.224 80gr for AR-15 or .22-250?

SLOMountaineer · August 31, 2008, 06:11 PM

I happen to have two boxes of Sierra MK 80gr. The COL is listed at 2.550. However, that won't fit into an AR-15 magazine...in fact, it isn't even close. Will seating it deeper than normal create any dangerous pressure situations? I have a Remington 700 which I assume has a 1:14" twist which won't cut it.

Any suggestions?

hodaka · August 31, 2008, 06:49 PM

If your AR is 8 twist or tighter it may shoot them well. You will need to seat them long and single load them. Forget about seating them mag length.

Scorch · August 31, 2008, 08:25 PM

As above, if you have a 1:7" twist, you may be able to seat them and fire them, but they will not feed through the magazine. Most 22-250s have a 1:14" twist and will not stabilize bullets over 55-60 gr.

Loader9 · August 31, 2008, 09:15 PM

Sierra says you need a 1:7" or 1:8" twist barrel. I would assume that the reason for seating it out so far is that with the bullet seated to "normal" depth, there isn't enough room left in the case for an adequate charge of powder. I don't think I would try to seat them any deeper especially if you are using a ball type powder. Here's Sierras loading data on it in case you don't have it:
http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra223ar.pdf

kraigwy · August 31, 2008, 09:47 PM

I shoot the SMK 80s in my WOA upper at 600 and 1000 yards. They are single loaded with is required for slow fire in High Power. They are too long to load to fit the mag. Use 77s there. And yes the 1 in 7 is the right twist or the 80s.

SLOMountaineer · August 31, 2008, 11:49 PM

Thanks all. I knew I came to the right place for my questions.

August 31, 2008, 06:11 PM	#1
SLOMountaineer Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2006 Posts: 238	.224 80gr for AR-15 or .22-250? I happen to have two boxes of Sierra MK 80gr. The COL is listed at 2.550. However, that won't fit into an AR-15 magazine...in fact, it isn't even close. Will seating it deeper than normal create any dangerous pressure situations? I have a Remington 700 which I assume has a 1:14" twist which won't cut it. Any suggestions?

August 31, 2008, 08:25 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	As above, if you have a 1:7" twist, you may be able to seat them and fire them, but they will not feed through the magazine. Most 22-250s have a 1:14" twist and will not stabilize bullets over 55-60 gr. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

August 31, 2008, 09:47 PM	#5
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I shoot the SMK 80s in my WOA upper at 600 and 1000 yards. They are single loaded with is required for slow fire in High Power. They are too long to load to fit the mag. Use 77s there. And yes the 1 in 7 is the right twist or the 80s. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

August 31, 2008, 06:49 PM	#2
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	If your AR is 8 twist or tighter it may shoot them well. You will need to seat them long and single load them. Forget about seating them mag length.

August 31, 2008, 09:15 PM	#4
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	Sierra says you need a 1:7" or 1:8" twist barrel. I would assume that the reason for seating it out so far is that with the bullet seated to "normal" depth, there isn't enough room left in the case for an adequate charge of powder. I don't think I would try to seat them any deeper especially if you are using a ball type powder. Here's Sierras loading data on it in case you don't have it: http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra223ar.pdf

August 31, 2008, 11:49 PM	#6
SLOMountaineer Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2006 Posts: 238	Thanks all. I knew I came to the right place for my questions.