AR-556 Dialed In

[Aqualung]

Finally got to take the AR-556 to the range tonight to not only get it sighted in, but to test some handloads I started working up for it.

First, I got the irons set up at 50 yards, then put the scope on. Got that dialed in, then moved the rack out to 100. Some minor adjustments later and I couldn't miss the target.

Then, I started testing my loads.

Hornady manual shows max load for 55gr BTFMJ and BL-C (2) as 28.1gr. I dropped back to 25.5 and loaded 5 rounds of each increment of 0.5gr (and added 27.7gr since it was getting closer to max). What was a surprise to me was that they all seemed to shoot equally well. After I shot the 27.5gr, I didn't think I needed to go to the 27.7 and 28.0 loads.

Here's the final target rack:


For plinking, I think I'll be good with the 25.5, but if I think I'll use this for more serious work, I'll load the heavier load.

Ended up shooting about 150 rounds with no stoppages or other issues.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my first AR and glad it's a Ruger.

Aqualung

 

[loaded round]

What bullet weight were you shooting?

 

[Aqualung]

What bullet weight were you shooting?

The factory was American Eagle 55gr FMJ.

My loads are the Hornady 55gr BTFMJ with cannelure.

Aqualung

 

[rugnelli]

Good report, Aqualung, and nice rifle.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Aqualung,

Sounds like you have a winner there.

Tull Rocks!

Bill

 

[Aqualung]

Funny note, as this is my first AR and I forgot about it when the only other time I shot one was at a range about 25 years ago...

The "sproooooooiiiiiinnnnnnngggg" in my right ear every time it fires except for when it locks open on the empty mag.

It's a reverse of my Garand that gives the "piiiiinnnnnng" when the clip is empty.

Aqualung

 

[Corbi]

Good morning. Congratulations on the new rifle! Looks like she shoots.

What sights and scope mount did you go with?

Corbi

 

[dakota1911]

Mine is great at 50 yards with iron sights but I have to put a scope on it.

 

[Aqualung]

Good morning. Congratulations on the new rifle! Looks like she shoots.

What sights and scope mount did you go with?

Corbi

Corbi,

Sorry, I just saw this.

The scope is the Bushnell AR series 1x-4x scope. The mount is UTG cantilever mount with generic 1/2" risers.

I've been told it's mounted "wrong", and it admittedly looks a little jacked up, being so far back, but it works for me.
.

Aqualung

 

[Buckeye Bill]

That scope looks familiar. I got mine at Christmas time from PSA on sale with free shipping. I say, whatever works for you is the set up that you need.

Here is my SR556E with that scope:



Bill