Range time with M1A, Mini-14 and 10/22

[Hatchdog]

Took my M1A to the range yesterday to check my loads. I ended up using H4895 with Hornady 155 gr FMJBT bullets and CCI 0034 military primers. I loaded 39, 40, 41 and 42 grains and used a light crimp using a Lee Factory Crimp die. OAL is 2.80 to stay in magazine length. I used once fired military brass both Lake City and some CBC brand that I had shot as factory ammo. Interesting discovery is after only being once fired both the Lake City and the CBC needed to be trimmed considerably. .010 to .015 I used an RCBS Primer Pocket Swager to remove the primer pocket crimp.

I found the faster the load the better my rifle grouped. I did forget to bring my cheek riser so I don’t feel 100% confident with my results as my cheek weld was horrible. The scope mount I used sets the scope very high from the stock.

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Next up is my MIni-14 to try out my loads. I wasn’t able to equal the Federal Match ammo I had shot previously but I’m still much better than the 55 gr ammo I was shooting. I used the Sierra 8th manual’s AR 15 rifle data and I found this data to severely limit my loads. I didn’t chronograph my loads but my 23.5 load books at 2500 fps. The Federal Match ammo is 2720 fps. I think I will try to find some TAC and change my powder as I can get up to 2700 fps staying just under max load. Funny, that 23.5 of Varget in my .223 match bolt rifle shoots 3/8” groups at 100. Here’s my results

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Finally my 10/22 to give my improved trigger a try. I was shooting from a bench at 50 yards using CCI Mini-mag solid points. First target is various groups shot with mixed results. Second target is my last group at around a half inch. That was a great time to stop so I did.

Very happy with the trigger work Brimstone did.

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[BigAl52]

Nice job Mike. I like H335 24.5 grains and one of those Hornady 55gr fmjbt. Maybe you have some 335 if not I bet its out of stock.

[Sir Henry]

Great report on all three rifles. I own or have owned all three.

[North Country Gal]

Nice work with that 10/22. Might be time to send off our 10/22 trigger to Brimstone.

[fortyshooter]

Great shooting and that 10/22 looks like it's dialed in!

[Headhog]

I've had a similar experience with 5.56 Lake City ammo. One firing and the brass needs to be trimmed. I don't have an M1A but I do have a DPSM AR10 that is a great shooter. It is very particular to bullet type. Boat-tail bullets produce very good groups, while flat based bullets will add 1/2 to 3/4" at 100 yards.

My Mini 14 is and old-timer made in the early 80's. Its not bad as far as accuracy goes, for the first 6-10 rounds. Once the barrel starts to heat up the group opens up. I just accept the nature of this beast and have fun with as a plinker.

Paul

[Hatchdog]

Nice job Mike. I like H335 24.5 grains and one of those Hornady 55gr fmjbt. Maybe you have some 335 if not I bet its out of stock.

No 335 on hand but I will keep an eye out for it. I’ve been doing a little reading on Ramshot TAC and the jury is still out on it. Many comment that it’s very temp sensitive and can get pressure spikes in hot weather. Varget is know for being temperature tolerant. I’m going to do some more research to find a powder I can take to 2700 fps which will come close to the Federal Match ammo I shot.

[Hatchdog]

Great shooting and that 10/22 looks like it's dialed in!

Yeah, I pity the ground squirrel that pops up in front of it.