barrel and a 4 power scope. I plan to load another 20 rounds and shoot with a clean barrel to be sure that's the load I want but so far 21.3 grains if H322 is looking like it. Hard to tell what the velocity is, but judging by the figures I see from Hodgdon I'm estimating between 2725 and 2765 fps? This should be a pretty nice velocity for this bullet, and the cases aren't being worked hard pressure-wise.

June 2, 2013, 05:52 AM	#14
Rifleman1 Junior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Posts: 1	Would anyone be able to tell me the length of the Sierra .22 65 grain Gamekings and also the length from the tip to the boattail junction? Much appreciated any responses.

June 2, 2013, 10:36 AM	#15
SVTCobra306 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Posts: 434	Measured one and got .836 bullet length, and .710 from the tip to the start of the boat tail. My book shows a C.O.A.L. of 2.260 for the 65 grain vs. 2.250 for the 63 grain SMP, but they otherwise share data, looks like H335 and TAC showed the best results, but they do have H322 data also.

June 2, 2013, 10:54 AM	#16
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	I'm having a tough time working up a really good load with H322. Looks like I'm averaging 1.5" groups at 100 yards. Not bad, but I'd like better. They also shoot about 4 inches higher than 55 grain loads so if I choose this load to hunt with I'll need a scope adjustment of 12 clicks. I really need a second scope to use on the AR for load development...it's near impossible with a 4X scope. Also I'm thinking a chronograph will be in my near future. So far I've settled on 21.3 grains of H322 but will try adjusting bullet seating depth and maybe other powders once I have a higher power scope and chronograph.

June 2, 2013, 04:27 PM	#18
SVTCobra306 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Posts: 434	Hmm, my Sierra data shows 21.3 as below a starting load, it shows: H322: 21.9---2600 FPS 22.6---2700 FPS 23.3---2800 FPS They have the max load highlighted as their most accurate test. http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra223ar.pdf

June 3, 2013, 05:38 AM	#19
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	My Hornady manual shows it mid-range. Pressure signs appear average...it doesn't seem like any source is consistent. This is why I was thinking a chronograph would come in handy...despite what the manuals say, if pressure signs appear low and velocities confirm it you'll know when your appraoching max load and when you can keep creeping up a bit.

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