AR15: Hornady 62 GR ELD-VT tested

9MMand223only · January 28, 2025, 11:01 PM

Hi. Made some quality reloads, but did not know what would work in terms of powder charge, so these are all experiments to get an idea. So since I got lucky and several loads under 1 MOA, I think it was successful. No surprise, Benchmark came out on top for random loads with both barrels.

http://natoreloading.com/62eldvt/

You can see, the black line on the bullet is where you need to cover so there is no gap in the ogive from the neck of the brass. If you do not load the bullet to that black line, there will be a gap between the bullet and the neck. Which in this case, was about 10k only since they are all loaded in AR mags (Stainless steel ones) that easily accepted 2.300 OAL. FYI Hornady recommends 2.400. But I think maybe 2.350 is enough. I have some other ASC Stainless mags, and I think they accept 2.320, which is slightly better. This gap didn't seem to matter much, as several sub MOA groups at 100 yards.

Its also interesting to see too, that some of the larger groups, as in 1.5"-1.7" had SD's across 5 bullets of "2" and "3" which is what neck turning and quality powder loading with weighed brass "can get you". the ES was under 10 across 5 shots. That kind of SD with an AR15 is near unheard of with 5 shots.

jetinteriorguy · January 29, 2025, 07:58 AM

The two best powders I’ve found for this bullet are Varget and H4895. Both have given me.25-.50 MOA out to 400 yds pretty consistently. This is an Aeroprecision rifle with a Ballistic Advantage 18” stainless heavy profile barrel in .223 Wylde. It took about 200 rounds to break in this barrel but once broken in it’s been very consistent.

**Unclenick** · January 29, 2025, 11:15 AM

Years ago, HSM sold some match ammo using the 80-grain Sierra MK loaded to magazine fit in 223 rather than to Sierra's recommended greater length. So there was a gap, but I used that round at 600 yards with no problems. So, I don't think a small gap matters as long as you've adjusted your load for all the space the bullet base then eats up in the case. Just be sure your reloading cases are reamed to clear internal donuts if you are seating a bullet whose bearing surface sets below the junction of the neck and shoulder of the case.

Brian Pfleuger · January 29, 2025, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9MMand223only

No surprise, Benchmark came out on top for random loads with both barrels.

CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information.

Benchmark doesn't get enough love. It's always been a top performer in every cartridge I've put it in.

A little too "fast" for most cartridges above .223 or so, but for small bore stuff it's incredible.
I used it to get 35gr 22-250 over 4,400fps (pretty funny when you're powder charge outweighs your bullet)

.204 Ruger, my plain jane Ruger M77 MkII shoots 1/2 MOA with Benchmark, at over 4,200fps with 32gr VMax

9MMand223only · January 29, 2025, 09:44 PM

Hi, thanks Jet.

I have those powders. The SW Precision Rifle is pretty much Varget if you ask me, but I could see from my test 24.1 was super low and it probably needs more like 26 grains or 25.5. But then I dont think I can seat that super long bullet without denting it bad. This has to be an issue with Varget for sure. H4895 is more like Benchmark or N135, or XBR so I think that is a good choice for sure.

may I ask what your OAL and charge weights are please?

I am going to guess you need like 24+ Grains of H4895 for this. Thank you kindly.

January 28, 2025, 11:01 PM	#1
9MMand223only Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2014 Posts: 298	AR15: Hornady 62 GR ELD-VT tested Hi. Made some quality reloads, but did not know what would work in terms of powder charge, so these are all experiments to get an idea. So since I got lucky and several loads under 1 MOA, I think it was successful. No surprise, Benchmark came out on top for random loads with both barrels. http://natoreloading.com/62eldvt/ You can see, the black line on the bullet is where you need to cover so there is no gap in the ogive from the neck of the brass. If you do not load the bullet to that black line, there will be a gap between the bullet and the neck. Which in this case, was about 10k only since they are all loaded in AR mags (Stainless steel ones) that easily accepted 2.300 OAL. FYI Hornady recommends 2.400. But I think maybe 2.350 is enough. I have some other ASC Stainless mags, and I think they accept 2.320, which is slightly better. This gap didn't seem to matter much, as several sub MOA groups at 100 yards. Its also interesting to see too, that some of the larger groups, as in 1.5"-1.7" had SD's across 5 bullets of "2" and "3" which is what neck turning and quality powder loading with weighed brass "can get you". the ES was under 10 across 5 shots. That kind of SD with an AR15 is near unheard of with 5 shots. Last edited by 9MMand223only; January 28, 2025 at 11:06 PM.

January 29, 2025, 11:15 AM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,743	Years ago, HSM sold some match ammo using the 80-grain Sierra MK loaded to magazine fit in 223 rather than to Sierra's recommended greater length. So there was a gap, but I used that round at 600 yards with no problems. So, I don't think a small gap matters as long as you've adjusted your load for all the space the bullet base then eats up in the case. Just be sure your reloading cases are reamed to clear internal donuts if you are seating a bullet whose bearing surface sets below the junction of the neck and shoulder of the case. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 29, 2025, 07:58 AM	#2
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,476	The two best powders I’ve found for this bullet are Varget and H4895. Both have given me.25-.50 MOA out to 400 yds pretty consistently. This is an Aeroprecision rifle with a Ballistic Advantage 18” stainless heavy profile barrel in .223 Wylde. It took about 200 rounds to break in this barrel but once broken in it’s been very consistent.

January 29, 2025, 09:44 PM	#5
9MMand223only Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2014 Posts: 298	Hi, thanks Jet. I have those powders. The SW Precision Rifle is pretty much Varget if you ask me, but I could see from my test 24.1 was super low and it probably needs more like 26 grains or 25.5. But then I dont think I can seat that super long bullet without denting it bad. This has to be an issue with Varget for sure. H4895 is more like Benchmark or N135, or XBR so I think that is a good choice for sure. may I ask what your OAL and charge weights are please? I am going to guess you need like 24+ Grains of H4895 for this. Thank you kindly.