223 Bullet Question

mopar guy

mopar guy

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Okay, I know the topic of loading 223 has been done to death but today I bring you a completely fresh and innovative question.

I have a source on some US surplus 223 bullets for cheap. 55gr FMJBT spitzers without a cannelure. When I say cheap I mean dirt cheap. But since I've never loaded 223 I'm not sure if I'd be better off buying ones with a cannelure for my AR15, SL8 and mini 14? I've also got a line on somewhat cheap ones with a cannelure but they're about twice as much as the surplus ones...

Second question, do you guys trim 223 once fired brass? For general plinking can I possibly get away without, just because my deal here requires the purchase of many thousands of projectiles and sizing up to 10,000 brass doesn't sound too fun...

What do you guys say? Do I require a cannelure or not? And for the sizing? Thanks for all advice!

Mopar Guy

Edited to replace the word "size" with the word "trim"
 
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Frankly if the bullets are as cheap as you say, and without a cannelure, they are likely seconds, and not worth your time.
 
Didn't see your second question regarding sizing:

Sounds like your using autoloaders, so sizing is critical for proper feeding and operation of your rifles. Sizing is a basic step in the reloading process. Besides, you have that used primer to dispose of. Set your press up, size and decap all your brass. Another important step after sizing is trimming to length, check your cases, they may need trimming as well.

For me and my plinking .223 ammo, it is all resized, decapped and trimmed. Its essential because when crimping is done later you need cases the proper size to achieve proper crimping of the bullets in the right spot.

There's alot more to volume .223 loading than just buying a bunch of bullets and loading away......Good luck!
 
If you bought a Lee Factory Crimp Die you don't need a cannelure to crimp,even if ther bullets are seconds I have shot a lot of seconds and they usally shoot very well.
 
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