5.56 build

[evanh]

Decided to build my first AR. 


Blackhole 18” standard profile, rifle length gas

SLR rifleworks adjustable gas block

Seekins Precision melonite rifle gas tube

A2 Birdcage flash hider

Seekins Precision MCSR V2 15” free float handguard

Surplus Ammo forged upper

BCM ambidextrous charging handle

BCM bolt carrier group

Magpul Gen 2 BUIS

Aimpoint T-2 Micro on Bobro Engineering mount – Absolute co-witness

Seekins Precision forged lower receiver

CMMG lower parts kit

Yankee Hill takedown and pivot pins

VLTOR A5 buffer system – 7 position mil-spec buffer tube

Magpul ACS-L carbine stock

Magpul MIAD pistol grip Gen 1

Magpul trigger guard

Magpul BAD lever

Geissele Super dynamic enhanced trigger

Magpul Rail Sling Attachment

31 rounds 77gr SMK , Gen 2 Pmag Total weight 9.2 lbs, 4.1 Kilos, 400 grams heavier than Loaded M16.

[gaberelli]

That's damn sexy. Nice build.

[GLSHOOTER]

That is a nice one. I can't wait to see how it shoots.

Greg

[devildogandboy]

looks like you put a lot of thought into it, if it shoots half as good as  it looks you have a winner! post some results when you can.

Bruce 

[evanh]

Thank you! I hope it shoots well too! If I can make it do what it did for the zero targets, I think it will be an exceptional rifle. First time in my life I ever got three rounds in one hole. I thought I missed with the other two.....So when I go for distance, I hope the planets will be in line again.

[evanh]

So, update. I need to do some more shooting. I haven't sat behind a bench in about 15 years. Plus, 95% sure my scope or mount, or both, is bad. Nightforce 8-32 mounted on a Burris pepr mount. My most impressive group was a 6 shot(only allowed three shots in a mag at a time), 4 making a ragged hole, and two fliers about 3/4" away at 2 and 8 o'clock. I was using Blackhills 5.56mm 77gr OTM factory new.

I took my scope off, and noticed it scarred my upper, so that was a little upsetting. Then I tightened the quick releases, my zero changed, and still wouldn't hold a tight group. Took it off and put my red dot back on, and with no magnifier, shooting at where I thought my target was, I was managing 2" groups. Good news was it held zero and didn't scar my upper. 

Anything anyone can recommend for shooting with an AR for groups on a bench? Like scope mounts, bags, bipods, loading 4 rounds and shooting 3? Our M16s were pretty much set it and forget it. I will have to practice more, but I will get pictures of targets the next time I go out to the range. 

[GLSHOOTER]

Bench work is a tad personal based on the goals . For load development I use 24X and 32X. I also run a lot of 6.5X20 and 6X18 scopes that will do fine for me.

I shoot off a front rest and bags but also won't shy away from a Harris bipod and a bean bag. If I'm going to shoot a match I'll work out with that combination or what I am allowed to use. For PD's I'll just sight it in off the bench as I set my sights for the bullet/velocity pairing.

Greg

[evanh]

Got some pictures of my targets from today at the range. First target is way better than what it was with the old mount for the scope. Still rusty at shooting on a bench.

Shots 1-5 are Blackhills 77gr. OTM 5.56mm Factory new ammo. Shot 1 was after initial 50yd Zero. Shot 2 was meant for the top left square but the first shot went over the target so the last two of three are on the bottom left square. Shot 3 is semi confusing to me as I adjusted the scope down a half inch, which you can see the first shot(lowest) and then the other two walked up. I'm gonna blame me for that. Shot 4 nothing special same with shot 5. 

Shot 1.1 is 77gr SMK 223 blackhills reman.


Shot 1 was my fault. Spazzed on the trigger. Shot 2 was again me. I was getting a little antsy and sweat in my eyes. Took a break and also changed how I had my sand bag set up.  Switched to my 69gr SMK 223 Blackhills factory new Shots 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3. Shot 1.0 was 9 shots, started figuring out how I need to hold my rifle with this bag. Shots 1.1 - 1.3 where shot right after 1.0, and one after the other with no cooling periods. Best shots of the day. So I figure I will revisit with this ammo, and the 77gr .223. Im not sure the 5.56 is giving me the accuracy I want. I also need to get a chronograph




Last target of the day, just fooling around before I had to get going. The two upper groups were Federal XM855 Lake City with headstamp LC11 both with the scope, just shooting to shoot. And the lower group was 77gr OTM 5.56 Black Hills factory new with my red dot(zero'd at 50yds) Aimed in line with the two lower targets(horizontally) and inline vertically with the middle target.

[devildogandboy]

evanh, i guess you don't reload, huh? that would help considerably. i shoot the 77gr Nosler CC's with imr 4064 and had been getting good results with it(ran out). maybe try a different brand of ammo to, try switching things up a bit until you find what it really likes.
i use a bipod and rear squishy bag made from an old sock and some plastic beads. works for me.
good shooting and have fun!

Bruce

[evanh]

Aug 17, 2015 17:13:20 GMT -8 devildogandboy said:

evanh, i guess you don't reload, huh? that would help considerably. i shoot the 77gr Nosler CC's with imr 4064 and had been getting good results with it(ran out). maybe try a different brand of ammo to, try switching things up a bit until you find what it really likes.
i use a bipod and rear squishy bag made from an old sock and some plastic beads. works for me.
good shooting and have fun!

Bruce

Thanks!



Right now I am trying to focus on readily available ammo. We have just started getting Powder back in my area. I reload, but right now I don't have time for a new gun work-up. I will be trying some other stuff, but for the price and quanity and quality, the Blackhills was the best. I want to check out some 55gr stuff too.



Mostly right now, I need to get back into the fundamentals and practice bench shooting. It has been forever since I have even had the time to do that. I know factory stuff isn't the best, but it is definitely the easiest. I do need to get my gear sorted out. My sand bags are full, but they have gotten a lot softer than when I first bought them. Also I need to adapt to the benches we have at our state ranges. The table is low, and the seat is high so the position is a little awkward.



Also one of my concerns for reloading with an AR is I really don't want to sacrifice reliability/function. When I was reloading for my bushmaster, I would get a lot of short strokes that wouldn't lock back on the last round, no fail to feed though. This rifle feels like it should be a lot better, as now I am going to start turning the gas down, because mechanically it feels like it is broken in.

[GLSHOOTER]

I'm not sure over mechanical break in. I have well over two dozen uppers and all I ever do is oil them and shoot them.

In the last 20 I have had ZERO jams shooting thousands of rounds from the get go. Tuning the gas block takes about five shots. Once set I turn the screws periodically to keep them freed up but that is it. Handloading lets you pick powders better suited for the specific bullet you want and the adjustable GB really lets you get fancy.

Greg

[evanh]

Aug 18, 2015 5:52:40 GMT -8 GLSHOOTER said:

I'm not sure over mechanical break in. I have well over two dozen uppers and all I ever do is oil them and shoot them.

In the last 20 I have had ZERO jams shooting thousands of rounds from the get go. Tuning the gas block takes about five shots. Once set I turn the screws periodically to keep them freed up but that is it. Handloading lets you pick powders better suited for the specific bullet you want and the adjustable GB really lets you get fancy.

Greg

By mechanically broken in, I am referring to all the bearing surfaces getting smoothed and the springs and such getting worked in. When I first built it, it was tight, even with plenty of lube. Now after shooting it a good amount, it is really easy to cycle(no slop though).

[gpsman007]

Jul 31, 2015 19:00:29 GMT -8 GLSHOOTER said:

Bench work is a tad personal based on the goals . For load development I use 24X and 32X. I also run a lot of 6.5X20 and 6X18 scopes that will do fine for me.

I shoot off a front rest and bags but also won't shy away from a Harris bipod and a bean bag. If I'm going to shoot a match I'll work out with that combination or what I am allowed to use. For PD's I'll just sight it in off the bench as I set my sights for the bullet/velocity pairing.

Greg

What 24x or 32x straight power scopes are you using

[GLSHOOTER]

Leupold 24X. Old Tasco 32X that's a rebadged Weaver. I also use Vortex 6.5X20X44 and Nikon 6X18's.

Greg