new reloader moving from pistol to rifle

[patrickd]

Hi all,
I’m currently reloading 38 and 45 on my Lee Classic turret. I’d like to slowly move to rifle, namely .223 and 6.5 Creedmoor. I think the .223 is probably easier, so I guess I’ll start with that.

From what I’ve read, it’s probably ok to load the .223 on the Classic Turret without too much issue, esp since I'm not shooting for 100% accuracy yet. It’s the 6.5 Creedmoor (RPR) where I may want to consider a nice single stage press for better precision? As I understand, it seems the main difference between pistol and rifle is the lubing of the cases and the case prep. The Dillon lube looks nice and I’ve also watched some reviews on the Frankford Arsenal Plat case prep station – I think that 1 device can take care of all of the case prep that’s necessary? Is the FA Platinum case prep station just cleaning the pocket primer and do you still need a separate ream/swage device?

Right now, I have semi-auto .223s and a bolt action 6.5 Creedmoor (the latter being focused on accuracy). I put the following steps together from what I think the steps to reload rifle are – do I have the steps listed correctly?

1. Deprime fired brass and tumble with SS media
2. Lube case and run thru full-length resizer and collet neck sizing die
3. Case prep (trim, re-size, clean pocket, deburr, swage) – does the order matter?
4. Tumble again with soap to clean lube off brass
5. Prime, charge, seat bullet, and crimp

Currently, I’m using the Lee Auto Drum charging system on the turret press for the pistol loads. I think for rifle, most would have another bench mounted powder drop and would use a funnel to charge the cases?

Any other brass prep steps I haven’t mentioned or anything else unique to reloading .223? I know some here some like the Lee stuff but the 4-die 223 set seems reasonably price and gets very good reviews. What more do you get going with one the performance die sets with the micrometer? Is that wasted money for AR range brass?

If transitioning to rifle loading for the first time you will find this video from world class shooter David Tubb VERY informative. I know I did.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUnrYp0NH38[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igse-APgpEc[/ame]

 

[LostintheOzone]

I just did the same thing you're about to do. I load a few straight walled cases like 45 ACP, 38/357 and 30 carbine. I started loading .223 a few months ago. That was my first true rifle cartridge.

Here are my observations and some stuff I use. Don't be too hard on me here because like I said, I'm new to rifle cartridges.

A single stag press like a Lee classic works fine. I don't own a progressive so can't speak to that.

.223/5.56 is a good cartridge to start with. Just be aware that if you use range brass you will have to check every piece for military crimps. I use a primer pocket tool to check this.

Lyman Primer Pocket Uniformer Tool

If it won't fit easily into the pocket you will need to swage the primer pocket. RCBS makes a good tool for that.

Also case length trimming may be necessary. You will need a tool for that.

Cases have to be lubed to be resized. I use Dillon spray lube.

Never use 5.56 load data in .223 cases. Pressures are higher. .223 load data will work in 5.56 cases.

Loading .223 was a lot easier than I had anticipated. I have a pretty good bolt rifle with good glass. Mountains of fun and cheap to shoot. I use RCBS dies, AR Comp powder and Hornady 55 gr. boat tail bullets. I don't crimp.

Check the twist in your barrel before you buy bullets. It matters. My rifle has a 1-10 twist. It's 1 moa with 55 gr bullets.

So far I haven't bought a single piece of brass. I have about 1k and it all came from the range.

I've already learned a few things from this discussion.