Author Topic: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?  (Read 1179 times)

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Offline Irons78

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Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« on: August 11, 2017, 09:26:23 AM »
Hi all - anyone reloading 5.56?  Curious which bullet weights are best for 1:7 twist barrel.  I've got a box of 40 grain but I'm thinking it might be too light for the 1:7.  Comments?

Offline Elcid

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2017, 11:08:25 AM »
I use 68 or 69 gr. at mag length for my ARs with 1:7 twist. The lowest bullet weight I tried is 55gr.

Offline Son of the Gael

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2017, 11:43:57 AM »
I've shot 40's in my 1 in 7 AR's, worked about as well as heavier bullets.

Some one will be along soon to say that they are overstabilized, but Brian Litz has debunked that one.

Having said that, some varmint bullets are too fragile and will  apart in flight.  V-Max & Ballistic Tips should be OK.
« Last Edit: August 11, 2017, 11:49:49 AM by Son of the Gael »

Offline armoredman

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2017, 12:53:27 AM »
I have had some excellent results with 40 grain Sierras in my BREN 805 in 5.56mm. I did have a vz-58 in 5.56mm for a while, and it did well with many different bullets weights, but I am not near my notes right now. I really haven't found a bullet weight that won't work well except some 62 grainers fly kinda funny...

Offline Irons78

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2017, 05:23:33 PM »
Thanks for the info!  Guess I'll stick with 40's and play with the charge.  I'm using H4895, might be too slow for that calibre?  If you happen to find your notes....... ;)

I have had some excellent results with 40 grain Sierras in my BREN 805 in 5.56mm. I did have a vz-58 in 5.56mm for a while, and it did well with many different bullets weights, but I am not near my notes right now. I really haven't found a bullet weight that won't work well except some 62 grainers fly kinda funny...

Offline M1A4ME

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2017, 08:16:25 PM »
40's are flat hauling butt.  Between the velocity and the spin they would be awesome on varmints, but maybe not so good for bigger game.

The faster twists are to stabilize heavier (longer) bullets.  And the heavier longer bullets cost more than the shorter lighter bullets.

There will always be arguments about what bullet weight or what bullet brand is best.  Try some different combinations of powder and bullets and see what works well for you - in your rifle.

So far, all I've shot in my 1 turn in 7" AR15's is 55 grain bullets.  I've bought some Hornady and Sierra heavy match bullets but haven't gotten around to loading any yet.  Most of those are "match quality" bullets.  Depending on your rifle you may not really benefit from spending the extra money on them vs. 55 or 60 grain bullets.

If you plan to shoot a lot (and you find they shoot well in your rifle) look for the Hornady 55 grain FMJBT or SBT bullets in the big boxes.  Some places will put 5,000 bullet boxes on sale for a good price sometimes.  I bought one last year and split it up with my youngest son (who hasn't yet loaded the first one of them).

Reloading can be fun.  Helps you get in tune with your rifle.  Helps you become a better shot (you shoot more and you should be developing more accurate loads).  Helps insure you have ammo if ammo gets hard to come by for awhile.
I just keep wasting time and money on other brands trying to find/make one shoot like my P07 and P09.  What is wrong with me?

Offline Son of the Gael

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2017, 03:59:31 PM »
I get the impression that the 4895s are powders that "everyone" like in .223.  Try it and see how it goes.

The 40's I've fired in 1-7's are Fiochhi factory loaded with V-Max.  I have some loaded with 40 gr Varmageddons and Benchmark but haven't gotten to the range with them yet.  I'm hoping for warp speed with them.

I've been using TAC for 55's and CFE 223 for 64 & up.  So far I've found near-max charges of CFE to be very accurate. 

Hoping to put venison in the freezer with a .223 this year - not sure which bullet yet.

Offline M1A4ME

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2017, 07:11:53 PM »
Oh, powder? 

Again, try different powders to see what your rifle "likes".

My best 45 grain groups ever used IMR4198.  Terrible metering powder (have to weigh every charge if you want consistency which equals accuracy).

My best 55 grain group ever used IMR4198.

I have found that the right charge of BLC2 will give very nice groups also.  I'm using a lot of that powder now and it meters like water.  Very consistent.

H335 meters very well, too, but BLC2 gives me slightly better groups.
I just keep wasting time and money on other brands trying to find/make one shoot like my P07 and P09.  What is wrong with me?

Offline armoredman

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2017, 10:12:53 PM »
I like Win 748 and IMR 3031 myself, but that's what's available out here.

Offline painter

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Re: Reloading VZ58 in 5.56 - best bullet weights for 1:7?
« Reply #9 on: August 19, 2017, 07:33:39 AM »
I've used BLC-2 and N 133 for everything from 40 to 60 gr in my FS in .223. Good groups from both. The 60 grainers were stretching the capabilities of accuracy from the equipment and the components.
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