Bobs' vs Hornady 55gr fmjbt - IMR 3031

UPDATED 09/27/2018 - All links have been removed to comply with KZbin content policies.
www.patreon.com/reloading

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@SleeplessInFl]

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

[@swampysanta5445]

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

[@Ronin-sh7pg]

sierra 69gr hpbt match king. because cheap isn't always better

[@jungleno.]

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

[@everythingphil9376]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@afkirby]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@nailed2thecross01]

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

[@thrivealist9458]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@anthonyreddy2834]

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

[@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.*

[@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!

[@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...

[@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?

[@stevenscaccia4979]

BLC(2) and TAC 🤘🏼

[@SargesAdventures]

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

[@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.

[@mikeingeorgia1]

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

[@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!

[@davidinsvaz7883]

Ads you cannot immediately opt out of, I will never use that product...ever. SPAM is SPAM...how insulting to consumers...

[@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.

[@angelaprater2679]

Hornady FMJ now 30.00 for 100 bullet same for Bob's bullet 2024 April.

[@keithreutter4253]

Try Winchester 55gr. Fmj with winchester 748 powder

[@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.

[@tjmanton7125]

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

[@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.

[@richardmaka7603]

Imr 4046

[@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.

[@brianmaney8687]

I’m fairly new to reloading and have a bunch of imr 3031 and Hornady 55gr fmj bt. The Hornady load data gives a max load of 22.8gr for imr 3031. I loaded some at 22.0gr (Hornady suggested middle of the road load) and they wouldn’t even cycle my ar. .....my lee reloading manual gives a max load of imr3031 at 24.6 grains (compressed load), and every vid/forum i look at Basically says just cram the case to the brim with imr3031. #confused. Help a new reloader out.. how much imr3030 to get my ar to cycle AND not blow my face off?? Ps. I am using mainly range pick up brass.

[@NightSniper64]

Brian, since you are new to reloading it is important for you to know that all brass is different. The case capacity varies by brand. You need to watch your pressure signs. Start lower and work your way up. Keep your eye on the primers after firing. Make sure that when you pick up range brass you F/L resize it. There is a very good tool to have. Its called QuickLoads. Its a program on the computer and it can help greatly as a guide. I run Hodgdon H4895 and CFE223. These powders are great. The H4895 is a cleaner burning powder than the CFE223, but you can achieve faster velocities. Hope this helps.

[@brianmaney8687]

Thanks Mark. That’s very helpful info. I was actually just learning about different brass having various load capacities. I recently found that my 14.5 556 midlength upper really loves 23.3 grains of this powder, and my 18” rifle gas 223 wylde upper likes it hotter at the max load of 24.6 grains (I don’t have the balls to push it beyond that... YET lol). I’ll be sure to check out quickloads. Thanks again mark. Greatly appreciate it.

[@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).

[@danc4592]

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

[@Steve-iv4vr]

I’ve had excellent accuracy with Hornady 55 Fmj bullet hole to bullet hole with 223 super formance. At a hundred yrs

[@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!

[@charlesmagda339]

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

[@skipboyer1889]

Do YOU ever call a shot? I mean, I have been shooting for a loooong time, and I have to call a shot every once in a while. I was taught how to shoot by my Dad, former GySgt USMC, and then by my PMI in the Corps. So, just wondering. Every bad group is the ammo’s fault?

[@tonygotts199]

The IMR 3031 is good powder with the Hornady

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

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

[@davidunderwood3605]

I've always found Hornady or Sierra to be the most accurate. One other note Bass Pro has purchased Cabelas for a few billion$ and not for sure what or how this will effect there company. Love Cabelas, Bass Pro is not bad but can be pricey some times.

[@garrytalley8009]

They will both stay separate but share some merchandise keeping their best store brands they are noted for. They both are pretty much priced the same. Each has their better deals and the rest they make it up on. I buy from both. The Cabela's card will be able to get points and use them at either store. They are in the process of a card change to Capitol One.

[@RobertKearl-Outdoor-Adventures]

Accurate 2520 and Hornady Eldm federal 205m primers

[@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.

[@MrAwesomeglock]

Shooters World powder. Is IMR 3031 Temp sensitive ?

[@dwightlooi]

With the MINIMAL boat tail on these bullets, it is better that they have a FLAT BASE. Flat bases are more accurate and affords marginally higher case capacity. The kind of minimal boat tailing affords so little ballistic advantage, especially on the short and light 55 grainers, that they are not worth it.

[@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

[@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

[@michaellacy8510]

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

[@MrBoo1963]

I know this is late, but I'm real surprised you didn't see in the bullet's what I saw. 10/29/2022

[@johnblood3731]

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

[@markmcguire920]

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

[@williamkowalchik572]

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

[@pony_4759]

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

[@christopherelmer30]

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

[@devandeamer6799]

Ramshot TAC

[@DAP-1776]

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

[@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?

[@AdolfoGallardoJr]

Your videos are addicting!!!!

[@johnreynolds6499]

I just bought some varmint nightmare but before I saw your head to head.

[@jimmypage4753]

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

[@timhendrickson515]

I would check for problems with that gas gun

[@Rick-tb4so]

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

[@rickflannery9986]

Bob's bullets suck, where is the recycling basket? Lol

[@dt3852]

Next Accurate 2015 vs Benchmark

[@thompsonjerry3412]

Repeat with longer length.

[@TheZbadam1]

agreed. That would be cool.

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

This was my first thought but I figured people would find it boring or the video wouldn't get many views. Maybe I was wrong! Maybe we'll do a new powder in the next video, then circle back around and re-shoot this one with longer oal. It will all depend on the results of the next video, though. Man, we need like 10 videos a day to cover these things properly!

[@jimmypage4753]

keep milking out those videos like you've been doing at your own pace. its always a treat to see these budget plinker vids and all the experimenting that goes on

[@thompsonjerry3412]

one variable, good answer

[@shotdog4237]

one a day is fine, you'll be gettin into your huntin and fishin time, and nobody wants to lose that time!

[@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!

[@ewetho]

BLC2

[@thompsonjerry3412]

Try small squares and aim at the corners.

[@otm646]

Thompson Jerry this vernier style sight alignment is the best option short of using a locked down sled.

[@ryansanderson3867]

Those same Hornady bullets are like $40 in Canada

[@TheReloadingPress]

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

[@kevinbarton3295]

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

[@timhendrickson515]

If you really want to test for accuracy you should be using a good bolt gun

[@kentolson3478]

Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ = .06 per round

[@montygiavelli8125]

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

[@Commiefornia]

How about Armscor bulk 224 vs Bob's?

[@joeyfren1748]

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

[@karlasmus381]

Have you tried VV N130 powder?

[@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.

[@ibthumper2]

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

[@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.

[@gregjones7648]

What about blc2 really good Powder

[@gregjones7648]

What about blc2 really good Powder

[@markmcguire920]

Xterminator! Big time MPH!!!! I get into the 3100s with only 24.5g WSR primers tho.

[@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

[@garyjohns5817]

I keep telling you AA2200 will beat almost all powders in .223,,,, 69 gr bullets and lower !!!

[@cpt429]

Xtreme bullets 55 gr fmj bt and tac powder

[@francisswistak8038]

All the testing needed was done 25 years ago and I used mfg. recommended loads and this is really not that relevant today. I'm sure a newbie would appreciate this info but with consistent .5-inch groups, sloppy technique, and a cheap rig, an RCBS single stroke.

[@anthonyreddy2834]

Try Berry's vs Bob's just picked up 500 rounds of Berry's for $49.95

[@anthonymagill3714]

The SD's were good with the hornady