How much do your .223 reloads cost ya?

I bought a whole bunch of Win white box back in the days when they were $12-$14 a box of 40 at my local Walmart.

So my brass is free for a long time...I buy everything else in bulk...

So to answer your question, cheaper then I can buy them
 
22.8 cents each with bulk Hornady FMJ, 25gr of IMR 8208 XBR, and CCI primers.

I got a great deal on my 6,000 ct box of Hornady bullets.

Bullet $0.10 ($600.00/6,000)
25gr XBR $0.093 ($209.00/8lbs)
CCI Primer $0.035 ($35.00/1,000)
 
Last edited:
Awesome! Thanks everyone. I've been debating getting into 223, and had read on some dark corner of the net that reloading 223 wasn't economically beneficial. I'm not looking for target loads at the moment, but rather a round to dip my toes into 223. Maybe through an AR, or an old bolt action.

From what you guys are saying reloading my own 223 on the cheap would be slightly cheaper than bulk Norinco?

Thanks,
Cal.
 
Cheaper then Norinco def, especially now that the Norinco is drying up.

Thing is, you get better quality for cheaper price. I have bought Norinco cases and reload plinking 223. My cost is around 27c for reloads.

calvados.boulard said:
Awesome! Thanks everyone. I've been debating getting into 223, and had read on some dark corner of the net that reloading 223 wasn't economically beneficial. I'm not looking for target loads at the moment, but rather a round to dip my toes into 223. Maybe through an AR, or an old bolt action.

From what you guys are saying reloading my own 223 on the cheap would be slightly cheaper than bulk Norinco?

Thanks,
Cal.
Click to expand...
 
$.22 each. Buying my supplies off Henry. But I make my own projectiles. I did add in the $.07, it cost me to make my jacketed 62 grain projectiles. All delivery, tax and even gas when I have to pick something up, is included in my cost.
 
Last edited:
I have all the components a dies but never bothered reloading 223 yet because norinco was way cheaper to buy at 28c each or $5.63 for box of 20

AE black box costs 45c each or $9 per box of 20

Last I checked reloading components cost:
1000 projectiles - $140 or 14c each
1000 primers - $35 or 3.5c each
1lb h335 - $25 or 8.9c each assuming 25 gr loads

Total 26.4 c each or $5.28 for box of 20

There is savings over buying normal factory ammo but barely any over buying norinco and I'm not taking into account the time it takes to reload 223. Also to note, hand loads are likely more accurate, but for plinking to 100 yards it doesn't really matter
 
It all comes down to if you are buying brass or if you have a wealth of the stuff. I am using bulk 55 fmj's that cost $165 plus shipping plus 25 grains of WC735 powder and Winchester small mag primers. I had some brass given to me so this makes the ammo worth reloading in my opinion (even using my RCBS Rockchucker). If it costs me much more than that, I am better off just buying bulk loaded ammo.
 
luke s said:
There is savings over buying normal factory ammo but barely any over buying norinco and I'm not taking into account the time it takes to reload 223. Also to note, hand loads are likely more accurate, but for plinking to 100 yards it doesn't really matter
Click to expand...

If you are loading hunting ammo thats where the savings are. Hornady 53gr superformance is $21.99/20 I load almost the same for $7/20. 22-250 hornady 55gr is $27/20 I load that for $9/20
 
hometownhero said:
If you are loading hunting ammo thats where the savings are. Hornady 53gr superformance is $21.99/20 I load almost the same for $7/20. 22-250 hornady 55gr is $27/20 I load that for $9/20
Click to expand...

Yes you save a lot on a per cartridge basis but if you only use a rifle for one deer a year and you can find accurate store bought then it isn't really saving you anything.
My uncle was the type of hunter who took his rifle out once a year.
1 bullet was used to confirm zero the second was to take his deer.
Once in a blue moon he had to fire a second shot.
A box of 20 was good for around 8-9 years for him.
 
luke s said:
I have all the components a dies but never bothered reloading 223 yet because norinco was way cheaper to buy at 28c each or $5.63 for box of 20

AE black box costs 45c each or $9 per box of 20

Last I checked reloading components cost:
1000 projectiles - $140 or 14c each
1000 primers - $35 or 3.5c each
1lb h335 - $25 or 8.9c each assuming 25 gr loads

Total 26.4 c each or $5.28 for box of 20

There is savings over buying normal factory ammo but barely any over buying norinco and I'm not taking into account the time it takes to reload 223. Also to note, hand loads are likely more accurate, but for plinking to 100 yards it doesn't really matter
Click to expand...

The last few times I have bought AE 55gr I paid $400/1000 which is $8/box. There is definitely a savings in handloading .223 but you need to factor in the time you spend sitting at the reloading bench and decide if it is worth it. Reloading for my 338 Lapua is a definite necessity as factory loads are $5 each but I can reload for around $1.50 each. I reload for 6 different rifle cartridges and 3 handgun cartridges so I need to prioritize my time at the reload bench, because of that I shoot American Eagle 55gr most of the time and just pull out the handloads when doing development testing or when I want to shoot tight groups or longer distances.

Handloads are definitely more accurate than any store bought 223 unless you are paying $20+/box and even then if you do some load development I'm sure handloads will be more accurate.
Even plinking at 100 yards accuracy does matter. If making 4-6 inch groups at 100yds is good enough for you then keep buying Norinco, but I like 1-2 inch groups from my rifles and with handloads that is achievable in all my semi auto's.

I refuse to run Norinco ammo through my rifles and would much rather spend a little more to get some decent ammo. If you just want to go out and make some noise then Norc is fine but if you like hitting what you point at and if you value your rifle then I would stay away from that junk. There have been so many threads started with people having problems with undersized projectiles, bad primers, primers popping out and jamming up their trigger groups that I just stay away. All of my 223's cost me over $2000 each and none of them have an easy to swap cheap generic AR barrel so it isn't worth it to me.
 
cr5 said:
The last few times I have bought AE 55gr I paid $400/1000 which is $8/box. There is definitely a savings in handloading .223 but you need to factor in the time you spend sitting at the reloading bench and decide if it is worth it. Reloading for my 338 Lapua is a definite necessity as factory loads are $5 each but I can reload for around $1.50 each. I reload for 6 different rifle cartridges and 3 handgun cartridges so I need to prioritize my time at the reload bench, because of that I shoot American Eagle 55gr most of the time and just pull out the handloads when doing development testing or when I want to shoot tight groups or longer distances.

Handloads are definitely more accurate than any store bought 223 unless you are paying $20+/box and even then if you do some load development I'm sure handloads will be more accurate.
Even plinking at 100 yards accuracy does matter. If making 4-6 inch groups at 100yds is good enough for you then keep buying Norinco, but I like 1-2 inch groups from my rifles and with handloads that is achievable in all my semi auto's.

I refuse to run Norinco ammo through my rifles and would much rather spend a little more to get some decent ammo. If you just want to go out and make some noise then Norc is fine but if you like hitting what you point at and if you value your rifle then I would stay away from that junk. There have been so many threads started with people having problems with undersized projectiles, bad primers, primers popping out and jamming up their trigger groups that I just stay away. All of my 223's cost me over $2000 each and none of them have an easy to swap cheap generic AR barrel so it isn't worth it to me.
Click to expand...
I guess everybody is different.
I bought 2 of the Norinco 1200 round crates from Canada Ammo last spring when I was running low on Hornady FMJ's.
I first ran it through my Norc then for fun I ran some through my Noveske Afghan
Both groups were shot slow fire at 50M indoors from a front bag using an EOTech.
The first target is the Norinco CJ 95.
I have had 0 issues with mine as far as accuracy or malfunctions or primers popping.
I would actually buy a few more crates for plinking.
The second target is my Hornady 55gr FMJ handloads USING 25gr of XBR and CCI primers.
Although there is a vast difference in group size the subject would be quite dead in both instances.
I will perform the same test once I put a scope on the Noveske and get outdoors to a 100y range.


 
Last edited:
thump_rrr said:
I guess everybody is different.
I bought 2 of the Norinco 1200 round crates from Canada Ammo last spring when I was running low on Hornady FMJ's.
I first ran it through my Norc then for fun I ran some through my Noveske Afghan
Both groups were shot slow fire at 50M indoors from a front bag using an EOTech.
The first target is the Norinco CJ 95.
I have had 0 issues with mine as far as accuracy or malfunctions or primers popping.
I would actually buy a few more crates for plinking.
The second target is my Hornady 55gr FMJ handloads USING 25gr of XBR and CCI primers.
Although there is a vast difference in group size the subject would be quite dead in both instances.
I will perform the same test once I put a scope on the Noveske and get outdoors to a 100y range.
Click to expand...



Biggest Problem with Norinco ammo is that there is no consistency. Some guys have no problems other than half ass accuracy and others have nothing but problems. Then there are the really rare ones that say their rifle loves the stuff and they are doing 2-3moa with it.
I was out shooting with a buddy who had his XCR-L with him and he was doing around 6 inch groups at 100yds off a bipod with Norinco ammo so I let him try some American Eagle 55gr I had and his groups went down to around 3-4 inches.

That first target is not what I would consider even decent accuracy for 50yds, second one is much better. I don't consider whether a person would be dead if I made a 6 inch group center mass at 50yds a good measure of accuracy. I like most of us are not in the military and will never shoot at another human, I shoot my AR's as target rifles, and my HK and ACR will also be used for varmint and predator hunting, therefore I judge my rifle and ammo performance in inches and 4-6 inches at 50yds is far from acceptable for me. If my semi auto rifles can't print 2-3 inches at 100yds off a sandbag I try other types of ammo and if that doesn't produce better groups I sell the rifle. I am not satisfied until I am getting 1 moa from my rifles, my HK is there with my handloads and I'm just starting load development on the ACR's non restricted barrel.

That Noveske is VERY nice.


Getting off topic. Let's try to stay on the tracks.
 
cr5 said:
Biggest Problem with Norinco ammo is that there is no consistency. Some guys have no problems other than half ass accuracy and others have nothing but problems. Then there are the really rare ones that say their rifle loves the stuff and they are doing 2-3moa with it.
I was out shooting with a buddy who had his XCR-L with him and he was doing around 6 inch groups at 100yds off a bipod with Norinco ammo so I let him try some American Eagle 55gr I had and his groups went down to around 3-4 inches.

That first target is not what I would consider even decent accuracy for 50yds, second one is much better. I don't consider whether a person would be dead if I made a 6 inch group center mass at 50yds a good measure of accuracy. I like most of us are not in the military and will never shoot at another human, I shoot my AR's as target rifles, and my HK and ACR will also be used for varmint and predator hunting, therefore I judge my rifle and ammo performance in inches and 4-6 inches at 50yds is far from acceptable for me. If my semi auto rifles can't print 2-3 inches at 100yds off a sandbag I try other types of ammo and if that doesn't produce better groups I sell the rifle. I am not satisfied until I am getting 1 moa from my rifles, my HK is there with my handloads and I'm just starting load development on the ACR's non restricted barrel.

That Noveske is VERY nice.


Getting off topic. Let's try to stay on the tracks.
Click to expand...

Just to be clear the Norinco group was inside of 2" so 4 MOA.
The 55 gr Hornady FMJ were right around 3/4" or 1.5 MOA.
If the Noveske won't do .75" at 100y with 69 or 77gr it will get re-barreled.
I am confident it will be to my liking once I develop a load for it and get to my 100y range.
 
Last edited:
thump_rrr said:
Just to be clear the Norinco group was inside of 2" so 4 MOA.
The 55 gr Hornady FMJ were right around 3/4" or 1.5 MOA.
If the Noveske won't do .75" at 100y with 69 or 77gr it will get re-barreled.
I am confident it will be to my liking once I develop a load for it and get to my 100y range.
Click to expand...

Don't rule out the lighter bullets with the Noveske. Just because it's a 1:7 twist doesn't mean it won't shoot shorter lighter bullets and not all 69 through 80 grain rounds are going to work well just because it's a 1:7. You can't overstabilize a bullet so even the light ones can shoot well from a tight twist. For an example my HK with a 1:7 loves 50gr Ballistic silvertips and doesn't shoot 62gr American Eagle FMJ very well at all. The only thing you can do is spin a bullet faster than it was designed which can cause them to come apart in the air after leaving the muzzle. This may rule out using some really light thin jacket varmint bullets. Where you see the benefits of the longer heavier bullets is when you start stretching out the range to 300 yards and beyond, these longer heavier bullets need the faster twist to stabilize properly. Give the new Black hills Mk262 mod1 75gr ammo a try. I just picked up a box of 50. It's supposed to be some of the best 223 factory ammo we can get right now.

I'm sure your Noveske is capable of 3/4moa, you just need to find the ammo it likes.
 
cr5 said:
Don't rule out the lighter bullets with the Noveske. Just because it's a 1:7 twist doesn't mean it won't shoot shorter lighter bullets and not all 69 through 80 grain rounds are going to work well just because it's a 1:7. You can't overstabilize a bullet so even the light ones can shoot well from a tight twist. For an example my HK with a 1:7 loves 50gr Ballistic silvertips and doesn't shoot 62gr American Eagle FMJ very well at all. The only thing you can do is spin a bullet faster than it was designed which can cause them to come apart in the air after leaving the muzzle. This may rule out using some really light thin jacket varmint bullets. Where you see the benefits of the longer heavier bullets is when you start stretching out the range to 300 yards and beyond, these longer heavier bullets need the faster twist to stabilize properly. Give the new Black hills Mk262 mod1 75gr ammo a try. I just picked up a box of 50. It's supposed to be some of the best 223 factory ammo we can get right now.

I'm sure your Noveske is capable of 3/4moa, you just need to find the ammo it likes.
Click to expand...

Where did you find the Black Hills?
I may give them a try for precision rounds but for plinking I'd like to get the Hornady 55gr FMJ's to shoot around 1 MOA since I have over 6,000 of them.

PS: the MK262 Mod 1 uses 77gr SMK's
 
Last edited:
thump_rrr said:
Where did you find the Black Hills?
I may give them a try for precision rounds but for plinking I'd like to get the Hornady 55gr FMJ's to shoot around 1 MOA since I have over 6,000 of them.

PS: the MK262 Mod 1 uses 77gr SMK's
Click to expand...

Oh ya, was thinking of the box of 75gr Black hills match I have at home as well (no longer available I think I have 10 rounds left :( ).
Yes, 77gr Mk262.
I bought it in Edmonton at Tier one Armory, they have a pallet of it.

If it shoots well I'll be buying some 77gr SMK's and trying to duplicate the load.
 
cr5 said:
Oh ya, was thinking of the box of 75gr Black hills match I have at home as well (no longer available I think I have 10 rounds left :( ).
Yes, 77gr Mk262.
I bought it in Edmonton at Tier one Armory, they have a pallet of it.

If it shoots well I'll be buying some 77gr SMK's and trying to duplicate the load.
Click to expand...
Any idea what powder they're using?

I have 100 77gr SMK's and 100 77gr Nosler Custom Competition.
I also have Varget, IMR 4064, IMR 8208 XBR, and IMR4895.

My go to is usually XBR for .223.
 
thump_rrr said:
Yes you save a lot on a per cartridge basis but if you only use a rifle for one deer a year and you can find accurate store bought then it isn't really saving you anything.
My uncle was the type of hunter who took his rifle out once a year.
1 bullet was used to confirm zero the second was to take his deer.
Once in a blue moon he had to fire a second shot.
A box of 20 was good for around 8-9 years for him.
Click to expand...

Ya I shoot a few thousand rounds a year so its well worth it to me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom