revchuck Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 Okay...I've been looking, getting ready to load for my AR, and I've noticed that just about everybody is out of 55 grain FMJs, but that many have 50-55 grain SPs for just a little more money. Having been brought up on 1911s, I need to ask if a box stock AR can be reasonably expected to reliably feed these soft point bullets. I hope so, but I'm not holding my breath on this one. I see that just about everyone recommends Dillon dies (for use in my 450/550). Has anyone tried the RCBS X die in this caliber, and if so, how did it work out? Am I worrying too much about keeping brass the right length when it's so cheap? I figure if I have to go to the trouble of trimming it the first time, I want to hang onto it. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warpspeed Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 (edited) Dillon use to sell 55gr FMJ bullets by ATK, the folks that own Federal/Speer/Alliant. They look identical to the ones in the AE ammo. They are listed now as "OUT". As far as dies, I resize / deprime with the RCBS small base X-die. Works well for me. Get the stuck case remover while you're at it. Don't ask why, just do it. Edited December 14, 2006 by warpspeed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revchuck Posted December 14, 2006 Author Share Posted December 14, 2006 Get the stuck case remover while you're at it. Don't ask why, just do it.Already got one. Something to do with making 7.5x55 SR brass from .284 Winchester... Graf has their own bullet...out. Almost everyone who has Winchester 55 grain FMJs...out. There are some Remington 55 grain FMJs out there, but that's about it, aside from all the soft points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warpspeed Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 Have you tried Cheaper than Dirt ? Item # 65967 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revchuck Posted December 14, 2006 Author Share Posted December 14, 2006 Thanks for the tip! Drifting in my own thread...is there any significant difference among the various 55 grain FMJs, or are they all about the same quality and accuracy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uscbigdawg Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 For 55's, I like the Winchester bulk FMJ's. Midway usually has them. If not there try Widener's or better yet Powder Valley. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warpspeed Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 I tried the ATK ones from Dillon because I've had good luck with the Fed Am Eagle & XM193. Check out this thread : http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?...c=15007&hl= A lot of discussion on the cheap / accurate 223 bullets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.Hayden Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 I just got some 55's at Cabelas.. if you're ordering other stuff, they're fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 Softpoints are a loser in AR's for function reason IMHO. I got a thousand WW 55gr SP's off a prize table long ago and loaded them up for fun. They ran fine except for when they didn't. Shorter OAL's kept the lead tips from dragging on the front of the mag and nosediving. Longer OAL's kept the tips from engaging the locking lugs and getting snagged. But they always did something when you least expected it. Mostly I gave up on SP in AR's even though my old 1987 Vintage Colt HBAR did run them 100% at any OAL. 3 other rifles/uppers wouldn't digest them 100% reliably, out in the back with the beer cans is what I say to SP's in AR's. I had been buying the Hornady 55gr FMMJBT at $60/1000, but they seem to be out of stock until early January. Hornady 55gr FMJBT at Midway If you can find these Hornady 55's anywhere, jump on them, they are just about the best cheap fmj I have ever found. I'm a lookin' now too as I am down to under 500 of them left. The Dillon dies are the best choice to start and maybe to finish too. The Dillon taper crimp die is the ONLY way I would EVER apply any crimp to rifle cartridges. And even then, only for rough semi-auto useage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bollocks Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 (edited) HI, I agree with George. The Hornady 55 FMJ is one of the most accurate FMJ is that weight range I know. The other one is the 55 FMJ form Lapua, but that one is about as expensive as a match bullet.... On SP's in AR15's I have a different opinion though as they have never given me problems feeding-wise or accuracy-wise. Some of the SP offerings can even be very accurate. Cheers from Holland, BolloX Edited December 15, 2006 by Bollocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aedavis Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 I've been running Hornady 55gr SP in my Colt AR for over 10 years and 10,000 rounds and have not had 1 malfunction. They are quite accurate to boot (MOA out of 16" barrel). You can buy this 55gr SPs in bulk from Midway or Grafs. They seem to run about $10/1000 more than the FMJ options. I think the price has crept up to $70/1000 now. On the X die, I'll have to let you know - I just bought one for .223 but have yet to use it. Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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