Bobs' vs Hornady 55gr fmjbt - IMR 3031

[@joshuavarner4563]

Have you ever used any bullets from Rocky Mountain Reloading they are based in Idaho. They are my go to for any bulk Reloading. Thanks

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

I forgot about that one! I am ordering their 'new' 55gr option right now. Thanks for the reminder. The Ver 2 bullets are back in stock at Everglades so I'm ordering those as well.

[@joshuavarner4563]

Johnny's Reloading Bench nice that's great. Thanks for all your information.

[@saviostrawn8737]

josh varner I like RMR but I ordered some of their thundercast 9mm and it was undersized. I reviewed them and they kinda skirted it, saying they didn't know my email (I've bought lots of stuff from them). So I emailed them and just never heard back.

[@joshuavarner4563]

Savio Strawn I cast my own lead bullets so have never tried those ones. I have only purchased their FMJs and plated bullets.

[@joshuavarner4563]

My brother's m&p 2.0 loves the 125 plated bullets from RMR. I don't have a 9mm to try the thundercast bullets.

[@deanshaw7434]

Love the channel, been watching for awhile now. Definitely making me a much better hand loader. And it saves me money on powder by having a starting point, without all that trial and error stuff. Thanks for your advice!

[@thrivealist9458]

Watching you talk about prices the first day of 2023 makes me cry.

[@afkirby]

I'm really enjoying seeing someone squeeze the accuracy out of these cheap bullets.

[@hummingmybizness]

JRB, love the channel. I had amazing results with the Hornady 55 FMJ, 24.8gr of H4895 @ 2.25. Thank you for all the great data.

[@2amike375]

Johnny, so glad I've found your channel. Didn't know this side of shooting existed. I live in California where we have to go through a background check to buy ammo. Ain't jumping through that hoop so here I am. Thanks for all you do!

[@jeremys8360]

Welcome. Hope you got to start reloading

[@2amike375]

@@jeremys8360 Having trouble finding primers. Otherwise, things are good. Any suggestions on finding primers?

[@jeremys8360]

2nd Amendment Mike try local places. Smaller pawn shops, gun stores, even academy has them. If it’s really bad, you may have to buy some from people through groups on Facebook or similar

[@2amike375]

@@jeremys8360 Thanks for the advise. I'll check them out.

[@jonnygrizzle]

I'd like to see TAC and H335

[@theelwhastrummer7166]

I use those powders, and get good performance from my AR15 loading 55gr FMJ'S with TAC especially.

[@michiganlifepreppers540]

Nobody has IMR 3031 for sale anymore. I use H335 now. I’m happy

[@drywallman1986]

I'm finding it everywhere

[@drywallman1986]

Oh 6 years old comment. Lmao

[@TexanUSMC8089]

IMR3031 is a powder I didn't want to try. I had someone keep telling me it was good. I finally gave in. It's an outstanding powder for 22-250 with 55gr bullets, it's great for 223 with 55gr bullets, and I've been trying it in other cartridges when shooting the light weight bullets.

[@jmartin9059]

*.224 70 grain Speer Round Nose or Semi Spitzer... is a cool old retro bullet that Speer still makes. Plenty of rifling engagement and gets that Ogive further forward while still in Magazine... Varget might be the powder to try in the 16" 'or shorter' carbine.*

[@robbiek5oh]

Glad to see you testing an older powder (3031) that isn't the internet's incantation. H4895, TAC, and H335, all have a 1/2" accuracy node in my rifle between 25.0 and 25.4 for 53gr V-max. Benchmark is next on my list to try.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Vihtuvuouri N-135 is the best-kept secret around for reloading for .224-caliber and .308-caliber rounds. Just superb, worth every penny....

[@TheReloadingPress]

Great vid, love the load and test format . Everything sewn up and ready for next test. Thanks Nathan

[@markgoostree6334]

Yep. Looks like you can embrace the 55 gr Hornady fmj. You got some very good results in that range trip! Good video man. Always real information!

[@danielwharrison]

I think it's always an underdog story with your videos, I'm always rooting for the projectiles that have always done you wrong. Great video by the way, just a heads up, add your second channel JRBoutdoors to your general description, I found out yesterday KZbin unsubscribed me from your channel and I had no idea, I was trying to re-watch your hog hunting trip. Thanks brother!

[@eileenparker4677]

I shoot 26.0 of IMR 4064 with Fed match primers in my AR and consistently get groups under 1 inch, often with all five holes touching.

[@danc4592]

Wow according to IMR they say max load 24.6 But boy you show it works well. great video as always.

[@jarrodoreilly4328]

this is one of the best comparison videos I've seen, very easy to follow. Keep up the great work.

[@everythingphil9376]

The Bob's Bullets looks like Xtreme Bullets. Shallow cannelure and more of a rounded flat base than a true boat tail.

[@pony_4759]

I love this !!! its the completion of the cheap bullets !! Keep them coming . Ramshot tac is my choice

[@BuntMeister66]

Varget, more 3031, love the videos, your style has made watching this instructional media entertaining, and great for learning more, always good to learn more.

[@adamlong54]

This is why i run max powder charge . General dynamics 55grain bullets shoot well. As well any sst eld amax 55grain shoot well for me too.

[@dontask8979]

55gr SP Hornady and 8208 XBR is my go to blaster ammo. I made a batch with 6 or 8 different headstamps just for fun and it was still under 1 moa. It's the best shooting 55gr load iv tried in that barrel.

[@matthewraymond3733]

Ramshot TAC!!! 100% best 223 powder I've found...at least with the Cam-Pro(Canadian Military) bullets I use.

[@albertlemont5471]

I had good luck with that also.

[@craiganderson3170]

Since there is a shortage of cheap loaded ammo, I am forced to learn something new. thanks for the introduction to this ar stuff. I managed to find a thou of Win bench rest small primers, 3oo Hornady 55's and some pmc once fired cases. Next is the powder. I use IMR in my 30-06 and 243 so this 3031 might be my next purchase if I can find it ..8/25/2020...

[@Thorsaxe777]

Well,,, I don't think anyone seen that coming. Hornady has always been my favorite as far as accuracy goes. I have similar results with my Rock River upper-(A-2) configuration. The barrel is the same manufacture and chamber as yours, however with the 20-inch barrel. It really likes N-140 with the 75-grain match bullet. (Off subject). But It looks like you have raised the dead with your opinion of the 55-grain Hornady. Good searies Johnny, Keep it up over there. Dave

[@robertbush8327]

Love the video, good job, my bone stock AR DPMS Oracle likes the Hornady bullet above 3,000 fps. Under groups open up also.

[@ditchdigger93]

I want to say I settled on your IMR 3031 top load, 26.0 grain and 55 grain Hornady bullet as a go and have loaded lets say a LOT of them sense. Shoots good in both of my guns and accurate. I'm not sure you can get enough 3031 in a .223 case to hurt a gun. Sort of like Varget.

[@060blade]

Very interesting results. Was not expecting that at all!

[@SleeplessInFl]

You should try the 62 grain bthp from midsouthshooterssupply. They are a bulk Hornady bullet

[@FT4Freedom]

Looks like those last three Hdy groups are in a comfortable harmonic node. 🎉

[@spektrum841]

I've been reasonably happy with the version 2 bullets from RMR. Ordered a thousand some time ago and I'm still working my way through them.

[@tjh44961]

Another thing that would be good, both in this series, and the Mk 262 series, would be consistency tests. Take a load that shoots one outstanding group, and load four more sets of five of that load, and see if the groups are consistent, or if it was just a fluke. Even a blind pig finds an acorn now and then...

[@ravenreader4772]

+1

[@SilverHunterIsHunted]

Tom Herbert agreed

[@Thorsaxe777]

Agreed. Things to consider other that the "oops" in marksmanship. I wish that Johnny would get some type of machine rest for his rifles when it comes to accuracy. He isn't a bad shot, however taking the shooter out of the picture as best as you can demenstrate a better foundation of evaluations within parameters of all the other variables. Dave.

[@SilverHunterIsHunted]

Thor's Axe777 that would be good for an ultimate accuracy test. But I like watching Johnny shoot. It makes me anxious when he's hitting those close shots hoping he gets it really small.

[@shotdog4237]

Thor's Axe, he doe's it all the time! when was the last time you saw him "in the picture" ha ha

[@todorp4056]

thanks for the great reviews, I discovered your channel few day ago and I keep watching. can you please test Sierra .224 55 GR SBT

[@mikeingeorgia1]

That 25.2 gr with the Hornadys was an awesome group! Definitely gotta try some Shooter's World Powders though.

[@krisgreenwood5173]

After watching this video I started loading. 223 with 3031. It is a nicely accurate powder. I have found that if I want to load 24.6 grains of 3031, my case has to be at least 1.760" long. Anything shorter and the case will not hold 24.6 grains. The 24.6 pretty much fills the cases to the top. My conclusion is, with coarse stick powder you need all of the case length you can get.

[@drywallman1986]

You wouldn't be able too seat the bullets on cantelure if the cases were longer. Would exceed max length but you can seat too whatever you want I guess.

[@krisgreenwood5173]

@drywallman1986 it seems to get the length I want, I rarely seat on the cannalure. It's more of a landmark.

[@Themello89s]

Try the Hornady 55gr sp w/ cannelure. They are the same price as the FMJ but can be used for hunting. I'm working up some loads for my 22-250 using that bullet. Just yesterday I shot a .67 group at 100yds.

[@markmcguire920]

THATS WHAT I USE. 3031 55G HORNADY SP GREAT COMBO.

[@lantzfamilyadventures5845]

What powder do you use for the hornady sp?

[@TheRednek99]

How about the Hornady 55gr sp wc that you can buy in bulk at Midsouth, or the dogtown bullets from Midway. Love the videos keep up the good work!

[@dgunnut6550]

Great video! I vote for you trying the Hornady 55gr. SP WC. I have had some good results with the FMJ version that you test in the video (not as good as you), however not much luck with the SP version. By the way, IMR/Hodgon should be paying you as I think you just sold me on a pound of 3031! Keep up the good work!

[@tjmanton7125]

I know it's 6+ months ago but what about CFE 223?

[@swampysanta5445]

how do u stuff 26 grains imr3031 my cases 24 is flowing over the case mouth

[@michaellacy8510]

Love these videos! Maybe try shooting 5 or so groups with you best combinations? Would be great to see! Thanks!

[@mikesimpson7748]

You know as much as I do love accuracy, most of my cases that I shoot are mixed brand range brass. I throw powder, primer, and bullet in them and they go boom. I would love to see you do a test with bobs bullets and the most accurate powder/primer combo you have tried, in a batch of mixed range brass just to show what is possible with mixed brass.

[@angelaprater2679]

John here was keeping some records of your loads H335 vs Bench Rest. I use H335 maybe alittle voter than 3031. Never used B.R but I think it would be closer to 3031. Thanks anyway .

[@THutch556]

24.5-25.0 grains of H335 is a very common load for many people that run the Hornady 55 grain bullets. JRB nice job on the shooting. I have never achieved a 1/2" group with those Hornady's but I have with the Bobs'. Varget is my pick though for powder as you shot good groups with I believe 26 grains of Varget and Bobs' bullets, but there is still room to test the upper end of Varget.

[@BlackdogADV]

T Hutch my Hornady manual only goes up to 22.8 of 3031 (3100).

[@anthonyreddy2834]

Is that because Hornady bullets have deeper cannalure's? And the crimp?

[@VitoBb1978]

JRB the last time you loaded up some IMR-3031 you used Winchester Small Rifle Primers, this time you used Federal. When doing this type of testing change one component at a time, by changing the primer you changed/added a variable, thus you point of impact and groups changed

[@christopherspann9981]

Hey I like your videos I just got in to reloading but I have a lot of questions about stuff I’ve learned a lot from you so far was just wondering if you could answer some questions I have thanks for your time

[@joeyfren1748]

You really make great videos. I have great accuracy with Speer 55g spitzer and blc2.

[@paulseebach5978]

I'm very interested in the Everglades. That's what I've been buying and have found them to be all over the place on length when measuring the OGIVE. I look forward to your results. Hey thanks for weighing your bullets that time. It was a veriable that needed to be eliminated in your testing and you did. Exelent programming as usual.

[@AdolfoGallardoJr]

Your videos are addicting!!!!

[@452Rob]

It would be interesting to see what kind of accuracy you can squeeze out of the 55 grain fmjbt milsurp bullets. I just ordered 1000 and they came out about the same as the Bobs' Bullets. I was planning on trying CFE223, Varget and H335. I may need to add 3031 to the list.

[@timwalsh7287]

Very good.

[@muddyboatcalls2368]

Fl resizing doesn’t control head space like neck size You can flatten primers even in light loads depending on the amount of slop.

[@jeffreybray4473]

maybe you should look at how far off the lands it takes to give good results? When I was doing service rifle comp, I found that it made a difference. Also the crimp can cause variations in performance. I used case tension to hold bullets. Undersized the case mouth a few thousands was enough to assure retention. I like your methodology!

[@melectrician]

Midway varmaggedon bullets would be fun and the midsouth against the fmj. I have always had the same luck you are with those bullets on a 1:8 twist but they work well in my 22-250 at about 3600fps on 1:12 twist.

[@melectrician]

Also h380, varget, h335 have been good in those 2 rifles.

[@charlesmagda339]

I'd like to see 60gr8 VMAX and IMR 3031. I like your videos, keep it up.. Charles

[@montygiavelli8125]

What's the twist rate on the barrel that you shoot in this test ?? Good videos !!

[@gregtollers4496]

Have you tried reloaded 7 21.5 grains. Fast powder but will work with a carbine gas system.

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

I haven't tried Reloder 7 in 223 but I will soon! I have plenty on hand because of 300 Blackout, so I should definitely give it a shot. Thanks for the tip.

[@Swede109g]

Every day is different, and a change in primer can change everything.. Interesting how in the start, the Hornady outpaced Bobs in velocity, but at 26.0grs they were virtually identical..

[@Morphz_Unlimited]

Could it be the hard crimp seating in the deeper cannelure with everything else considered be the reason for the accuracy/consistency of the Hornady bullet? Awesome vid! Also, you have to get a copy of Lyman's AR Reloading Handbook

[@dufus2273]

I never crimp 55fmjbt

[@EndingTimes0]

Hornady soft point bulk ammo shoots REALLY good in my psa FN hammer forged barrel. I used to see it for the same price as their fmjbt but not so much lately.

[@nailed2thecross01]

$9.99.... that wasnt even that long ago! Man.

[@ibthumper2]

OUT OF STOCK, seems to be the common thing as of late. Not sure why. Anyway, thanks for expanding my little mind.

[@karlasmus381]

Have you tried VV N130 powder?

[@SargesAdventures]

How about a good cheap 62 gr bullet for .223 in bulk..... Any recommendations?

[@danc4592]

Well I tried the IMR 3031 in my Odin Works 18 inch dmr 1-8 223 wydle barrel,. I did NOT go above the Lee book top load of 24.6. 24.6 was also on the IMR web page as top load. for me 24.0 grains was best with Hornady 55 fmjbt bullet at 2.260 OAL. .650 to .900 was were it was with all groups at 100 yards. BUT boy first time with 3031 it is long stick powder. Doesn't meter great. I checked every load. My Lee drum powder would do pretty well but would get a load light sometimes by point 1 to point 2 grains. I measured every load. I will try Varget next as that meters well in my Lee setup.

[@DAP-1776]

I'd like to see the best cheap subsonic bullet/powder combo that shoots tight groups.

[@kevinbarton3295]

What about the Xtreme bullets they are around 10 cents each and they have sales all the time with free shiping

[@stevenscaccia4979]

BLC(2) and TAC 🤘🏼

[@plow9133]

I shot very good groups using the CFE233 with the Hornady FMJBT 55 gr and Sierra Blitzking 55gr. Got the Sierra down to .52 and the Hornady .68

[@Burnoutman721]

what charge & OAL are you using?

[@plow9133]

Burnoutman721 I used 2.250

[@garrytalley8009]

Both Sierra and Hornady have better concentricity than most other bullets in their price range. Hornady being the less expensive of the two. I very seldom use any less than a Hornady in reloading unless putting together some cheap pistol practice rounds where I may use some Berry's. Not looking for accuracy there though.

[@514curt]

How about bullet seconds vs regular production? I'm thinking it was MidWay that was selling Hornady seconds. I use lots of Serria seconds because they are just on the other side of town. Seconds seem to be about half the price of the standard green box bullets. Let me know if you want more info and I can get you a copy of the price list.

[@Commiefornia]

How about Armscor bulk 224 vs Bob's?

[@cgmickjr3357]

Have you tried hornady 55gr flat base spire point using imr3031 and h4895 powders? I use the 4895 in my 308 rounds, very accurate.

[@jimmypage4753]

26.0 varget COL 2.200 LC brass with those bulk hornady's is my go to

[@williamkowalchik572]

I have bought PPU and Armscor PPU 55gr hp both were around 8-9 cents each.

[@jamesbird6173]

Maybe in the next video of the Bob's vs Hornady you should shoot a couple groups M193 55gr. Ball ammo to compare as well. Might be interesting.

[@jeremyadams3377]

Johnny... love the vids... keep em coming

[@edp1189]

Try the X-treme 55gn fmj, but they are only slightly less than $0.10. Have you tried taper crimping???

[@dufus2273]

x-treme never has anything in stock. I got a free shipping certificate but they're always out of the 50-55gr bullets. I finally deleted their site.

[@johnblood3731]

have to find some 3031 for the 1500 horandy bullits i have.thanks.

[@greyman1611]

Another great video. Any chance you might delve into why certain powders might be a good combinations with a certain bullet ? You allude to it but is there a method other than curiosity or previous experience.? I usually go with the fastest velocities in reloading book, but is this the best method? Thanks again for excellent series!

[@markcarlton1182]

Another great video Johnny! Been shooting Hornady with 26.5gr AA2230 and 27.5gr WCC844 for years. But I have been using chrome lined barrels and red dot sights which are not going to result in MOA groups. Being a snob, I only shoot 75gr and 77gr through my WOA barrel FWIW. I do shoot some 55gr Hornady's in the WOA gun but don't expect MOA groups. There are so many garbage 55gr FMJ bullets on the market like Winchester's and LC that are 3MOA at best. I have had better results with the Hornady's. I will have to try some Bob's in the future.

[@FT4Freedom]

My DD chrome lined M4 barrel shoots sub MOA with match loads.

[@Dustysa4]

I get very reasonable groups from the Hornady 55 gr FMJ-BT bullets. And they're priced very competitively. In this style bullet, I've honestly never tried anything but the Hornady. But, I'm running low now, so it'll be interesting to see if you find anything that beats them in accuracy, and price.

[@Dogtrainerslife]

Have you tried Rocky mountain reloading?

[@jeremyadams3377]

Johnny... can you answer a question I have about seating depth and case pressure..?

[@Rick-tb4so]

Have you done any compared testing with and without a cannelure ?

[@op25ttfd]

Of course you know I am not a reloader yet and in no way do I have any knowledge. The reason I mentioned that is because I have a question about this video. Is it possible that seating the hornaday a little bit lower and having a tighter crimp then you did with the Bob's bullet is the reason for the results you got?

[@jungleno.]

You don’t need to be factory crimping those Hornady bullets.

[@christopherelmer30]

Dogtown Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 55 Grain Hollow Point with 24 grain of AR-comp

[@markmcguire920]

There is a good load with TAC. I use 25.1gr with all my 55s sub MOA on all.

[@HoofPrintsDR]

I'd like to see Armscor .224 Caliber 55 Grain Full Metal Jacket-Boat Tail Bullets from Surplus Ammo I'm really enjoying the shootout but wonder is there some way to chat directly to you?

[@MrAwesomeglock]

Shooters World powder. Is IMR 3031 Temp sensitive ?

[@krisgreenwood5173]

How did you get more than 25 grains in a .223 case with 3031 ?? It is a great powder. I replaced it with Benchmark which is in the burn rate.

[@luckywyatt]

I have a case of them .224 hornady fmj bullets. Show us the IMR 8208.

[@gsitzkowitz]

A little off subject but I've got a question. I just loaded some 50 gr Nosler BT varmint rounds with 27.5 grs of CFE223. Winchester small primers at 2.260 OAL. This is a mid load from the Nosler manual. More than a full grain and a half lower than max. Flat to very flat primers! They shoot well but these are for a prairie dog hunt so I'd be running a lot of them. Should I worry about damaging my AR?

[@motorgearhead]

You got the same result I got with Hornaday & Bob’s although I use RL10. Hornaday’s consistently shoot 30-40% tighter groups than bobs. Off topic, but checkout Everglades 75 gr Bullets over 24.0 grains of varget. It is a .6 moa load in my 24” 223 Wylde AR.

[@chavezc23]

Where do you get your load data?

[@yz250jim]

Have you tested Berry’s Bullets?

[@grantatkinson5531]

Win 748. I have a shit load of it. Use it for .308. haven't had a chance to go to a good outdoor range to test them. I have 8 different loads with the Hornady 150gn BT. I work too much to go shooting. I love my jobs but I don't get to go shooting like I want to.

[@dufus2273]

I notice when I use bob's 55 fmjbt and do a compressed load, it distorts the tip of the bullet nose ever so slightly. they must be very soft. the only cases where I need a compressed load is on the CBC [Brazilian] cases. smallest capacity I've ever seen. why don't people shoot better brass for me to pick up? I loaded all kinds they are the smallest capacity. gonna toss'em right after I shoot them. I was using 26.0 gr. of varget. good video