I have a AR 15 I have made that is the old Vietnam style (601 type) that has a 1x9 twist government style new copy barrel. I know the originals had 1x12 and the real early ones had 1x14. I also have an original AR15 carbine with a .223 chamber and 1x12 twist in the barrel.

Anyway, they shoot 55 grain bullets using TAC powder very well. I picked up some Sierra 52 grain match bullets and want to see if those make even better and smaller groups. Wondering if I should stick with TAC or does anyone here have a powder they have had good luck with and these light bullets? I have read the X-Terminator does well with lighter bullets.

What say you and thanks in advance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 357fuzz,

Tac is what I use for the 52/53 gr SMK bullets. No reason to change, unless you want to try something else.

I shoot a lot of A2230/X-Terminator (same powder) in my AR15s using 55 grain bullets. 24.5 grains. I like 2230 so much I purchased 50lbs of it last year when it was on sale for $118 for 8 lb.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

I shoot 52gr Speer or Hornady hollow points with IMR 4895 in my varmint rifle and easily get 1/2" or less groups at 100yrds. That is all I use even in a very nice 8MM Mauser. That powder has been around for ever but is very versatile.

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/rKtLCLBj/1-E11-C591-5-D3-C-45-FA-9-AB8-89649-CC8380-D.jpg"> [/IMG]

Well, finally got out the range to try it out.

I used .223 brass, CCI small rifle primers, 52 grain Sierra Varmiters, and X-Terminator powder. I did not adjust the sights. I just wanted to see how 10 rounds would group with different charge weights. I used a lollipop hold on the white bullseye. I think it likes the 23.5 grain payload the best. I was just using a sandbag rest on the fore end with me seated at a bench.

I used load data from the Sierra manual utilizing the section for the AR-15.

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This was the bullet launcher I built. Wanted it to look early Vietnam.

Old Colt SP1 upper attached to a Nodak slabside lower. Fulton Armory repro slick slide chromed BCG, original stock, fore end, and grip, original 3 print flash hider, original small little triangle charging handle, original rear sight along with the original round not squared front sight post, and Del-Ton 1x9 twist pencil barrel.