I have around 200 pcs of 5.56 brass from my range. Can I use them to load .223 bullets using .223 load data, TAC powder and Small Rifle Primers? I shoot only Xtreme FMJ BT .223's out of my M&P 15 Sport that has 5.56 stamped on the barrel.
Thanks,
George

Yes. As to the load data, always start below max and work up.

Where do you get .223 bullets?

All I can find is .224.

__________________
WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

that is correct diameter. .224. hth.

224 is a 223 or 5.56x45. It sounds like you need to buy your self a Lyman reloading book or Lee if you are going to start reloading. If so read it and read it then start your reloading. You are in to a game that can get you or some one else hurt. GOOD LUCK

If you are talking about this bullet, then yes. 223 Rem and it"s metric term 5.56 use the same diameter bullet which is actually .224. So good to go.

Jacketed

A rifle that is labeled 223 Remington uses 223 Remington only/

A barrel marked 5.56 can use either 223 Rem or 5.56/ Why? the 5.56 is generally a little hotter round and the brass is a little thicker making the inside of the case smaller so thepressure is higher.

So it depends on what rifle you are using. There is data for service rifles like the AR and data for bolt action.

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

+1
If your dies are for .223 Remington you are good.

The short answer is YES. It's all the same stuff.

If you want to argue that, get out your micrometer and camera and prove me wrong.

It sounds like you're new to this, so reading a reloading manual should be everyone's first start. Taking a reloading class is another good thing to add to that first reloading manual. There is nothing like getting an expert to walk you through each step, and show you how to do it. There is a lot of equipment you need in order to reload, and there is a lot of equipment marketed to reloaders that you don't need. Someone who has been reloading for 20 years (and still has their face and fingers) ought to be able to steer you in the right direction.

Also, you need different sets of dies for .223REM if you're planning on using them in a semi-auto, or a bolt-action.

If it's a semi-auto, pump, or lever-action, use RCBS AR-type small base dies (black box). The AR-series - I'm told - is going to gradually phase-out the old "standard" small-base dies.

If it's a bolt-action, use RCBS full-length dies (green box).

Not necessary.

I use plain RCBS FL dies, 2 die set, for my AR and they work great. No need to bother with small base or AR-type dies.

__________________
USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

Totally agree. I have three different brands 223 fl dies I use for making ammo for my AR. None are small base dies. All produce quality reloads that function perfectly thru the Bushmaster.

Darn you guys. I listened to what RCBS said, and have both sets!

it really depends on how YOUR rifle is chambered. most rifles do not need small base dies if they are adjusted properly. ymmv.

No you don't. I use regular old LEE dies for both. It's more helpful to have a case gauge like the Wilson so you can tell how your dies are sizing the shoulders of the brass Small base size the brass a little smaller. Be sure to lube the brass correctly and enough.

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

.223 and 5.56 use EXACTLY the same bullets, there is no difference in the bullets.

It gets worse, the AR dies are recommended for progressive presses so if you're not loading the 223's on a progressive press even that choice is incorrect (not that they are needed like said above)

RCBS has A LOT of different .223 die sets:
Standard FL Sizing Dies
AR Short Base Dies
X-Dies
Small Base Dies
Small Base X-Dies
Precision Mic Dies
Competition Dies
Gold Medal Match Bushing Dies

And maybe even more but who really knows!!!

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

FYI most 5.56 brass will have crimped primers and the crimp will have to be removed prior to repriming.

Ok to use .223 lead I do it regularly the only problem I had was that some 5.56 shells have the primers staked or crimped in place , they are a little harder to deprime but after you clean the pocket the new primers go in fairly easy

Thanks for all of your comments. I have been reloading brass stamped .223 for a while on a Lee Single Stage press with no problems. I have both the Lee and Lyman books and have read them several times. I just didn't know if it was a good idea to use the 5.56 brass. Juding from all your comments I guess I am good to go. Again thanks for all of your help. BTW, again, the bullets are Xtreme FMJ .223's (.224 dia).
George

Yes the bullets are the same diameter and will work with both. Growing up I had a need for speed, hot rods and reloading. I had reloaded for many years before I learned rifling twist was important too.

I did 264 mag, 270 WBY, 7 REM MAG, 300 WIN and WBY. I had the hots for and found a beautiful MK V WBY in 257 WBY. All the previous guns had the correct rifling for the basic hunting bullets used. I did not have issues.

The 257 WBY, an early German one, used a round nose 117 grain bullet. I wanted to use 120 Grain spritzers. That gun with slower twist schooled me. The rifling did not stabilize long bullets. I now look at rifling twist on all reloading.

What you are now doing is loading for a gun with 5.56 on the bbl. The 5.56 usually has a faster twist, 1x7, to stabilize longer and heavier bullets.

Plinking may be ok with lighter 223 bullets but the 5.56 normally uses heavier bullets. You need to look at your guns factory specs and see if it is 1x7 or better yet it is a 1x9. Some of the early AR's had even faster rifling to stabilize the 52-55 grain bullets.

Figure out your twist and shoot for accuracy. I do shoot lots of mil spec 55 grain 5.56 in my AR target-match Colt, they work well for plinking, I'm not sure I would be happy shooting for groups at 100-200 yards.

One might google loading your bullet weight in the 5.56. for some answers.

Oh...........

Only NIVE (9) types of dies to choose from.........

I thought there was a problem, here ?? !!

As Mack stated you 5.56. brass will most probably have crimped in primers. After you size and remove the primer you will need to ream or swag out that crimp, or you will not be able to prime them correctly.

Many ways to do that. cheap and easy or expensive and easy either way it's a PITA to me! I like a reamer tool in a drill.

If you found this brass at the range be sure it is brass and not coated steel, also check it very well as most folks do not leave in laying around these days. It too expensive.

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

I've been doing it wrong then. I use standard 223 Lee dies. My ammo is flawless in 3 ars, a mini 14, and an H&R Handi Rifle. I do not have a pump or lever action 223 to try it in.

I discovered last night when reloading 45 ACP that I flarred the cases way too much and they would'nt fit in the barel too fat/wide. My question is since these cases are sweeled so much can I still reuse them.Thanks for your answers.

Just run them in a crimp die . Only enough to straighten the case.