Using Primed Brass (Xtreme 223) on progressive press

[smokindog]

I got 1000 of the primed reprocessed 223 brass a few weeks ago when they had it on sale.

223 Rem Primed Brass

The price was right and I wanted to experiment. I've only done some random grabs but it all appears to be all LC 0X brass.

I use these dies
https://www.hornady.com/store/223-Rem-.224-2-Die-Set/

I load on a LNL-AP and am guessing I want to remove the de-capping pin from the full length sizing die and load as normal. If it matters to you I'm using 55gr Hornady PSP bullets. I'll probably work up some loads for each of the powders in the attached photo. YUP, gonna rain ALL weekend in the DFW area

Anyone have any insight using this or other already primed cases on a LNL-AP?

 

[scooter123]

If you have an empty unsized case or two handy I would suggest that you test to insure that the neck size will be the same with and without the decapping pin. Because many rifle dies are designed so that the die makes the neck a bit undersized and the decapping pin features a carbide expanding ball that brings the neck up to the "ideal" size as the case is withdrawn. With my Dillon Die that expander is retained by the decapping pin so with this die the only way to correctly size the case would require breaking off the decapping pin.

 

[muddocktor]

I know that with my RCBS, Redding and Hornady bottleneck sizing dies, the sizing pin is easily removed, scooter. You can just pull the pin out of the decapping rod and re-install the pin holder so that you retain the internal neck sizing insert on the decapping spindle.

 

[smokindog]

If that's the case, I don't mind grinding down a pin, I've got extras and they'er cheap!

I guess I didn't think this one completely through!! Something I've done a good deal of recently

I've read so many progressive press users that say they prime "manually" that I never considered this. I just don't want to trust that these case have all be properly sized, ... and jump right to powder, seat, and crimp .... EVEN THOUGH THEY SAY THEY DO

X-Treme Brass goes through several rigorous steps to ensure you are getting a quality component at a great price. Our brass is full length sized back to factory few SAAMI specs, the primer pockets are reamed, all cases are checked and washed using the latest technology derived from Howell Machine available only to the X-Treme Brass component line and Freedom Munitions line of ammunition. This is premium brass ready to load which ensures a reliable product every time you pull the trigger.​

I'll take mine apart and look when I get home.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sjeJDBnKWg[/ame]

If you have an empty unsized case or two handy I would suggest that you test to insure that the neck size will be the same with and without the decapping pin. Because many rifle dies are designed so that the die makes the neck a bit undersized and the decapping pin features a carbide expanding ball that brings the neck up to the "ideal" size as the case is withdrawn. With my Dillon Die that expander is retained by the decapping pin so with this die the only way to correctly size the case would require breaking off the decapping pin.

 

[smokindog]

Went and bought another Hornady 223 die set.

I pulled the de-capping pin from the die. And things seemed OK. I looked at the expander and it appeared to be substantial enough to not need the support of the pin. I'll call Hornady on Tuesday.

Still would like to hear how others deal with already primed brass on a progressive. Xtreme claims things are ready to go right to powder. Don't want to over work the brass unnecessarily.

 

[scooter123]

While I understand your concern about overworking the cases I would suggest not getting too worked up over this. It's Rifle Brass and won't last forever, if you get 6 to 10 load cycles on each case you are still way ahead on the cost for similar factory loaded ammunition.

If you have some calipers or a micrometer I would suggest that you measure the neck diameter of the cases and compare them to a case from your own sizing die before doing anything to them. I would also suggest checking the headspacing with a headspace die. Then you'll have a better idea on if any further processing is needed.

 

[bbqncigars]

I just remove the pin, then proceed normally (spray lube cases etc).

 

[Geno44]

What type of action are you firing it in? I would try the brass in my gun as it is. If it chambers correctly, I would just start at stage 2 in your press. I would load 10 or 20 and function test. If they work, load the rest.

 

[smokindog]

THANKS for all the replies!

I finally got to spend some time with the brass (should have done this first)!!! I meant to spend more time this weekend but with all the rain we've been having I had to get after some clogged gutters that are 25 feet up!!!! Made a nice invention (for another discussion I'm sure).

The attached screen capture shows I'll at least run the brass through the expander. I can raise the die and lower the zip rod enough to only engage the expander. As suggested, I'll work up a handful to see if they need to be fully sized but the measurements I took look good.

This brass measures up pretty consistent with their unprimed reprocessed 223 brass I got from Xtreme a few months ago. I was hoping that would be the case Side note, that order of un-primed cost me MORE per case than the primed brass I just purchased (reason for purchase)! All seems to be LC but I only looked at random samples.

The bullet I used (Hornady 55gr SP) measured out at .224 and, interestingly, the expander measured to .222

Looks like their trimming is pretty consistent too. HOWEVER, I used inexpensive digital calipers. No need to bust out the high dollar micrometers for what I needed.

I'll blame the minor deviations on the calipers (Home Depot General Ultratech digital).

General Tools Fraction Plus 6 in. 3-Mode Digital Caliper-147 - The Home Depot​

I'll be shooting these with a Sport and a Mini-14

 

[MrG5122]

I would just drop them in a Lyman or Wilson case gauge before loading. They may not need resizing.

 

[MichiganScott]

The web page that the OP linked states that the brass is resized and ready to load. I'd measure a half dozen or so just to make sure that they are not overly long and load them up with a known load and run them through the AR before loading them all.

 

[smokindog]

See posts 5 and 9

The web page that the OP linked states that the brass is resized and ready to load. I'd measure a half dozen or so just to make sure that they are not overly long and load them up with a known load and run them through the AR before loading them all.