Bulk reloading .223 for a hungry AR...

[jepp2]

I set up the Lee die exactly the way the instructions said. I think it was lower the die body until it touches the shell holder, and then give the die body another half turn. I may not be saying it right, but whatever the instructions said is what I did. What are you using to measure the shoulder???

You can use the RCBS Precision Mic, Hornady Lock N Load headspace gage, or Wilson Case Length headspace gage.

Once you measure some during die setup, you will understand why the directions with the die just can't get the die set correctly.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Just added the Hornady set to the wishlist for future buy. Thanks for the info. I love being able to make better ammo.

 

[stuff101]

Loading .223 shot from a AR-15

I am reloading Winchester brass shot from different M4's and AR-15's. One of the AR-15 seams to be leaving a ring around the primer hole which causes the need to ream the primer hole and in some cases no amount of reaming helps. I have ruined a number of primers trying to set the primer. Two questions.

1. What causes this problem?
2. How do I solve it?

Tom

 

[medalguy]

I think what you're describing is the crimped primers on military brass. All LC brass and some FC brass have crimped primers. Some others may too. There's a small indented ring right around the primer that is the crimp. It's intended to keep the primer from blowing back out while the case is in the weapon. When in combat this is bad juju.

The primer crimp absolutely has to be removed before you can reseat a new primer. Read back through this thread for some ideas. The Dillon is in my opinion the best and fastest way but it runs nearly $100. The good thing is that you can resell a Dillon primer swager for what you paid for it later.

On another item: I read all kinds of things about using all sorts of lubes. My only comment is don't try to reinvent the wheel. I read frequently on one gun forum or another about someone sticking a case in a die, and no matter what lube they are using, it's NEVER Imperial die wax. 'nuff said.

 

[jepp2]

Look like this?

 

[stuff101]

.223 Winchester

Yes it does look like the pictures.

So the Dillon will solve my problem?

 

[jepp2]

The Dillon or RCBS swage tools will remove the crimp.

Some folks have success removing the crimp by cutting it out. I prefer using a swage tool.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I tried cutting it and I didn't think I was being very uniform. I would rather buy the Dillon unit.