Loads for the M4--16" carbine

[Daves762]

Alot of the load data I've found in manuals is for the standard length AR platform.

Things change when you do down to a 16" barrel...

I am interested in any loads proofed through the 16" barreled M4 rifle.

H322--?
H335--?

I plink with 55 FMJ's over 24 gr H 335

and with the 1/7 twist I've played with 75gr Hornady match over 22gr A2495

Both with Remi 7-1/2 primers, LC brass, crimped with Lee Factory Crimp die.

Anyone else load for the 16" AR willing to share you loads I would appreciate it.

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Hey Dave,

The velocities will change a bit, but that's about all. Your 16" with a 1x7" will stabilize any bullet that a 20" 1x7" will, it'll just give you a bit less velocity for the same load. This is a function of expansion ratio, nothing more. The same powders that give good results in the longer barrels will also give good results in the 16". I'd be more inclined to go with RL-15, Varget or N140 over the H322 or H335 with the 75 grain bullets, but the two Hodgdon offerings would be great choices for anything from 50 to 62 grains or so. I have a couple of 16" guns, more 20" than I care to admit, and a couple 26" match rifles. They all get the same ammo, unless there's a twist issue (one of my 16" guns is a 1x9") to consider.

 

[Daves762]

Hey Dave,

The velocities will change a bit, but that's about all. Your 16" with a 1x7" will stabilize any bullet that a 20" 1x7" will, it'll just give you a bit less velocity for the same load. This is a function of expansion ratio, nothing more. The same powders that give good results in the longer barrels will also give good results in the 16". I'd be more inclined to go with RL-15, Varget or N140 over the H322 or H335 with the 75 grain bullets, but the two Hodgdon offerings would be great choices for anything from 50 to 62 grains or so. I have a couple of 16" guns, more 20" than I care to admit, and a couple 26" match rifles. They all get the same ammo, unless there's a twist issue (one of my 16" guns is a 1x9") to consider.

Copy that- Thanks.

 

[Nomad]

Going to follow Thomas on this and his advise......
Have used RL-15 and varget with the 75gr Hornady BTHP best groups near max....
with the 60gr Vmax BLC2 @ 26gr LC wsr has been a standard....
with the 55gr H335 24-25 gr lc brass wsr, with TAC 25gr same on brass and wsr....