Newb wanting to reload both 5.56 and .223

[Tactical-ar]

Quick question I have been doing research but everybody gives complicated answer on this,,, that being said what the bare minimum for reloading 5.56 and .223 and I seperate my brass by
it's caliber, and want to load 5.56 in 5.56 brass and seperately load .223 in it's own brass. And. I'm talking simple it's more for shtf, so I was looking into bullet molds also bc you can find old lead just about everywhere. If it takes me all day to load 50 rounds I'm fine with that, just the most simple setup bc last time I asked this question on a reloader forum I got two page responses lol, thanks in advance and I am looking foward to the answers.

 

[mustangfreek]

Just from a gy who has been reloading for my AR for a year and a half, casting might be fun and i understand its cheaper. but you can get bulk good quality 55gr plinkers for 7-9 cents if you catch them right, as in hornady and extreme 55gr fmj's that i have been using and they work very well..

Plus a few more steps for 223 is gettin to be a chore..lol..

I load 55's with h335, aa2230 and some tac to try..so far aa powder has been very good for 55's

Heavier 69 -77 gr loads using varget and soon Tac.

 

[scooter123]

Based on your comment about casting your own bullets it seems like you weren't paying attention in your research. With bullet velocities ranging between 2600 and 3300 fps you won't be able to use cast bullets.

You will also find it impossible to find dies specific to 5.56 NATO and the .223 Remington because both calibers can be produced using the same dies. As I understand it the key differences between the 5.56 and .223 is a very small difference in the shoulder position in the case and a difference in the operating pressure with the 5.56 using a slightly higher pressure. What all this means is that a set of dies for the .223 Remington can be used to load the 5.56 NATO. The key difference is in the amount of powder used and possibly the choice of powder. BTW, I don't think you'll find much in the way of 5.56 specific reloading data because those who reload and their suppliers tend to be rather conservative people who avoid pushing the upper limits on operating pressure. Good news is I believe that .223 ammo works just fine in a 5.56 rifle. BTW, I do not own a 5.56/.223 rifle because I prefer the bigger thump of the 308 Winchester.

Finally, I'll provide a link to the classic Lee Loader due to your request to wanting the bare minimum. However, as this kit only neck sizes the cases it's NOT recommended for use in any semi automatic rifle. If you want to load for an AR I would suggest that you re-examine all those replies that you felt were inadequate.

Lee Loader 223 Rem - Lee Precision

 

[Mack]

?.



...bare minimum...

A rifle chambered in 5.56, strong brass in good condition, tight primer pockets and a thick primer cup tight fitting primer for starters. A chronograph, 5.56 is loaded to a velocity spec, hence the higher pressure. Knowledge and experience most of all which can be gained by carefully doing.

 

[Tactical-ar]

Thanks guys, I looked into cheap 55 gr rounds and yeah 200 bucks for 1000 bullets, I'm just gonna buy and hoard lol, and maybe load enough to learn, but from what I read 223 is even cheaper and you can load them in 5.56 brass . What I'm looking for is just a basic starter kit even if I have to swap tools out for every step of the process per round. And the reason I want to do this is so if shtf and I'm running low on ammo I can have the supplies needed to roll my own. Thanks again and just looking from advice to get tools for .223 and a loading manual for loading .223 and how to fit the .223 round in 5.56 brass

 

[Tactical-ar]

Oh I mean by bare minimum just the bare minimum basic loading press and tools needed for loading .223

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

You are waaaay over thinking this. Find a load that works well and shoot it.

 

[MyDads38]

Don't know where you're getting pricing on 55 Gr. FMJ bullets, but $200/1,000 is twice what they go for anywhere I check! $89-$99 per 1,000 is what most go for. You can get 2,000 for less than that from Shop Shooting Supplies | Reloading | Gunsmithing | Hunting gear ? MidwayUSA (Remington 55 Gr. FMJ).
Check into a Lee Challenger press kit; that and a set of 223 dies and you'll be ready to load. Also check out Ammunition Online at Factory Direct Prices | Freedom Munitions | Handgun Ammo & Rifle Ammo for deals on loaded ammo. At $327/1,000 for 223 ammo-that's some pretty cheap shooting!

 

[G-Mac]

It's been many years, but I've reloaded plenty of .223/5.56 when I used to shoot Mini-14s. I found that a case trimmer was useful. Also, I reloaded a lot of military brass that had crimped-in primers. A special punch-type tool was necessary for removing the original primer. Then, I used a hand-held primer pocket reamer to remove the crimp. I later switched to a press-mounter primer pocket swager to remove the crimp...this saved a lot of wear and tear on my hands.

Much easier reloading .38 Special wadcutters....

 

[Rule3]

Quick question I have been doing research but everybody gives complicated answer on this,,, that being said what the bare minimum for reloading 5.56 and .223 and I seperate my brass by
it's caliber, and want to load 5.56 in 5.56 brass and seperately load .223 in it's own brass. And. I'm talking simple it's more for shtf, so I was looking into bullet molds also bc you can find old lead just about everywhere. If it takes me all day to load 50 rounds I'm fine with that, just the most simple setup bc last time I asked this question on a reloader forum I got two page responses lol, thanks in advance and I am looking foward to the answers.

You probably got a 2 page response because it is not something that can be answered in one sentence. That is why the print manuals.

Scooter already cover most of it. No you can't shoot lead at standard velocities, there is no quick and easy way.

You can shoot 223 ammo in a 5,56 AR but not 5.56 in a 223 chambered rifle safely, Little high pressure in the 5.56. Essentially though for reloading they are the same. Military brass is a bit thicker and will have crimped primers which has to be removed.

You can use either brass in a AR.

You can do a search and read this recent thread.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/376031-old-reloader-but-new-rifle-223-5-56-s.html

I am stopping now so I do go on for 2 pages

 

[kimporter]

i believe the only difference between the 2 is the 5.56 has a longer throat than the 223,but as 22 shooter said find a load and use it

 

[rwsmith]

Tell us some specifics....

Good questions, but they are kind of all over the place. Do you have a semi auto or bolt gun? You can use gas checked bullets or if you have bolt guns you can use reduced loads (I like to use them in my 30-06).

 

[Imissedagain]

Lee also made/makes a target handloading kit for 223rem.
Hammer not supplied.
They have a hand press that would be quieter in a shtf world.
As stated..... full length resize for autos.
Reading manuals and info on bullet/powder makers websites is advised.
Reading sets it all in motion.

 

[mtgianni]

i believe the only difference between the 2 is the 5.56 has a longer throat than the 223,but as 22 shooter said find a load and use it

Correct, the difference is in the chamber cut in the rifle and the pressures to which the cartridges might be loaded. I believe the OP should buy or check out at the library three reloading manuals and read all the articles in their entirety before looking at any of the data.

 

[Tactical-ar]

Good questions, but they are kind of all over the place. Do you have a semi auto or bolt gun? You can use gas checked bullets or if you have bolt guns you can use reduced loads (I like to use them in my 30-06).

Yeah like I said I am definitely new to reloading, and I probably have 2-3000 brass saved, and it's definitely something I want to do, I learned so many trades that have been considered old, like basic blacksmithing, welding, and wood work, just looking to add to my skill set. And it come in handy to stock up for ammo shortages. But I really would like to get a basic press and spent primer remover, and could you clean used brass without a tumbler??! Like say hot water and then a few squirts of carb cleaner??? I don't mind tedious tasks, I had a drill sergeant in basic make me polish spent casings with brasso lol.

 

[MyDads38]

Brass cleaning on the cheap...

Yeah like I said I am definitely new to reloading, and I probably have 2-3000 brass saved, and it's definitely something I want to do, I learned so many trades that have been considered old, like basic blacksmithing, welding, and wood work, just looking to add to my skill set. And it come in handy to stock up for ammo shortages. But I really would like to get a basic press and spent primer remover, and could you clean used brass without a tumbler??! Like say hot water and then a few squirts of carb cleaner??? I don't mind tedious tasks, I had a drill sergeant in basic make me polish spent casings with brasso lol.

I found this doing a search for cleaning brass. Very Simple:

4 parts hot water (4 cups)
1 part vinegar (1 cup)
1 Tblsp salt
1 Tblsp Dish Soap (I use Dawn)

I use plastic containers (with lids is helpful but not required)
About 200 cases +/- (9mm-adjust per caliber)

Mix contents, add brass, shake/stir a few times (once fired brass-30 minutes, dirtier brass-45 minutes +/-
Pour out dirty water/brass, rinse thoroughly in warm/hot tap water until no soap/bubbles remain. I pour the brass out on a towel and shuffle around a bit. Let dry overnight, using a fan helps speed up drying time, or you could put on a cookie sheet in oven at 150-200 degrees until dry.

This method CLEANS the brass, but does not POLISH the brass. You will be surprised how clean it will be. I de-prime my brass before cleaning, as it will help clean the primer pockets, tho they may still have some residue left to be cleaned out with a primer pocket cleaning tool, small brush or small screwdriver.

I sometimes tumble my brass after wet cleaning, but not often. Hope this helps

 

[carpriver]

You have been given some very good advice here. You can rush into reloading and make some very serious mistakes. Reloading can be dangerous if you don't pay attention and have an understanding of what you are doing. Read, research, read some more. Get three different reloading manuals, and read the data from the powder manufactures. Make a list of what you think you need. Many people have started on Lee equipment it cost less and is good quality. when you are reloading you have to have your mind on what you are doing, it not like typing on the interweb.