AR .223 Loads for Del-Ton 1:9 barrel

azredhawk44 · March 22, 2010, 06:52 PM

Eventually I will replace the barrel with a 1:7 or 1:8, but for now it's what I have.

I'm using up a bunch of 55gr Midway bulk bullets, and I'm shopping for a good High Power competition general purpose bullet for my 1:9 barrel.

My candidates are:

1. 68 Hornady BTHP
2. 69 Sierra BTHP
3. 75 Hornady BTHP
4. 77 Sierra BTHP
5. 75 Hornady AMAX
6. 80 Sierra BTHP

I'd like to use the same bullet for standing off-hand, rapid seated, rapid prone and slowfire prone. As well as practice.

Once I go to a bullet, I'm likely to just buy them by the 1000-lot (hence, why I have 1000 midway 55gr pills to use up).

I'm leaning to the 68gr Hornady BTHP due to cost and the slower twist... when I get a 1:7 barrel I am fairly certain I'll be happy to use a heavier 75+gr bullet, but I have heard that I won't be happy with those bullets at 1:9 twist.

Anyone have a magical 1:9 Del-Ton recipe using Hornady/Sierra 68/69gr bullets they want to share? Or recommendations?

**Unclenick** · March 22, 2010, 07:20 PM

The 75 grain A-max and 80 grain Sierra look a little long for best accuracy in a 9" twist. They may not be outright unstable, but I wouldn't expect great grouping.

The 69 grain Sierra should be fine. The 77 grain Sierra is a stubby shape and should also shoot fine in a 9" twist at room temperature, anyway. The 68 grain Hornady is longer than the Sierra 69, and for its weight it is below what my calculator thinks is optimal stability for accuracy. It's not longer than the 77, but the 77's extra weight helps it. Nonetheless, your rifle may think otherwise about the Hornady? I'm just saying it's in the margin by my twist calculator.

Unfortunately, other than trying a sample box of each bullet under consideration, you can't really know for sure what your gun will be partial to?

bedlamite · March 22, 2010, 07:35 PM

The 75 AMax and 80 Sierra won't fit in the mag, they are single load only for an AR.

The 75 Hornady BTHP and 77 Sierra may not stabilize in 1:9, especially in cold air. You'll have to try it to be sure. My dad has a Savage 12 with 1:9 and a 26" barrel, they work in summer, but keyhole in the winter. I use the 75 BTHP in my 20" 1:8 AR with no problems.

The 68/69 BTHP are probably your best option. For Powder, try Reloader 15 or Varget.

ForneyRider · April 9, 2010, 04:15 PM

I can do .6in 5-shot group at 100 yards with the 75gr H BTHP. I single feed at 2.28in COL. Although I can mag feed them at 2.26in.

This is from 1:9tw 20in AR.

I can shoot the 69gr SMK a little bit tighter at 3000fps with Varget or R15. I think it is a more consistent bullet. But I get good price in repackaged 75gr BTHP.

ISP 5353 · April 10, 2010, 09:23 AM

My 1-9 barrels really like the 69gr SMK loads with Varget. I have also had good luck with 748, if you prefer ball powder.

March 22, 2010, 06:52 PM	#1
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	AR .223 Loads for Del-Ton 1:9 barrel Eventually I will replace the barrel with a 1:7 or 1:8, but for now it's what I have. I'm using up a bunch of 55gr Midway bulk bullets, and I'm shopping for a good High Power competition general purpose bullet for my 1:9 barrel. My candidates are: 1. 68 Hornady BTHP 2. 69 Sierra BTHP 3. 75 Hornady BTHP 4. 77 Sierra BTHP 5. 75 Hornady AMAX 6. 80 Sierra BTHP I'd like to use the same bullet for standing off-hand, rapid seated, rapid prone and slowfire prone. As well as practice. Once I go to a bullet, I'm likely to just buy them by the 1000-lot (hence, why I have 1000 midway 55gr pills to use up). I'm leaning to the 68gr Hornady BTHP due to cost and the slower twist... when I get a 1:7 barrel I am fairly certain I'll be happy to use a heavier 75+gr bullet, but I have heard that I won't be happy with those bullets at 1:9 twist. Anyone have a magical 1:9 Del-Ton recipe using Hornady/Sierra 68/69gr bullets they want to share? Or recommendations?

March 22, 2010, 07:20 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	The 75 grain A-max and 80 grain Sierra look a little long for best accuracy in a 9" twist. They may not be outright unstable, but I wouldn't expect great grouping. The 69 grain Sierra should be fine. The 77 grain Sierra is a stubby shape and should also shoot fine in a 9" twist at room temperature, anyway. The 68 grain Hornady is longer than the Sierra 69, and for its weight it is below what my calculator thinks is optimal stability for accuracy. It's not longer than the 77, but the 77's extra weight helps it. Nonetheless, your rifle may think otherwise about the Hornady? I'm just saying it's in the margin by my twist calculator. Unfortunately, other than trying a sample box of each bullet under consideration, you can't really know for sure what your gun will be partial to? __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle Last edited by Unclenick; March 22, 2010 at 07:40 PM.

March 22, 2010, 07:35 PM	#3
bedlamite Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2000 Location: WI Posts: 1,395	The 75 AMax and 80 Sierra won't fit in the mag, they are single load only for an AR. The 75 Hornady BTHP and 77 Sierra may not stabilize in 1:9, especially in cold air. You'll have to try it to be sure. My dad has a Savage 12 with 1:9 and a 26" barrel, they work in summer, but keyhole in the winter. I use the 75 BTHP in my 20" 1:8 AR with no problems. The 68/69 BTHP are probably your best option. For Powder, try Reloader 15 or Varget. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.

April 9, 2010, 04:15 PM	#4
ForneyRider Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2007 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 725	I can do .6in 5-shot group at 100 yards with the 75gr H BTHP. I single feed at 2.28in COL. Although I can mag feed them at 2.26in. This is from 1:9tw 20in AR. I can shoot the 69gr SMK a little bit tighter at 3000fps with Varget or R15. I think it is a more consistent bullet. But I get good price in repackaged 75gr BTHP. __________________ When all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done.

April 10, 2010, 09:23 AM	#5
ISP 5353 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 134	My 1-9 barrels really like the 69gr SMK loads with Varget. I have also had good luck with 748, if you prefer ball powder.