Starting to reload 223 and I need advice
- Thread starter LiXy
- Start date
Hi. Brass for semi-autos must be checked for length, trimmed, chamfered and deburred as required, full length resized every time and watch the OAL. The chamfering takes the place of the flare on a handgun case. Some .223's prefer a small base sizing die too. Other than that loading for a rifle isn't a lot different.
The only other thing is the rifling twist. Has to do with stabilizing the bullet. Heavy bullet weights, 60 and up in .223, need a fast twist. Don't know what it is in a CQA. Mind you, if you don't have the manual or it doesn't say, figuring it out isn't hard. Put a patch on your jag then into the chamber. Put a mark on top of the rod near the chamber and the handle. Push the patch through the barrel for one complete turn of the handle end mark and mark the chamber end again. Measure the distance between the chamber end marks. One turn in whatever that distance is, is the rifling twist.
The only other thing is the rifling twist. Has to do with stabilizing the bullet. Heavy bullet weights, 60 and up in .223, need a fast twist. Don't know what it is in a CQA. Mind you, if you don't have the manual or it doesn't say, figuring it out isn't hard. Put a patch on your jag then into the chamber. Put a mark on top of the rod near the chamber and the handle. Push the patch through the barrel for one complete turn of the handle end mark and mark the chamber end again. Measure the distance between the chamber end marks. One turn in whatever that distance is, is the rifling twist.
dudley2112
Youth Group Leader
- Location
- Ottawa, Ontario
hey my buddy and i both used norc Ar's in CQB competitions last year and they ate up 25-26 grains of winchester 745 under a 55 grain fmj with no issues
For a ball powder with a decent match-type bullet, it is hard to beat the 69gr. Sierra match king and Ramshot TAC powder. Use a 'Bench Rest' or match primers for consistancy in velocity and powder ignition. The extra cost of them is worth it when you consider the extra pennies per round. This combo can be run through a progressive like a Dillon 550 or 650 or a Hornady LnL with no issues. I'd recommend using match type seated dies (such as a Redding competition die) to tighten up the runout.
I'd also recommend doing all you brass prep. off the press (either a single stage or another dedicated die plate for your progressive).
Invest in a Giraud trimmer - they are hands down the absolute best combo of fast/accurate trimming and chamfering solution for brass.
Your 'Rinco should be a 7 twist, and while you may get the odd decent group with 55gr. Fmj at 100, they are the sh!ts beyond that - fine for plinking and CQB type competitions, but a pretty crappy bullet beyond that.
I'd also recommend doing all you brass prep. off the press (either a single stage or another dedicated die plate for your progressive).
Invest in a Giraud trimmer - they are hands down the absolute best combo of fast/accurate trimming and chamfering solution for brass.
Your 'Rinco should be a 7 twist, and while you may get the odd decent group with 55gr. Fmj at 100, they are the sh!ts beyond that - fine for plinking and CQB type competitions, but a pretty crappy bullet beyond that.
Lots of good info here guys, thanks.
@beltfed I was looking to keep the cost down as low as possible as I am only using these for plinking and CQB. The projectile I was looking at was the Lake City 55gr. As for powder I was thinking Varget but I am open to suggestions (something clean burning). Any experience with these?
I will definitely consider reloading some match ammo like you suggested once I get a good stockpile of the cheaper stuff turned out.
@beltfed I was looking to keep the cost down as low as possible as I am only using these for plinking and CQB. The projectile I was looking at was the Lake City 55gr. As for powder I was thinking Varget but I am open to suggestions (something clean burning). Any experience with these?
I will definitely consider reloading some match ammo like you suggested once I get a good stockpile of the cheaper stuff turned out.
If you are going to be shooting Service Rifle back to 500m, quality target grade ammunition makes a difference in competition. Using 68gr Hornadys, 69gr Sierras or Noslers will boost the cost of the ammunition significantly.
For CQB, use the bulk 55gr fmjs. Higginson sells a surplus powder (WC735, IIRC) that works well in .223, and is about the cheapest powder you can buy.
For CQB, use the bulk 55gr fmjs. Higginson sells a surplus powder (WC735, IIRC) that works well in .223, and is about the cheapest powder you can buy.
