Getting into "precision" rifle/reloading. Have questions.

Boomer454

Boomer454

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So I have been loading "hunting grade" ammo for years and have had great success, even some outstanding acuracy with some loads.

But now with the purchase of my first "presision" rifle in the very near future I know I'm going to have to step up my game a bit when it comes to reloading.

I have settled on a Rem action with a 1-9 twist heavy barrel in .223 Rem.

I'm guesing from reading the forums here that 69 grain SMK's are about the best place to start, but my questions are more about dies, tools and such.

I have a set of RCBS FL dies, abut am sure I will want to use a neck die at the very least after the initial firing. Is there a huge difference in quality of ammo produced using neck sizing only as opposed to using a collet type die?
I have no experience with collet dies and could really use some advice here...

Also does the press itself make a big difference? I have been using my RCBS Jr.3 for many years with great success for hunting rounds. Its still tight, and I assume true. Would a Rock chucker or bigger "stiffer" press make a noticable difference in accuracy? Do presses ever wear out?

Hope I'm not asking stupid questions. Like I said I'm not new to reloading, but have never taken it to the next level like this.
 
I use the Redding Neck bushing dies myself, and I like the results. If your press is manufactured true, there isn't slop in the ram, and it doesn't flex, you shouldn't have any issues making accurate ammunition.
 
Here's my way of doing things but I'm kinda new at this

Step #1: FL size brass

Step #2: uniform primer pocket with Lyman tool and trim to SAMMI spec

Step #3: turn necks all to .0130

Step #4: chamfer mouth of case

Step #5: check concentricity and runout of loaded rounds and sort into groups


For reloading after the initial prep all I really do is neck size the cases and watch the case length and concentricity... Things seem to stay quite even and straight after I turn my case necks... I use a Lee challenger press and Lee dies for .223.
 
rodauto said:
bushing dies allow you to put more or less tension on the bullet which will affect acuracy, especialy if you neck turn your brass
Click to expand...

I agree with rodauto. If you are neck turning either use a bushing type sizing die or a collet style.

As for your press it is probably ok if you check your bullet runout and it is straight. If you want to buy a top notch press the Forster Co-ax press is probably the best on the market without getting into arbor presses.

As for full length or just neck sizing, I don't full length size for my rifles I use for optimum accuracy until they start to get hard to close the bolt on. If I am loading for a hunting rifle, I will use a full lenght sizer to set the shoulder back about .001" to ensure ease of chambering. Also get an annealing kit or machine to keep your case necks soft.

Have Fun!!! :cheers:
 
For precision with .223, the best upgrade I found was a quality digital scale. I bought a Winstead Peters that reads .1, which is great but I wish I bought something that reads to .02
 
Unless you have a tight necked custom chamber, neck turning is not reqired.

If you go with a bushing die, buy the Redding "S" Type die w/bushings. It will FL resize the case but not overwork the neck. If you just neck size you will find that you need the FL resize after 4-5 loadings to bump the shoulder back anyway.

For smaller cases like the .223 powder weight consistancy is important.
 
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