Anyone reloading .223 in a Lee 1000?

[SKS-Stu]

I recently bought a Lee progressive 1000 in .45acp and what a difference over my old single stage. I'm thinking about getting another in .223 after I use up some of this Norinvo ammo and I accumulate more brass. This is not for a precision rifle, it's going to be used in my Stag AR15 with an Eothec and magnifier. So I'm not looking for sub MOA groups but I would like some thing more accurate then 4-3.5 MOA Im getting with the Norinco bulk ammo, and some lower cost cleaner rounds would be nice. I am getting 2-3 MOA with Cheap AE and Winchester ammo, which I'm ok with. Obviously groups would be better with a scope but that's not the optic I want for this rifle which is mostly used for CQ IDPA with the odd 50-100m shot once and a while.

What kind of accuracy are you getting from the Progressive loaded ammo?
How much does it cost per round?
What bullets are you using and where did you get them?
How many rounds do you makeper hour?
Thanks.

 

[Mystic Precision]

I use a lee 1000 for my 223 blasting ammo. It can create ammo that is more accurate then your rifle.

Hrn 22cal 55gr, PRVI and ARMSCOR 62/55gr are the least expensive bullets that work. I can supply.

200 to 300 rds per hour is typical.

BUT, I break the process to use 2 presses...

Fired.. Tumble really well... size in a body die... tumble again. you must confirm the shoulder bump sizes enough for 100% chambering. Drop sized case in the chamber and close the bolt. Rack and it should all work smoothly. NO I do not FL size as I tune my AR's for a soft and consistent cycling.

Then I put a Lee collet neck die in station 1 and a Lee standard seater at the end.

keep the primer trough clear of powder and away you go. Keep things lubed. Change that little plastic indexing part every 2 to 3K rds - yes, it wears and leads to most of the issues with this unit. Change it out often, lube as instructed, keep things clean. Works well.

I use WCC735 ball powder - very consistent loads from powder measure. Work up load to suit your rifle and ease up on the cycling. Accuracy AND speed on target will increase dramatically.

For the Norc brass, you may have crimped primers and that has to be properly removed. Dillon swager.... costs money, works awesome.

When you trim, remember to chamber necks too.

good luck.

Jerry