223/556 reloading advice

[SMSgt]

I've reloaded .223 since about 1980 for bolt actions and for ARs for the last few years, and I have never crimped one nor used small-base dies with any commercial or military brass, range pick up or otherwise. In fact, I have never crimped any rifle round.

My suggestion is "if" you have a problem with bullet setback or jump, then crimp as necessary. Otherwise, don't get overly concerned about it. After many reloads, I've never had an issue with it. Just because the military insists on crimped rounds does not mean you have to.

 

[Wise_A]

Assuming that sounds like a workable plan, I'm thinking the Lee Ultimate 4-die set is going to be what I buy. It includes both the FL sizing die AND a collet style neck sizing die, and both come with a decapping pin. I think all I'll need to add is a powder through die to the set, since I will be loading on my 4-hole turret.

That's what I use for my .223, with the addition of a universal decapper, and a single-stage press. But again, bolt-actions.

It's not bad for a first die set, but I did go with a Redding die set when I stepped up to 6.5mmCM.

 

[Enigma]

For those who feel that crimping for gas guns is a waste if time, I suggest a couple of things. First, assemble 10-15 dummy cartridges, and carefully measure either their OAL or BTO length, and record them. Then cycle them from the magazine through the rifle and eject them onto a soft surface and repeat your measurements. Betcha each round is measurably shorter than it was before it was cycled through the rifle. So? you may ask. The chamber pressure was increased when the bullets were seated deeper. Was it enough to even matter? I dunno. Do you want to take the chance?

Chronograph results will also be different between crimped and non-crimped ammo. Results on the target may be also, but that can be minimized by only lightly taper crimping non-cannelured bullets.

 

[andyo5]

I use Hornady bullets with a cannelure, so crimping is not optional for me.

 

[zeke]

While some bullets may have a chamber or cannelure, that doesn't neccessartily mean they must be crimped into them. If you can maintain a COL less than max, by mag, chamber or reliable feeding dimensions, ya may be good to go.

Awhile back was buying win 55 fmjbt by bulk and accuracy significantly improved in the ar by seating them with the cannelure forward of the case mouth.