Norinco .223 brass for reload?

I only reload norinco 223 - I get sub moa at 100m with a savage axis. I started with norinco because it has my initials on the headstamp and they were inexpensive and plentiful. I toss the cases after 5 reloads. I have not found any defects in the brass after 5 reloads, it is just so inexpensive that I figure why bother pushing it.
 
Cheap 55 gr is quite a bit less. Only quality bullets cost 25c and up.

goggles said:
Not worth reloading for your AR if you already have ammo for it, as the cheapest bullet is now at least .25 cents, whereas a complete Norinco .223 round runs you about 30 cents. However, I'm not going to get sub MOA accuracy using Norinco ammo in my .223 bolt action target rifle, which is what I'm looking for. The question is: would there be any difference seating a 80.5 grain bullet into a Norinco case, versus a Lapua case?
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They work. Not as good as federal, hornady or lapua. I usually see a split neck 1 in 10 cases, usually when resizing. so pay attention like you would anyways and its all good.
 
goggles said:
Not worth reloading for your AR if you already have ammo for it, as the cheapest bullet is now at least .25 cents, whereas a complete Norinco .223 round runs you about 30 cents. However, I'm not going to get sub MOA accuracy using Norinco ammo in my .223 bolt action target rifle, which is what I'm looking for. The question is: would there be any difference seating a 80.5 grain bullet into a Norinco case, versus a Lapua case?
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Can't say I agree with this.

At current prices Norinco 223 ammo is at least $ 0.40 per round if you can find some. The most inexpensive 55 gn bullet I can find is Campro FMJ which runs $0.12 per projectile and these are comparable to my last batch of Hornady FMJs. Depending on your powder costs the price per round can vary but I figure I load for about $0.30 per round and get way better accuracy than bulk Norinco.

Also in regard to accuracy versus other brass, my last batch of rounds in my bolt using 80 gn Amax and Norinco brass were holding groups 0.4 MOA or a tad less right out to 300 yards.


 
Trolls must be running amok in this thread. Compliments for NORC, no cheap thrashing.

Haven't reloaded any 223s. 45ACP works great.
 
I know they're not crimped but how are primer pocket depths? I've run into so many .223/5.56 cases with shallow pockets from many brands and its a PITA uniforming them just to get primers in flush. What are your guys' experience with Norinco primer pockets?
 
supernova said:
I know they're not crimped but how are primer pocket depths? I've run into so many .223/5.56 cases with shallow pockets from many brands and its a PITA uniforming them just to get primers in flush. What are your guys' experience with Norinco primer pockets?
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The primers fit, no issues.

OTOH, I've run into issues with new Winchester brass; primer pockets not square and having to square them at the bottom.
 
Have loaded thousands.
Also alot converted into 300.

My most accurate loads have been developed using CJ95 brass.

Ive seen over five firings with no reason to stop yet.
 
I also load norc brass and mirror others sometimes you get a split case but it is not common. Shooting out of bolt I can get 3/4 groups with me being limiting factor if my memory serves. Shooting cqb I lose brass and gain some from others so it is a mixed bag. The cj brass can have off Centre primer but it still goes boom.
 
I haven't had a ton of experience with Norc brass, but did pick up 2000 to reload for matches. Reason behind Norc is price and the probability of low return. Doesn't make sense to go Lapua when I can buy Norc for 6c/each and not care about full recovery of brass during matches.

I have had a few where the case split at the bottom. Very odd. The crack was the along the length of the cartridge, not head separation. I suppose I should inspect the chamber of the rifle to ensure it's not the guns fault. It still often cycles but does vent some gas back through the BCG.

Anybody else have this issue? 4-5mm crack about .5-.75" up the case? I should be able to get a picture from a case kicking around at home.
 
Shibby! said:
Anybody else have this issue? 4-5mm crack about .5-.75" up the case? I should be able to get a picture from a case kicking around at home.
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I have seen it a few times with CJ93/95. Considering the sheer volume I have shot and the very few split cases I have seen I don't consider it an issue.
 
goggles said:
I once bought a bunch of new .308 Winchester brass. I wasted my time squaring up the bottom of the primer pockets, as otherwise, the primers would stick out a bit. So after that experience, I bit the bullet (sorry for the pun) and bought 400 Lapua brass, and they were fantastic right out of the box... They (the .308's) were 70 cents each at the time. Now, the .223 are nearly 1$ each, so I'm balking on Lapua.

BTW, I'm first firing my Norinco surplus in my T97. But I'm reloading for my Sportco actioned Target Rifle with a 28 inch Palma contour .223 stainless steel barrel. So was wondering if I'm having unrealistic expectations. Maybe not.
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I'd say not. Just weigh the target cases and seperate accordingly.
Ivor
 
Shibby! said:
I haven't had a ton of experience with Norc brass, but did pick up 2000 to reload for matches. Reason behind Norc is price and the probability of low return. Doesn't make sense to go Lapua when I can buy Norc for 6c/each and not care about full recovery of brass during matches.

I have had a few where the case split at the bottom. Very odd. The crack was the along the length of the cartridge, not head separation. I suppose I should inspect the chamber of the rifle to ensure it's not the guns fault. It still often cycles but does vent some gas back through the BCG.

Anybody else have this issue? 4-5mm crack about .5-.75" up the case? I should be able to get a picture from a case kicking around at home.
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Out of around 400 shot out of my spam can, I got one with the crack along the length of the case, nearer the base.

I cycle my T97 action manually because semi-auto makes a dent in my Norinco cases, and sends them flying 25 feet away. So they're easier to pick up if they're in a little pile a couple of feet away.
 
150$ per 1000 bulk 55 fmj
Plus shipping and taxes.
Probably arond 20 cents a pop per bullet.
Then add cases, powder, primers.

Last time I shot 223 I shot 250 rounds in less than an hour.... Thats a bit expensive.
But so is shooting 100 matchloads 308 rounds per session.
Shooting isnt cheap anymore.

All norinco cheap surplus was sold a while ago, cant get it anymore at 25 cents a round...
 
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