Hey all, I am starting to think about reloading for my AR, I was going for the 60gr-ish bullet, probably Varget or 4895 for powder. My question being, what kind of case life can I expect from the brass? Is it hard on brass like an M1 Garand?
.223 Rem case life
- Thread starter lebl468
- Start date
Good question, I would like to know too, especially for the Norc M4!
Although I only fired 10rds on my Russian SKS, i'm pretty sure i can never reload that beast. I only found 1 of the surpluss rounds I fired in the bush and it shredded a small chunk at the bottom of the steel case.
Although I only fired 10rds on my Russian SKS, i'm pretty sure i can never reload that beast. I only found 1 of the surpluss rounds I fired in the bush and it shredded a small chunk at the bottom of the steel case.
redbirddog
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Maple Syrup land Ontario
I re use my brass out to 5-6 times in my AR. I only use Varget and I run 50-62 gr bullets. Some for target and some are real screamers.
My biggest fear is case seperation so only the newest brass for my matches. I know I can load past the 6th time. But at that point each piece of brass has had so much love and handling that its time to recycle it. The AR is not hard on brass. I think the hardest thing is how tight the LAR mags are on the 10th round!
My biggest fear is case seperation so only the newest brass for my matches. I know I can load past the 6th time. But at that point each piece of brass has had so much love and handling that its time to recycle it. The AR is not hard on brass. I think the hardest thing is how tight the LAR mags are on the 10th round!
I don't count. I inspect the cases but I have collected so many empties now that reloading them all 5 or 6 times is going to take years! I go garbage picking through the brass pails at the club each time I go out, and the law enforcement guys give me all their brass too if I can catch them and ask them for it.
If you do reload and you are finished with a case - take a hammer to it and flatten it. It prevents other garbage pickers from coming along and potentially reloading an unsafe case.
Are you going to get a single stage press or a Dillon?
If you do reload and you are finished with a case - take a hammer to it and flatten it. It prevents other garbage pickers from coming along and potentially reloading an unsafe case.
Are you going to get a single stage press or a Dillon?
- Location
- Peace River, Alberta
Case life
I don't think there is any real number out there. Lots of variables between each AR and reloading of the ammunition.
QC during the loading process means more to me then a magic number of reloads.
I am trying to load for my AR as well. I have about 6000 empties from a recent course to reload now.
Greg
I don't think there is any real number out there. Lots of variables between each AR and reloading of the ammunition.
QC during the loading process means more to me then a magic number of reloads.
I am trying to load for my AR as well. I have about 6000 empties from a recent course to reload now.
Greg
Sure you can! Make a brass catcher.
The only REAL problem is to find 7.62x39 brass... everything else is available. I don't count but 5-6 times for SKS doesn't sound unreal.
Back to the original question - I reload 223 for ARs until cases are lost or damaged beyond repair.
which is more than 5 times for sure. Both Varget/69gr and H335/55/62gr. s>
This has been my experience as well. When the spent primer practically pops out during depriming you are reaching the end of the case life. Even though I load on a progressive, I deprime and prime as individual steps so I can feel the resistance without the other stations masking it. It also allows me the time and focus to inspect each case while I'm doing it too.
There is no such thing as too safe when it comes to reloading!
BattleRife
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- of No Fixed Address
I am currently in the latter stages of a case life study for my AR-15. I bought one box each of Winchester White Box, PMC, Federal American Eagle and Remington. All were 55gr. FMJ.
After four firings, I am down to 10 Win, 12 PMC, 13 Federal (LC cases) and 16 R-P. All failures so far have been neck splits and neck pinholes, with the latter being the most common.
After four firings, I am down to 10 Win, 12 PMC, 13 Federal (LC cases) and 16 R-P. All failures so far have been neck splits and neck pinholes, with the latter being the most common.
Good thread!!!.... just the information i was looking for. I am thinking that after going to the range for the first time with the new Norinco M4...im gonna need a progressive press or this is going to get very expensive.
What a blast these rifles are to shoot!!
What a blast these rifles are to shoot!!
