what weight bullet for AR???

[C.hud]

I know the best way to match the perfect bullet for your gun is to shoot a bunch of different loads to find out which load groups the best, but I'm not looking for a dime size group at 300 yards with it. I was just wondering what weight bullet most people prefer. I have a 1:8 twist and have mainly been shooting 55-60 grain bullets. Anyways just wondering what you prefer.

[Hoser]

55-69, dude.

[spleify]

Yep looks like you have a good weight already, if they are working for you then stick with them.

[Zombie Steve]

1:8 - you'd likely be able to stabilize up to 75 grain bullets (maybe 77's).

I like 50 grain bullets for varmints, I'm using 55 grain fmj's for general shooting stuff and 69 grain SMK's for target / large varmint.

[Not_A_Llama]

Hornady 55gr FMJBT is cheap precision in (almost) any twist.

[Tim K]

Hornady 55gr FMJBT is cheap precision in (almost) any twist.

Yup, I use those a lot. You'll get better answers if you tell us what kind of shooting you do

[C.hud]

Mainly just plinking, some coyote hunting but mainly want to have a bunch loaded up.

[CO-Exprs]

69gr SMK is just about the perfect match up for my 1:8 AR. I carry two loads to matches. The 69s for distance work, or if I really need to move a heavy piece of steel (such as a Larue popper) and my scope is zeroed with this round. I also bring 55gr Hornady FMJs for everything else (which my rifle also shoots very well). I didn't have much luck with 75gr or 77gr bullets from this gun, but others have had better success from thier 1:8 and heavy bullets.

[GoldFinger]

How much does barrell lenght play into the answer? Does it make much of a difference if it's 16" vs 24"?

[Hoser]

Mainly just plinking, some coyote hunting but mainly want to have a bunch loaded up.

55 gn FMJs for plinking and 55 gn Nosler Ballistic Tips for hunting.

[Hoser]

How much does barrell lenght play into the answer? Does it make much of a difference if it's 16" vs 24"?

Not much really. Shorter barrels have lower velocity is all.

[SA Friday]

I shoot 55gr FMJ stuff out of all of my guns, 16" to 24" lengths and 1-7, 1-8 and 1-9 twists. I like 55 gr ballistic tips for pdogs and coyotes. For longer distance I shoot 77gr SMKs. I reload the 55s and I also buy bulk. I buy the 55gr ballistic tip ammo usually since I don't shoot much of it. I load all my 77gr SMK ammo.

[Zombie Steve]

How much does barrell lenght play into the answer? Does it make much of a difference if it's 16" vs 24"?

It won't matter as far as accuracy goes, but it makes a big difference IMHO if you're talking about terminal ballistics, assuming fragmentation is the wounding mechanism (as opposed to a controlled expansion hunting bullet).

[MountainMax74]

Im going to revive this thread and ask about a 1 in 7 twist 20" bull barrel.
Have been shooting everything from 55-69gr out of it (all the different manufacturers - Nos BT's, Horn BT's, SMK's, etc.), but I'm wondering, in everyone's opinion, how heavy can I go? I realize that AR's were not built to shoot big heavy bullets, but I would like to get better accuracy at long distances (ie: 300+ yards). Thanks!

Oh, and generally I've been using Varget powder in my reloads and I've been experimenting with different amounts. Also, it is not a "cheap-o" barrel - it is a John Holliger, White Oak Armament barrel.

[Delfuego]

My 1:7 Sabre barrel really likes 75gr (Hornady BTHP & factory). Haven't gone heavier yet. Just loaded some w/varget and liked it, I am going to try to up the velocity for longer ranges. I have been maxing the OAL for magazines without feeding issue also.

[Hoser]

but I'm wondering, in everyone's opinion, how heavy can I go?

77 gns is as heavy as you can go and still use mags.