.223 reloading
- Thread starter GarethSt
- Start date
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
I use alot of Lee stuff and their new breech lock press is superb.
For an AR, you might find that FL sizing is required to ensure proper chambering. Because of the lube used during sizing, this is best done on a single stage press, then the lube tumbled off.
From there you can use a hand primer, powder measure and ball powder to fill the cases, then back to the single stage press to seat the bullets. A bit slow if doing several hundred cases at a time.
You can also use a progressive press which can help you produce alot of ammo in short order. The Lee 1000 is the least expensive press that works. It has its quirks and must be kept clean especially in the primer feed area - all prog have to but the Lee is really sensitive.
Once set up, cranking out 400rds per hour is not hard to do.
Lots use Dhillon but that is more money.
Personally, for making blasting ammo, I would still use the single stage for sizing and depriming, then switch the cases over to the progressive for the final stages. I don't want any lube left on the cases and cleaning a fully loaded case is not my idea of a good time.
If you can get away with neck sizing, you could use a progressive with the Lee collet neck die as this operates without lube. Many will not neck size ammo going into a semi.
I have but chamber check EVERY brass to ensure it will chamber with ease.
CCI 450 primers, a bulk ball like WCC745, in whatever cases you have collected from your own shooting. For bullets, the 55gr FMJ's are the least expensive fodder. I am sure you know there are many different bullet options.
Start working up your load in small batches to ensure functioning and accuracy. Then go to bulk loading and enjoy blasting away.
Jerry
For an AR, you might find that FL sizing is required to ensure proper chambering. Because of the lube used during sizing, this is best done on a single stage press, then the lube tumbled off.
From there you can use a hand primer, powder measure and ball powder to fill the cases, then back to the single stage press to seat the bullets. A bit slow if doing several hundred cases at a time.
You can also use a progressive press which can help you produce alot of ammo in short order. The Lee 1000 is the least expensive press that works. It has its quirks and must be kept clean especially in the primer feed area - all prog have to but the Lee is really sensitive.
Once set up, cranking out 400rds per hour is not hard to do.
Lots use Dhillon but that is more money.
Personally, for making blasting ammo, I would still use the single stage for sizing and depriming, then switch the cases over to the progressive for the final stages. I don't want any lube left on the cases and cleaning a fully loaded case is not my idea of a good time.
If you can get away with neck sizing, you could use a progressive with the Lee collet neck die as this operates without lube. Many will not neck size ammo going into a semi.
I have but chamber check EVERY brass to ensure it will chamber with ease.
CCI 450 primers, a bulk ball like WCC745, in whatever cases you have collected from your own shooting. For bullets, the 55gr FMJ's are the least expensive fodder. I am sure you know there are many different bullet options.
Start working up your load in small batches to ensure functioning and accuracy. Then go to bulk loading and enjoy blasting away.
Jerry
Full length sizing and triming the brass is a must on an AR if you want trouble free ammunition.
I ready my brass in stages (lube, size/deprime, tumble, trim/chamfer) in bulk passes to get it ready for loading. This can all be done with a single stage press (I'd recommend RCBS Rockchucker), tumbler (get the biggest you can afford), and a trimmer & Chamfer tool (these can be hand tools to start, but automating it is easy and fast).
I then either load single stage or progressive (prime, powder, seat & crimp) from there. Even with just 4 stages being done, a progressive will save you time. They can produce very good quality ammunition that is very consistant as well. (A competition seating die really makes a difference)
I use a Dillon 550 and think it works exceptionally well.
I ready my brass in stages (lube, size/deprime, tumble, trim/chamfer) in bulk passes to get it ready for loading. This can all be done with a single stage press (I'd recommend RCBS Rockchucker), tumbler (get the biggest you can afford), and a trimmer & Chamfer tool (these can be hand tools to start, but automating it is easy and fast).
I then either load single stage or progressive (prime, powder, seat & crimp) from there. Even with just 4 stages being done, a progressive will save you time. They can produce very good quality ammunition that is very consistant as well. (A competition seating die really makes a difference)
I use a Dillon 550 and think it works exceptionally well.
