$$$ finally will reload my .223. What is one pointer you would suggest?

Firehoser

Firehoser

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With the loonie tanking even more after slowly coming back some (Thanks Brexit) reloading is looking like the way to go. I have the time and would like to reload my .223. Enjoy the hobby and have all the equipment for 9mm. I need to purchase dyes and possibly whatever? I am looking for tips from experienced loaders to reload .223 for CQB.

Suggestions on powder, bullets, technical advice, equipment needed etc all appreciated. M4 Rifle is 1-9 twist.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.
 
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Ramshot TAC


H335


Varget


You save when you buy 1000x bullets. There's everything you need from X RELOAD,Henry at Budget Shooter Supply and a few other vendors.
 
One tip I can provide... if you have kids, employ them to do your brass trimming! Ughhh, I dread that part on bulk 223 reloading.

Varget and CFE223 for my loads. CFE223 for the plinking stuff 'cause it was cheaper than Varget.

Campro 55gr have surprised me with their accuracy for a plinking pill. Cheap and fairly accurate, what's not to like?

If you have rifles with very tight chambers, you might want to look at the RCBS AR series small base die or the Lee dies. The drawback is that they work the brass more so you might lose some life out of them but they're plentiful at any range anyway.
 
Agree with much above. 55 gn Campro with Dominion Small rifle primers and a mid-speed powder with CFE 223 at the slow end and 3031 at the fast end of the spectrum. Spherical powders are better for loading on a progressive press but might not burn as clean. Order in bulk and locally to reduce costs. Win 748, H335, BL-C(2), IMR4320 seem most affordable right now but prices vary wildly.

Cost can get down to about $0.30 per round if you buy on deals.

On tight chambered guns, I've found the Lee dies a little too large for reliability - I use a Forster now and have had good results. I have no experience with the RCBS AR dies.
 
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Depending on your brass, you may have to swage the primer pockets as everyone except PMC seems to be crimping the primers in. The RCBS set up works very well.
I'm having great luck with the Lee Quick Trim die and cutter, averaging 12 seconds to trim, chamfer and deburr a case.
But the best tip I ever found on here was about how to easily lube the cases. Use any 500ml or so plastic container, drop in 50-75 cases, add a glop of lube about the size of a pea and shake shake shake.
The cases come out with a nice even coat and since the neck and shoulders have a coating of lube, they won't stick in your dies.
And another vote for the Campro's. Well into my 3rd box and so far so good.
 
Get a good case lube to ensure no stuck cases in your die. The Lee 223 die is good since in the event of a stuck case, you can use a punch to hammer the top of the decapping pin to push the stuck case out.

I also use Varget at 24gr, 2.20" COL, with S&B primer, and CamPro 55gn FMJBT, works great.

A good trimmer, and chamfering/deburring tool helps with case prep. I use a lyman deburring tool, and it is an awesome tool. I find the lee debur and chamfering is not as good of a tool for this task.

The load recipe that I use works on both Windham carbine and the Colt IUR. No feed issues - always goes bang and on target.
 
For me, I somewhat sort my brass. Any cases below 2.150 I put in one pile and the rest that are on or over I put in another. I use the short brass for just regular plinking (almost never past 100 yards), and the longer are all trimmed to 2.150 and used for more accurate loads at a later time. Funny enough most of my brass is short so I have lots of plinking loads lol. Do some research on your firearm that you plan to load for. The only 223 I have is my tavor. That chamber will accept anything, heck I can even have a slightly bell'd shoulder and it will just force it in and fire anyway (I don't advise you do that though hehe). I also agree with everyone here, for the money the campro 55g bullets are very nice, and fairly consistent. Also lube lube lube lube... Don't need a lot just do t be lazy and lube only 1 case for every six. Stuck cases aren't fun and even though the Lee size and decaying does make it easier, you can eventually ruin the die itself. I went through one already because I got lazy and didn't lube all of my cases.
 
Xl 650 uniquetek swager giraud trimmer
I use hdy 55fmj bulkbullets

tac, cfe223 any ball powder is good.
The worst part is trimming. Get a giraud tri way trimmer.
I can load close to 1000 an hour on the 650
 
Loading for CQB is a good place to start loading. High precision is not required.

CQB is short range, so full power is not required. Why beat up the gun and get more muzzle jump?

My max load is 26 gr. I load my ammo 22, 23 and 24, depending on the rifle.

Load 10 of each, 20 gr and up, in 1 gr increments, to max in the book for your powder. Note where the action cycles properly, and use any load 1 gr more than that, or more.

By the cheapest 55 gr bullets you can find. Anything works at 35 yards.

Use a light crimp. Reduce set back and improve ignition.

A ball powder meters much better than stick powder. I use H335. There are others, like BLC2 and some of the new ones. Buy the cheapest.
 
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