HELP-Reloading .223 for AR's

[kinggeorge168]

I was using some of the hand loads .233 (55grHP sierra and 27grs varget) for mine savage model 25 bolt-action on some of mine AR's...when I try to chamber a round, the bolt will not fully close!!!. This happened on both of the AR's...what a PIA!.
I know that I did not FL size the case. I only neck size it....DO I HAVE TO FL SIZE ALL THE CASINGS JUST FOR AR'S?!

If so, do I have to also use the small base sizer die after I fl size the case?

Are there 2 different types of .223 rem? one for bolt-action only...and one for both, bolt-action and semi?.

Thanks.
Cheers all.

 

[kinggeorge168]

woops... it is .223rem not .233rem!. typo!

 

[Farlsincharge]

FL size for your semi's. small base die should not be necessary.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

All I can tell you is that I full length size and don't run into problems.

 

[kinggeorge168]

What is the different between using a FL die and using a small base die for the semi .223?

 

[kinggeorge168]

Does the small base die acts like the FL die?....It also FL the case?

 

[NaOH]

FL size. I use a small base die and it got rid of the problem with the odd round that wouldn't chamber.

 

[Glockster]

Remember you are working with three difffernt rifles from the sound of your post. By only neck sizing you are basically custom loading for the specific chamber that case was last fired in. Chamber tolererences are ALL slightly different, regardless of the firearm or calibre. Just full Length resize everything in a standard die if you want to use the same case for seperate rifles of the same calibre. That way you always know they will work in both. Oh and resize and make a dummy case, just to make sure the rounds will infact chamber.

 

[Suputin]

do i have to fl size all the casings just for ar's?!

yes!

if so, do i have to also use the small base sizer die after i fl size the case?

no!

are there 2 different types of .223 rem? One for bolt-action only...and one for both, bolt-action and semi?.

no!

 

[kinggeorge168]

GOT IT!.
Thanks all.
Cheers

 

[kinggeorge168]

I loaded approximately 100rds with FL dies and another 100rds with FL+small base sizer.
TESTED ON 2 AR'S:
Panther DMPS and Armalite. 100 rds fired using FL die reloaded only. 17 rds did not eject!.
The other 100 rds fired with small base sizer brass, all ejected with no problem.
What a PIA to reload .223 for AR's...you have to be so precise . I measured the PMC brass, the base is 9.43, after FL the spent brass measured 9.53...and if small base size it, it measured 9.47
Now...If don't small base size all mine reloads...there is 17% chance it will get jammed!.

 

[jackenape]

double check your seater die. I had mine a bit low (bullet at right height, but die too low) and it made a small bulge at the shoulder of the case. Bolt would close about 90% of the way and jam.

 

[kinggeorge168]

To reload .223 rem....I will use FL size dies for even on bolt action rifles, and use small base sizer on all the reloads for AR's. (trust me...I know!) lol
....now, what do you use neck size dies for???.
cheers

 

[KDX]

Dumb question but....what is a small base die? I only have LEE dies for my .223 and RCBS for my 17FB.

 

[kinggeorge168]

To get an even smaller bullet dimension than FL size dies...I used it for all my AR's. I also use the small base sizer die for all my .308 semi.
- use FL size dies for bolt action rifles...if you just have bolt rifles.
-use small base sizer die for ALL semiautomatic's...matter of fact, you can use it on both semi and bolt rifles. (if it fits your semi, it will fit your bolt action).
Cheers.