Had a chance to test some 69 SMK's in my AR-15 today. It was cool to get not one, but two .1 moa groups today with N140. I'm not sure I'd ever want a .223 bolt gun. I think this is my new favorite bullet. 5 different powders all produced group .3 or less.

Here's the other .1 group. Also with N140 powder.

Lookin' mighty good!!

I appreciate it guys. I even found 20 pieces of practically brand new 6.5 C which the day even better.

5 shot groups?

3.

tell us a bit about the rifle.

Nice groups, for dang sure!

.422 - .224 = .198 which is rounded to .2. Those are great groups for sure and now I understand how you arrive at .1 groups. Not trying to be ugly here, just an observation on rounding issues. That .108 group is awesome for an AR, have you shot additional groups with that load?

If it’s in the .1’s it’s a .1 to me. I could’ve said they were both .1 which is what most people do anyways. I didn’t think you’re trying to be ugly. I think it’s like saying tomayto or tomahto. Not worth arguing over. I do welcome any discussion which is why I always try to post pics of my groups, and for transparency. I’m going to stick with the 25.6 load.

It is the first time I’ve tested this bullet and powder in any .223 rifle.

Thanks for the compliment.

The rifle is one of my own creations with a LaRue Stealth barrel, LaRue trigger, Diamondhead hand guard, and PSA (I think) bcg. The scope is a Leupold VX3 2.5-8.

Now take it to 300 and see if it holds.

What’s that even mean?

Variances in ES may not rear their ugly head at 100 yards, but at 300 yards might turn those .1 to .2 moa groups into much larger groups.

And, weather .1 or .2moa groups, rounding or not, those are damn fine groups form an AR. I get .5 moa groups from an AR and I am tickled pink.

You bring up a good point about ES. I need to bring my chrono next time. I should’ve brought it this time, but didn’t feel like setting it up. I’ve read really good things about VV powder so I don’t think I have too much to worry about.

I’m doing a lot better at paying attention to certain aspects of loading more. For instance, I used to not care which brand of brass or primer I was using for a particular load. Now, I sort headstamps and stick with one primer if I can. I also started measuring CBTO instead of COAL along with measuring the distance to the lands. I still think some things like measuring bullet runout are a too much.

The OP groups are good, but
Groups that are great/good at 100 might not be at distance. If 100 is ALL you shoot, don't waste components or time testing at 200, 300, +. If you want to shoot/hunt at distance you should test the load AND confirm your dope to your distances. You could find a 1/2" group is 10-12" at 300. That may be exaggerated some but it happens.

Just last week i was shooting at 300 with a friend. He has a 6MM AR that shoots sub 1/2" (5 shot groups) all day long at 100. His sub 1/2" went to 4-5" at 300. Multiple groups shot to confirm. Good shooter, lots of experience shooting to 660yds. It happens. He is scratching his head.

Different bullet, powder, primer, COAL, etc may be required to get back to your sub MOA groups at longer range.

I really only shoot no further than 200 when practicing or hunting. Since these bullets aren’t good hunting bullets it’ll more than likely be strictly for the range. The farthest my local range goes to is 600 so I might try it just to see how ES affects the groups (if there even is a big difference in ES).

I just finished assembling a long range 6.5 C AR and purchased a nice amount of H4350 and A4350, so this valuable information will need to be taken into account even more.

I’d be interested in knowing what scope your friend is using, specifically what power. You can’t shoot small if you can’t see small.

The 6AR has a Leupold MK5 HD 3.6-18x44, TMR. He says reticle is too thick but it is what it is. He shoots a MK4 6.5-20x50 (probably TMR) at 1K.
I am using a 308 with a SB 4-16x42 PMII for 0-600, SB 5-25x56 PMII for 1K. I am going to try the 4-16 at 1K when I have time,

You guys sure know a lot of...stuff. Glad you're sharing!

Great set up and great groups. The 69SMK Is a fantastic bullet, especially in 1-9 twist. You should have no problem making 600-yard hits on steel with a more powerful scope and a solid rest.

You will always catch some chit posting on here. There is a TON of knowledge. Just comes across a little "hard"

Thanks. I loaded up more of the N140 loads to test at longer ranges soon. I have a Trijicon 2.5-10 or even a Leupold Mk IV 4.5-14 (probably overkill) I can swap over if needed. I like this little VX3 though. For some reason, it just feels like it fits with a .223. The LaRue barrel is 1:8 twist.

I know I will always catch grief on here in one form or another, but I think it’s gotten better since I started posting my groups so I’m not accused of stretching the truth anymore. The knowledge on here is second to none IMO.

Good shooting sir

Thanks. I have to use glasses these days, but glad I still can group well.

If you're going to break out a caliper, and get down to thousandths, you cannot call a .198" a .1

Simple fifth grade number rounding.