Butt Kickin' 5.56 Bullets - ep6 - 55gr Controlled Chaos

Published on June 12, 2017
Duration: 29:38

This video details the process of reloading 5.56x45mm ammunition using Lehi Defense 55gr Controlled Chaos bullets. The instructor demonstrates weighing powder charges, seating bullets to a specific overall length, and applying a light crimp. Ballistics testing is conducted with two different powders, Ramshot Exterminator (also known as Accurate 2230) and CFE 223, to evaluate performance and pressure signs.

Quick Summary

Reloading 5.56x45mm with Lehi Defense 55gr Controlled Chaos bullets involves seating them to 2.245 inches overall length. Ramshot Exterminator (Accurate 2230) is a recommended powder, yielding good accuracy. CFE 223 was also tested, requiring independent load development. Always adhere to strict safety protocols, such as only having one powder type open at a time.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to 5.56 Reloading
  2. 00:14Test Platform Setup
  3. 01:34Introducing Lehi Controlled Chaos Bullets
  4. 02:21Bullet Pricing and Options
  5. 02:46Lehi Defense Load Data Availability
  6. 03:00Ramshot Exterminator / Accurate 2230
  7. 04:07Testing CFE 223 Powder
  8. 04:33Load Data for Exterminator
  9. 05:05Developing Loads for CFE 223
  10. 05:51Primers, Brass, and Components
  11. 06:30Reloading Process Overview
  12. 07:12First Powder Charges
  13. 08:00Bullet Seating and Overall Length
  14. 09:04Bullet Design Observation
  15. 10:19Crimp Discussion
  16. 11:03First Completed Round
  17. 12:06Reloading Process Summary
  18. 12:37Range Setup and Chronograph
  19. 13:02Target Distance
  20. 13:34First Shots with Exterminator (22.5gr)
  21. 14:18Results for 22.5gr Exterminator
  22. 14:46Shooting 23.0gr Exterminator
  23. 15:18Results for 23.0gr Exterminator
  24. 15:39Shooting 23.5gr Exterminator
  25. 15:56Shooting 24.0gr Exterminator
  26. 16:13Brass Check After Exterminator Loads
  27. 16:17Shooting 24.5gr Exterminator (Factory Load)
  28. 17:05Transition to CFE 223
  29. 17:18Brass Check Before CFE 223
  30. 17:37Shooting 24.5gr CFE 223
  31. 18:11Results for 24.5gr CFE 223
  32. 19:06Shooting 25.0gr CFE 223
  33. 19:26Results for 25.0gr CFE 223
  34. 19:40Shooting 25.5gr CFE 223
  35. 20:09Results for 25.5gr CFE 223
  36. 20:20Shooting 26.0gr CFE 223
  37. 20:41Results for 26.0gr CFE 223
  38. 20:50Shooting 26.5gr CFE 223
  39. 21:33Results for 26.5gr CFE 223
  40. 22:06Bench Analysis and Group Measurement
  41. 22:08Safety Violation Discussion
  42. 23:39Ramshot Exterminator Performance
  43. 25:07CFE 223 Performance Analysis
  44. 26:14Brass Inspection and Pressure Signs
  45. 27:03Overall Day Conclusion
  46. 27:36Reloading Consistency
  47. 28:02The Future of Non-Lead Ammunition
  48. 29:16Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended powders for reloading Lehi Defense 55gr Controlled Chaos bullets?

Lehi Defense provides load data for Accurate 2230 (also known as Ramshot Exterminator). The instructor also tested CFE 223, developing loads independently due to a lack of official data.

What is the recommended overall length for Lehi Defense 55gr Controlled Chaos bullets?

The recommended overall length for the Lehi Defense 55gr Controlled Chaos bullet is 2.245 inches. This length is approximately 0.015 inches shorter than standard magazine length for AR-15 platforms.

How did Ramshot Exterminator perform when reloading 5.56 with Lehi Controlled Chaos bullets?

Ramshot Exterminator (Accurate 2230) performed very well, producing a best group of 1.01 inches at 24 grains in a 16-inch barrel. It is considered a winner for this bullet in the instructor's firearm.

What are the safety considerations when reloading with multiple spherical powders?

A critical safety rule is to only have one type of powder open on the bench at a time. Spherical powders can look identical, making mix-ups easy and potentially leading to dangerous overloads.

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Johnny's Reloading Bench

View all →