To Re-Load or Not???
- Thread starter stavman11
- Start date
I am going to have to give them a try and see if I like them.
On another note, I generally weigh my LC cases and separately weigh the bullets I am loading in them. I feel this give me more uniformity.
Do you guys weigh your cases and bullets ?
On another note, I generally weigh my LC cases and separately weigh the bullets I am loading in them. I feel this give me more uniformity.
Do you guys weigh your cases and bullets ?
Just for fun I timed how long it takes to load a .223. Now remember this is only the loading process nothing else. This is sitting at the press picking up the shell casing to completion of the loading.
I am using the Lee classic turret press. I was not in a hurry just loading like I normally do. Nothing went wrong and I didn't have to stop for anything. Anyway I loaded 50 rounds in 13 minutes. Some one earlier asked how long it takes to load 100 rounds. There is a lot more to loading before you get to the press but 13 minutes is what it took just workin the press.
I am using the Lee classic turret press. I was not in a hurry just loading like I normally do. Nothing went wrong and I didn't have to stop for anything. Anyway I loaded 50 rounds in 13 minutes. Some one earlier asked how long it takes to load 100 rounds. There is a lot more to loading before you get to the press but 13 minutes is what it took just workin the press.
Hi guys I got my new Toys tonight, wet box's ( thanks UPS )but toys are ok.
FYI
just looking at the new 5.56 data
max COL is 2.250
max case length 1.760
case trim to 1.750
and using a 55 gr GMX round 27.5 of CFE 223 produces 3250 fps
FYI
just looking at the new 5.56 data
max COL is 2.250
max case length 1.760
case trim to 1.750
and using a 55 gr GMX round 27.5 of CFE 223 produces 3250 fps
Thats cool info, I am running 27.4gr on my 55 v-max and z-max loads.
Please learn from my mistake....because I had found a load that shot ok I didnt search for one that shot better. If I had brass that needed loading I loaded it. After running my test series I found a load that shot so much better I was amazed. I have been kicking around in my head that I had 400+ rounds loaded to the old load. I kept thinking that I would go ahead and just shoot them up, but in my mind was the fact that it would be a waste of powder and bullets and time when I knew what a way more accurate load would do. Night before last I decided, I guess in my sleep, that I wasnt going to waste the powder and bullets. I had pulled some and reloaded them, but still had the 400+ 55gr v-max and z-max. Yesterday I pulled them all, recovered almost 2 pounds of powder and thanks to my Hornady Cam Lock bullet puller a bunch of bullets that I can reload. Some of them came without a cannalure, since I crimped a bunch of them they all have cannalures now. LOL, anyway I have a bunch of brass prepped and ready to load, because of pulling them the necks are good to reload and I dont have to resize them and will start reloading today, but not all of them yet.
Please learn from my mistake....because I had found a load that shot ok I didnt search for one that shot better. If I had brass that needed loading I loaded it. After running my test series I found a load that shot so much better I was amazed. I have been kicking around in my head that I had 400+ rounds loaded to the old load. I kept thinking that I would go ahead and just shoot them up, but in my mind was the fact that it would be a waste of powder and bullets and time when I knew what a way more accurate load would do. Night before last I decided, I guess in my sleep, that I wasnt going to waste the powder and bullets. I had pulled some and reloaded them, but still had the 400+ 55gr v-max and z-max. Yesterday I pulled them all, recovered almost 2 pounds of powder and thanks to my Hornady Cam Lock bullet puller a bunch of bullets that I can reload. Some of them came without a cannalure, since I crimped a bunch of them they all have cannalures now. LOL, anyway I have a bunch of brass prepped and ready to load, because of pulling them the necks are good to reload and I dont have to resize them and will start reloading today, but not all of them yet.
PeeShooter
Member
Without reading through the entire thread I'd say a progressive press because of the volume of .223 usually shot and though Dillon make a great press they're not the only game in town anymore, take a look at Hornady Lock-N-Load. You'll get faster very accurate caliber changes and there are a few features it has over Dillon including cost.
If you're looking for accurate, card cutting loads with your .223, check this site out for speed to rifling information.
223 Rem + 223 AI Cartridge Guide
If you're looking for accurate, card cutting loads with your .223, check this site out for speed to rifling information.
223 Rem + 223 AI Cartridge Guide
BillK01
Member
My dad bought a full Dillon 550RB kit like 25 years ago. They haven't changed much over the years.
Anyway - it's been sitting on his workbench unused for probably 15+ years - and was in pretty rough shape. We both recently decided we wanted to start reloading again but knew it needed cleaned up and checked over first.
I called Dillon and they said to send it back with a check for $67.95 and they would disassemble, dunk it, redo all the seals and replace anything that needed replaced or updated. (it did cost us $53 to ship it to them via FedEx - they paid the return shipping though)
Got it back in like 10 days and the thing looks like brand new! Many new parts - and I can't wait to start reloading again. The parts list for everything they did and replaced was included for reference - over $228 worth of work for $67.95! In fact the guy at Dillon that did all the work called me directly just to go over all the things they did to it when it was ready to ship back.
Dillon has a lifelong customer in me after that kind of service for sure. Amazing.
Bill
Anyway - it's been sitting on his workbench unused for probably 15+ years - and was in pretty rough shape. We both recently decided we wanted to start reloading again but knew it needed cleaned up and checked over first.
I called Dillon and they said to send it back with a check for $67.95 and they would disassemble, dunk it, redo all the seals and replace anything that needed replaced or updated. (it did cost us $53 to ship it to them via FedEx - they paid the return shipping though)
Got it back in like 10 days and the thing looks like brand new! Many new parts - and I can't wait to start reloading again. The parts list for everything they did and replaced was included for reference - over $228 worth of work for $67.95! In fact the guy at Dillon that did all the work called me directly just to go over all the things they did to it when it was ready to ship back.
Dillon has a lifelong customer in me after that kind of service for sure. Amazing.
Bill
OP
stavman11
Member
Holly COW!!!!
i learned something today
Had some hornady Varmint 50gr SP, non BoatTail... would never stay PUT on the case without the BT Taper... Tried a few and got em ta stay, slowly raised the Load into Seating die.... did this like 6x, then i Held the Bullet till it was inside the Seating die...
BAM!!!!!!! it worked.....LOL
did that the next 4x........ funny... have loaded over 4k rds and never did this before.... i always wondered how ya get em ta stay... even chamfered the case more and Still wouldnt work......
So Now i have 10 50gr Varmint Sp with 27.2gr of powder ta test... Heavy load, but should be fine.... we shall see
Still need ta test the 40gr 27.2 of powder... been a long week and didnt make it out... So Tomorrow AM it is ON like Donkey KONG!!!!
Also saw some VTAC drills on youTube i am gunna try.... 2x2x2.... triple Threat looked cool...El prez... etc
Should be a Fun Day with Chrono and some drills
.............
i learned something today
Had some hornady Varmint 50gr SP, non BoatTail... would never stay PUT on the case without the BT Taper... Tried a few and got em ta stay, slowly raised the Load into Seating die.... did this like 6x, then i Held the Bullet till it was inside the Seating die...
BAM!!!!!!! it worked.....LOL
did that the next 4x........ funny... have loaded over 4k rds and never did this before.... i always wondered how ya get em ta stay... even chamfered the case more and Still wouldnt work......
So Now i have 10 50gr Varmint Sp with 27.2gr of powder ta test... Heavy load, but should be fine.... we shall see
Still need ta test the 40gr 27.2 of powder... been a long week and didnt make it out... So Tomorrow AM it is ON like Donkey KONG!!!!
Also saw some VTAC drills on youTube i am gunna try.... 2x2x2.... triple Threat looked cool...El prez... etc
Should be a Fun Day with Chrono and some drills
.............
new hornady load book ?
Reading in the new hornady load book says that the 5.56 chamber has longer leade than the 223 chamber. So if the chamber in your AR is a 5.56 chamber and you are using 223 load data should we be adjusting COL for the difference in leade length ?
Reading in the new hornady load book says that the 5.56 chamber has longer leade than the 223 chamber. So if the chamber in your AR is a 5.56 chamber and you are using 223 load data should we be adjusting COL for the difference in leade length ?
OP
stavman11
Member
COL or Cartridge Overall length, is Total Length of Brass and Lead....
Biggest reason I see is for it to FIT in the Magazine... if your Brass Total Length and throat Length are to spec... COL is just for Bullet Seating...and FITTING in the magazine
A .223 and 5.56 Brass are spec'd close to same, so COL shouldnt really come into play besides what i mentioned above
I did some of my 40gr Lead and COL was 2.275 and almost didnt fit in the Mag... 30rds woulda probobly caused me grief, only did 5 at a Time....so all worked fine, but i did learn from it
i could be wrong... But this is what i have Strapalated myself
The throat or leade is where the projectile sits waiting to be fired, because of that area that is why when you shoot .223 bullets or bullets loaded to .223 specs you actually make less pressure. With the new 5.56 data I am finding that loads I tested with but never used because they were over the recommended charges for .223 are now within the recommended range. I have spent the last 4 days pulling around 600 bullets and reloading them to 5.56 specs because my tests showed them to be more accurate.
Stav is correct you load to magazine length unless you like a single shot AR
Here is an example of my load change...75gr Amax loaded to 2.390.. .223 data 24.9gr CFE223-- 5.56 data 26.5gr CFE223. That is a lot of difference, but will allow me to shoot further and straighter, I actually found 26.4 to be more accurate for me but that still is quite a bit of change.
Other than the extra length in the throat there is almost no difference and I noticed that they were using the same primers for both. I am hoping to go shooting tomorrow. PDogs beware, I can even stand further back.
Stav is correct you load to magazine length unless you like a single shot AR
Here is an example of my load change...75gr Amax loaded to 2.390.. .223 data 24.9gr CFE223-- 5.56 data 26.5gr CFE223. That is a lot of difference, but will allow me to shoot further and straighter, I actually found 26.4 to be more accurate for me but that still is quite a bit of change.
Other than the extra length in the throat there is almost no difference and I noticed that they were using the same primers for both. I am hoping to go shooting tomorrow. PDogs beware, I can even stand further back.
Bullseye Smith
Member
You can buy a "LEE" kit for $100 bucks and dies for $40, inwhich is the best way to learn "HOW". That is the way I started and I still use it at the range to load up and find the best load for the rifle. Then when I find it - it gets transfered to the good old Dillon. I can reload 223 for $6 box with 62gr. FMJBT to my specs. You can't beat that. I the noise from cleaning drive you nuts, turn it on in the morning and let it run - comes out nice and bright.
zip777
Member
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I was reading this wiki before I saw this post.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.56_NATO
Looks like the case thicknesses are slightly greater...and the NATO spec allowed for higher pressures because of it. I am no munitions expert but it sure makes sense that a modern .223 cartridge could handle the pressure of the NATO spec.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.56_NATO
Looks like the case thicknesses are slightly greater...and the NATO spec allowed for higher pressures because of it. I am no munitions expert but it sure makes sense that a modern .223 cartridge could handle the pressure of the NATO spec.
Zip the .223 cartridge can handle the pressure its the chamber in a non 5.56 chambered rifle that may not be able to, or it will cause increased wear on the throat and barrel.
I dont get to go everyday but all I have to do is step out into my backyard or drive 4 miles (to the target board) at the family farm in order to shoot, or straight up the hill from the target board to shoot prairie dogs.
I have some Nosler Varmageddons I want to test, plus if BuffaloHunter60's BCG and Charging handle get here today I want to test it out on the range and the prairie dogs.
I dont get to go everyday but all I have to do is step out into my backyard or drive 4 miles (to the target board) at the family farm in order to shoot, or straight up the hill from the target board to shoot prairie dogs.
I have some Nosler Varmageddons I want to test, plus if BuffaloHunter60's BCG and Charging handle get here today I want to test it out on the range and the prairie dogs.
Zip. I totally understood what you were saying. It is not a problem. I do it and havent seen any issues with it. I just didnt at the time know I was loading with NATO pressure levels but since Hornady came out with the 5.56 loading data (and they always err to the low side) I am not seeing an issue and my brass is a mixture of everything.
zip777
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After reading all you have posted Grover I'll freely admit I don't know a FLICKER of a candle compared to you when it comes to munitions. Having pretty extensive manufacturing experience in various industries I do know quite a bit about manufacturing tolerances so I was agreeing 100% with you. I'm sure the 5 sigma tolerance on the .223 brass (built in as a safety measure to avoid lawsuit) is much greater than the difference between the standard .223 charge / pressures and the 5.56 NATO charge pressures. So we are agreeing to agree. 
