Reloading for semi's? what considerations/precautions?

na1lb0hm

na1lb0hm

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New to reloading, Mostly own semis.

any specific precautions/adjustments to procedures for them (semis)?
-faster, slower burning powders than bolt actions?
-same primers as usual?

going to be doing .223, .308 and some 7.62x39mm if it helps.

I've sorted all my sh*tty american eagle .223 brass out, and anything with a crimped prime, I'm not going to bother with right now.

can you guys help me out on this one? Don't want to buy a bunch of dies, powder, only to find I've got the wrong thing, etc. etc.
 
You may want to consider small base dies for the auto loader for more reliable function as usually full length dies sometimes don't return the case dimension to the original size and feeding may or may not be an issue. It would be difficult to load 7.62x39 for anywhere near the cost of surplus ammo currently available in Canada and would only concider reloading for more accuracy (hardly likely in a semi) or for expanding bullets (hunting) if none are available in your area. Also not much in boxer primed brass casings for 7.62x39 as most surplus is steel and berdaned primed. Remember that military casings while having crimped primers (only have to be reamed/swaged the first time) are thicker and thus loads should usually be reduced by 15%. Phil.
 
Get a good reloading manual such as Sierra and Lyman and read the sections on reloading for 223 Rem, 308 Win and 30-06 which have specific recommendations about which powders and bullet weight work best.

Generally
  • Use full length sizing,
  • Use harder primers brand (Remington and CCI) to avoid slam fires,
  • Use standard weight bullets (nothing too light or too heavy) to avoid to overdriving mechanical parts,
  • and Use standard or close to standard burning rate powders to avoid too high gas port pressure

Again, read Sierra's and Lyman's recommendations.
Both are very specific and to the point.

Alex
 
P of PDent said:
You may want to consider small base dies for the auto loader for more reliable function as usually full length dies sometimes don't return the case dimension to the original size and feeding may or may not be an issue. It would be difficult to load 7.62x39 for anywhere near the cost of surplus ammo currently available in Canada and would only concider reloading for more accuracy (hardly likely in a semi) or for expanding bullets (hunting) if none are available in your area. Also not much in boxer primed brass casings for 7.62x39 as most surplus is steel and berdaned primed. Remember that military casings while having crimped primers (only have to be reamed/swaged the first time) are thicker and thus loads should usually be reduced by 15%. Phil.
Click to expand...


bingo! my mini-30 needs some handloads over milsurp stuff.
won't be doing any military cases, or berdan primed.

AlexF said:
Generally
  • Use full length sizing,
  • Use harder primers brand (Remington and CCI) to avoid slam fires,
  • Use standard weight bullets (nothing too light or too heavy) to avoid to overdriving mechanical parts,
  • and Use standard or close to standard burning rate powders to avoid too high gas port pressure


Alex
Click to expand...

ty for the list

i've read both a hogdon and lee manual, both of which seem quite biased.

imr4895 (or 4385, can't remember right now, have it written down) looks like the best powder right now, listed in both manuals, and recommended for all three calibers?

basically, for bullet weights, 45-60 grain for .223, 150-168 for .308, 123-125 for 7.62x39mm.
 
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