Dedicated AR-22

[@kennethmitchell2785]

Well done. I have the CMMG conversion kit but I want a dedicated upper. I learned a few things and that was why I was here.

[@kenboyles72]

I run the conversion kit in a <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="69">1:9</a> twist barrel and get about 1-1.5 in groups at 50 yrds with CCI mini mags and Aguila. With bulk target ammo, I have had groups open up to 3 inches at 50 yrds, but at 35 yrds, groups are pretty descent. When I swap out to the conversion kit to go squirrel hunting, I always zero at 35 yrds and haven't missed one yet with any ammo. Some barrels/uppers run great with the conversion, some not so much.

[@rooknado]

Have any barrel recommendations?

[@Sookiecat]

Just bought a dedicated 22 Cmmg upper myself. Can’t wait to sight it in.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Did you buy a complete upper from them, or the barrel by itself?

[@GigAnonymous]

Same. Bought a full CMMG upper, with a 9" barrel. I'm shooting the same Aguila ammo, too, so those results give me a lot of hope.

[@BlackdogADV]

I had horrible luck with a new CMMG barrel I bought for my dedicated AR22, It was shooting 4-6” groups at 50 yards. After months of waiting CMMG sent me a new barrel. While I was waiting I bought a new Beyers barrel and it groups less then an inch at 50 yards. I’m using M&P mags and a Redi-Mag adapter, it’s 100% reliable.

[@anthonyvanek8685]

What ammo with the beyers ?

[@BlackdogADV]

@@anthonyvanek8685 CCI Standard.

[@anthonyvanek8685]

Hmm, thanks so @BlackdogADV in his first video he said the same he had to get a replacement barrel from cmmg but this gentleman was showing 2.4" groups at 100 with his second barrel, so the beyers barrels, you're just getting lighter barrel ?

[@BlackdogADV]

@@anthonyvanek8685 lighter, yes. In my case way more accurate. I haven’t shot at 100 yards yet.

[@rooknado]

What lower ? thank

[@isaiahlarios7272]

Amazing information, I appreciate your organization of the groupings with labels!

[@thereloadingcraft]

Thank you!

[@RaymondMares]

Love your videos…very clearly organized and the content is well delivered. Thank you!

[@thereloadingcraft]

Thank you! ☺️

[@hondasaurusrex6998]

I always enjoy videos related to the ye olde 22lr. As to the CMMG conversion kit try using bore buddy buffer tube plugs. It improves the accuracy of the setup. Keeps the kit more in place inside the upper.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Why a Custom AR-22 is BETTER (For Me) Than a 10/22. W/Better Mag Adapter and Bore Buddy Weight Kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZy7hKt6ncRgfpI Realized I’d never replied here or added the link to the newest video. Latest build details (including buffer plug and bolt weight kit) found here!

[@supergreatairgunreviews]

Great video and testing. My friend wants to get a conversion kit and I was telling him they don't group very well with a .223 barrel. Also your aim point changes so you either have to adjust the optic or just deal with it. That's why I just went with a M&P 15-22 instead. The conversion kit is still pretty cool for the price however, and can add a dedicated .22 upper later.

[@DaveinDenver01]

Outstanding upper vs conversion performance testing! THX!

[@thereloadingcraft]

You’re most welcome!

[@robertseafield5810]

Great video and info. Thanks much! I have found over the years that certain loads will prefer their own fouling. So, shooting the five rounds first is a good idea when testing like you did.

[@michaelstubblefield253]

Just found this video just as good as your other one still waiting on us to come in glad we bought the right ammo

[@mmelgoza1983]

Love that Aguila Super Extra! One of my favorites.

[@0214Bub]

I used to shoot a cmmg conversion kit quite a bit until I picked up a 15-22. Recently I became interested in getting a dedicated cmmg upper so when I saw your video I thought I would give it a watch. I remember having a similar problem with random weak or light sounding shots. I finally came to the conclusion that the problem is the 22lr bolt carrier rocks ever so slightly back and forth causing the occasional odd shot. Recently I came across some company called BoreBuddy as I recall that makes aftermarket 22lr cmmg parts. One is a buffer plug thingy that supposedly reduces the issue that I was having and that my be your issue as well.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Yup, I am running their plug now, and was running my own version of one (felt pads for compression against the BCG) previous to that. Hoping to do a more detailed video on the build soon!

[@thereloadingcraft]

Why a Custom AR-22 is BETTER (For Me) Than a 10/22. W/Better Mag Adapter and Bore Buddy Weight Kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZy7hKt6ncRgfpI Detailed video is up!

[@utubemaine3]

Thank you for your excellent professional work.

[@thereloadingcraft]

You’re most welcome, appreciate the kind words!

[@grayj98k13]

I think for my money I’d just stick with the drop in kit running mini mags. I wish you did a 100yd group with it just for fun. Great video.

[@kensweet386]

Adding the BoreBuddy kit to the CMMG bolt seems to improve accuracy.

[@xstevenx8132]

Great video. Answers a question I’ve had a for a long time. The questions I still have are would a 223 or 223 Wylde be more accurate with less neck space? Also, have you tried the bore buddy products? Specifically the pressure plug, I feel like that might take out any additional slop. Overall, the question is what is the best possible setup for the cmmg kit? I think the dedicated would still be the best but it would definitely make for an interesting comparison. If you are anywhere near DFW I have some uppers that could be tested.

[@thereloadingcraft]

I have recently put up a video testing it as a dedicated build that should answer a lot of those questions haha Why a Custom AR-22 is BETTER (For Me) Than a 10-22. W/Better Mag Adapter and Bore Buddy Weight Kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZy7hKt6ncRgfpI

[@xstevenx8132]

@@thereloadingcraft haha what an appropriately timed video.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Hopefully it was helpful!

[@craigromack6156]

I don't have an ar in 22lr or a conversion kit. I don't have accuracy issues at 25 yards. A henry lever, ruger 10/22 and cz 457 varmint precision. I'm starting to get into precision testing, just haven't done much yet

[@thereloadingcraft]

Nice! Which Henry lever do you have?

[@craigromack6156]

@thereloadingcraft should be a model H001, basic old 22 rifle. I do have a Henry model x in 44 mag, but wasn't referring to that one.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Solid. I have a friend with one and they’re excellent 👌🏻

[@craigromack6156]

@thereloadingcraft seems to have a slight issue with feeding. It gives a little difficulty sometimes. Normally I just slam it in hard and I'm good. Seems perfectly accurate. I mounted a vortex 2-7x32, I believe it is. Nothing special, plenty good for 25 yards

[@awsomedude9111]

Aguila! Interesting never thought much of ammo from Mexico but we got lots of it when I worked at Academy.

[@thereloadingcraft]

It’s good stuff!

[@Kenny-uc1yp]

The Aguila extra velocity is great in .22lr. It's hard to beat it on price and performs with mini mag.

[@TheLoneRanger745]

I researched all the conversation kits and dedicated M-4 type 22lr rifles, I found Tippmann Arms M4-22 Elite Pro ALL Metal construction. I installed Holosuns HS403r w/HS3X magnifier, my indoor range is 25yrds after dialing in I was very happy to get quarter size groups,(CCI 40gr. mini mag solid nose 1235) I've considered putting a PSA drop in 3.5lb. trigger which I have on two others 556's and did make a difference for Me on accuracy. But I don't think My Tippmann or i could do much better. Trigger hammer weight is a factor , Tippmann's hammer is already tuned and good enough stock , but PSA's 3.5lb. Trigger is great in a 556 it's single stage, pressure and brake.

[@bilbobaggins8876]

In my dedicated upper,(not CMMG) I can get about 1 inch groups at 50 yards from a bench with CCI standards. The ammo I was really surprised by was armscor high velocity hollow points. In my particular set up they did almost as well as the CCI standards.

[@USMCGUY2020]

What barrel are you running?

[@anon7286]

I think a problem with this testing is that you have what should be the more accurate barrel with a scope that has, what, quadruple the magnification of the less accurate barrel and optic. It’s not a fair comparison. I’m not saying that you should swap optics around and take time to zero, but having both at a common zoom would definitely eliminate another variable. Anyone who argues that they can group the same at any magnification or that magnification is irrelevant- that isn’t the point. Making as many aspects the same is the point so you can test the difference between the two parts in question. In this case, we don’t know if the accuracy issue was for sure the barrel, or the reduction in magnification.

[@josephbolz4550]

I take it the dedicated upper is a no name as I bought one from Konza guns which is one of 50 bazillion ar-15 name stampers. Works great but came with no papers. So if mine is the same as your which it looks like it is a mp-22 mag will also work besides the cmmg

[@boopy123]

I Appreciate this video so much! Great job!

[@thereloadingcraft]

Thank you! ☺️

[@VexingVelvet]

What is the brand of this dedicated upper? I watched this twice and can't find this in a description...

[@VexingVelvet]

Nvm it's a DIY, I thought it was a complete upper from a brand, my bad...

[@5jjt]

Does your dedicated 22lr upper have a carteidge shaped component permanently attached to the chamber area? When I search for dedicated 22lr barrels, they all seem to have an attachment that appears like a 5.56 cartridge. I know my CMMG conversion 22lr BCG has that same 5.56 cartridge thing attached. Im wondering if any 22lr platform gets away from this design. In your video, you refer to it as the conversion kit nose. I guess what im asking is if your dedicated barrel has a permanent nose attached to it.

[@briank.7937]

Very surprised at cci standard! I buy automatic all the time for my pistols and my RAR .22lr. at $21 for a box at Wally world, it's the one I stack deep. Minus that bucket of bullets I got for $60.

[@thereloadingcraft]

I was too! It shoots pretty well in my Walther P22, but didn't in this for some reason. Any insight to why would be appreciated!

[@JPFM2509]

Thanks for the video. Greetings from Brazil.

[@CharlesLaBuhn]

DPMS 16" 5.56 with a 1 in 9 twist rate. Just bought one on sale for $129 with one mag. Already had a boat load of .22 Golden bullets from Remington with the same ballistics as the Mini-Mags. Going to go shoot it soon.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Sweet deal!

[@CharlesLaBuhn]

@@thereloadingcraft I wrote that poorly. I was telling him about the rifle, and made it seem as though IT cost $129. But the rifle cost me $399 (after $100 rebate), and the CCMG .22 conv kit cost the $129. Sorry.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Nope, I was tracking actually, assumed as much that you meant the conversion kit haha

[@johnfowler6189]

Aguila 40gr super x rules. Love that stuff. No barrel fouling but kinda smells funny

[@thereloadingcraft]

Yup! It’s my go-to plinking and training ammo. Reliable, but yes I think it smells like super glue 😂

[@johnfowler6189]

​@@thereloadingcraft is that barrel the premium CMMG 1:16, 17" medium taper, 4140 CM? If so, it's a great barrel. You can shoot 1" groups at 50yd all day.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Haven’t had such luck with mine, sadly. The first one I got had such abysmal accuracy I returned it, the second one that you see here isn’t bad but it can’t compare to my borebuddy match AR-22 barrel.

[@thereloadingcraft]

HOW is this SO ACCURATE? Bolt-action accuracy out of an AR-22! BoreBuddy Apogee Match 22lr Barrel kzbin.info/www/bejne/enfIpKeQbaesjpY Video here

[@pvegod1484]

Do subsonics run through 22 ars? Looking to get one here in the uk for hunting but I always use subs. Dont know if it’s too optimistic though as my cz457 shoots half inch groups at 50 yards. Just think they look cook

[@thereloadingcraft]

Yep, these kits have fairly light bolts, and usually cycle most subs just fine

[@AngelGdo]

Great video!

[@thereloadingcraft]

Thanks!!

[@anthonyvanek8685]

Plz Get a Borebuddy Apogee match barrel and a beyers match aluminum sleved barrel do the same test, then with some semi-match grade just to see the upper limit some federal gold, eley auto, etc not talking tenx but would love to see the capability of the ar22 everyone is saying they wont compete with a 10/22 with match barrel 🙏

[@thereloadingcraft]

I would love to, if they were in the budget at the moment. Unfortunately both are fairly pricey

[@sharedpollard4407]

The most striking thing was how low on the target you hit with the conversion kit. The dedicated is traveling faster?

[@thereloadingcraft]

Oh yes, 5.56 is 3000+ FPS, while 22 LR is usually 1300 max

[@jamesphillips4836]

@@thereloadingcraft ?????????

[@darrel15]

Platforms needed to be more similar imo at least optics. I shoot 22 groups at 25 yards on 12-15x magnification. 6x at 50 isn’t cutting it for precision groups

[@dtroy15]

1.25" at 50 yards isn't 1.25 MOA, it's just under 2.5. thanks for the comparison video.

[@andydufresnejr]

a dedicated RTB upper with PSA lower should work right?

[@thereloadingcraft]

It should, yes

[@BlackdogADV]

I’m sorry to say my new CMMG barrel is terrible! It’s 8 months old and I can’t exchange it. Tested it today and got 5 3/4” at 50 yards with Mimi Mags. I should have spent another $100 and got a Beyer barrel. This is a dedicated .22.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Mini-mags aren’t always the best determiner for accuracy. Try some CCI standard velocity regular LRN ammo and see if it improves, would be my recommendation. If not you may have gotten a bad barrel too. I’m not sure if they had a bad lot or what, but I did end up with a good one finally

[@BlackdogADV]

I should have mentioned I tried the CCI standard velocity also and it was 5” groups. I’ve heard of several people that received bad barrels from CMMG. I just informed them of this issue, hopefully I’ll get it sorted.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Keep me posted if ya can, I’m curious to hear what they say/how they resolve it. If it’s shooting 5” with SV…absolutely a no go.

[@BlackdogADV]

As it turned out it took 3 months but CMMG did replace it, I just got it 2 days ago. But while I was waiting I bought a Beyers barrel and it’s grouping under an inch at 50 yards. I’ll put the new CMMG (medium profile) in the classifieds. I finally have a shower I’m proud of.

[@USMCGUY2020]

@@BlackdogADV Which Beyers barrel did you get?

[@-1Patroit.]

Season the barrel 🤯

[@jonathanlunger2775]

I think you should get a tank break for your .22

[@thereloadingcraft]

I like this idea!

[@nathanderk4854]

Federal Bulk Pack CPHP- Absolute Garbage! Higher price doesn't always mean better.

[@thereloadingcraft]

100% agree I would take AutoMatch any day haha

[@mlone7]

Federal 36gr is absolute junk. I bought 6400 rds of them. I use them to warm barrels before settling in to get serious. Bore Buddy's premium kit with a dedicated barrel rules.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Oof, yeah that’s rough. Also have you seen that bore buddy is releasing a match grade 22 barrel here really soon? I think end of the month it goes live

[@mlone7]

I already contacted Will, the owner, and reserved my spot on those barrels. 21" barrel so it ought to be pretty accurate. @@thereloadingcraft

[@thereloadingcraft]

Nice! Let me know what kind of accuracy you get, if you think of it!

[@anthonyvanek8685]

Is the borebuddy upper using the match or the blaster barrel ?

[@mlone7]

@@anthonyvanek8685 I am using a CMMG 17" barrel. They call it a 16 but it measures 17. I was going to buy the 21" from bore buddy but bought the CMMG right before it was available and after using it I was happy with the accuracy and held off of the 21". I am not using a bore buddy upper assy and dont know if they offer such a product but it would seem that would be next on Will's list.

[@11C1P]

Using a <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="68">1:8</a> twist barrel for the conversion kit is hardly a fair comparison.

[@thereloadingcraft]

For a conversion, it’s currently the most popular twist rate for 5.56 barrels. Yeah you can buy a specific 1:7 or 1:9 or 1/12, but you’re most likely going to be using a standard 5.56 barrel or building an AR-22 upper using a dedicated 22 lr barrel.

[@MrZola1234]

I would like to see an apple to apple comparison, you rigged this one to much in favor of the dedicated upper.

[@thereloadingcraft]

How so?

[@MrZola1234]

@thereloadingcraft as you said, bipod vs no bipod, stronger scope. Also, looked so much more focused when setting up.

[@thereloadingcraft]

@@MrZola1234 agreed, on camera for this clip. What wasn’t shown was the hours of group testing prior to filming, and testing the conversion upper prior to even making this video. I can say the groups here were indicative of those previous group trends as well. To be honest I was not happy with the accuracy out of the dedicated upper, and ended up sending back the barrel for a replacement, and adding in a bolt weight kit and mag adapter, all of which lead to better groups. Check out my latest video on the build for a performance comparison, and what I’ve ultimately settled on as being the ideal AR-22 for me. Why a Custom AR-22 is BETTER (For Me) Than a 10/22. W/Better Mag Adapter and Bore Buddy Weight Kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZy7hKt6ncRgfpI

[@SCORESHOT990]

@@thereloadingcraft I have no doubt a dedicated 22lr will typically be more accurate than a "conversion". Mine is. However, this was NOT an "apples to apples" fair comparison. Bipod vs bag, High power scope vs Low power scope, Low power scope not zeroed to aim point, OR intentionally zeroed to impact well below aim point.

[@Jcasta8]

@@thereloadingcraftyou know what you did 🤨

[@brentstevens8207]

There is absolutely no reason to "Season the bore". You only worry about the cold shot, and the rest will be better. Thing about cold shots, if you are not familiar with how your rifle shoots cold, you can miss your shot.

[@thereloadingcraft]

With 22 and differing ammo types, yes there is a reason to season it. I’ve done multiple test groups and that is evident by the results. Switching between a waxed LRN to a plated HP or vice versa usually takes at least 10-15 rounds I’ve found for accuracy to stabilize. Cold bore shots are also a thing, but with 22 rimfire fouling shots do matter if you’re changing ammo types for sure.

[@Whitchhunter666]

Always get your barrel used to the lube on each type of ammo. And a new barrel will need several boxes for barrel to season.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Well said!

[@Whitchhunter666]

@@thereloadingcraft ❤️

[@roadtrippin2781]

I can't find any links but by the vast differences in your groups between the two I'd swear I should be able to find a link to that upper with you getting a kickback... I'm just like wow! Vastly different from the 50yd groups this gent got with two builds yet same conversion no dedi upper... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXi0aaqkpcSjn5o

[@slavikarlov]

I'd assume the 22lr would gunkip the gas port in the barrel going back to the bolt. Not ideal for a quality and very reliable 556.

[@thereloadingcraft]

In an actual 5.56 barrel they can. CMMG recommends running some 5.56 through after each range session to blow out the gas system.

[@slavikarlov]

@@thereloadingcraft tipman arms would be the way to go probably. I get the issue of affordability but be an adult first.

[@thereloadingcraft]

You do know I am now running it with a dedicated 22LR Ar-22 barrel, right? 🤨 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZy7hKt6ncRgfpI&feature=share9 ^Here is the full build details video.

[@Of-AgeConsentingNon-Related]

​@@slavikarlovi can afford to try ALL the options and buy another 556 rifle for dedicated backup. and i can darn sure clean the gas tube every so often, nerd.

[@5jjt]

You're lucky to have a private place to shoot.

[@thereloadingcraft]

It is a gun club so occasionally there are others there too, but yes I am definitely thankful

[@ck2503]

I sure hope so cuz I just spent a lot of money. XD

[@cecilandrews7479]

The groups aren't enough to justify that much money

[@organfan1968]

.22 Hollow points fly like crap

[@TheLoneRanger745]

The real problem with conversation kits are running your <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="67">1:7</a> twist 556 barrel. 22 just can't stabilize, super Xtra did good

[@thereloadingcraft]

So that’s actually a 1:8 twist, but I agree. Ended up liking the dedicated ar-22 upper and glad I did.

[@JohnHilman1968]

I'm running the conversion with a 1:9 twist. It seems to be good, but I do want a dedicated upper.