So i’m beginning to reload .223 for the first time for hunting with my AR. i used to just load for my .06. I’m also using a new brand of dies and a new head-space gauge for the first time and i want to make sure i’m using it right.
So first i set the die in place like LEE said. then i measured the head-space on a case and ran it through the die. I then took another measurement and the case shrank .012" , what i assume is setting the shoulder back .012. I then backed the die out and repeated the process with other cases untill my first and second measurements were no more than .002" different.
Im mainly concerned with these being safe loads and that im not making any obvious mistakes that i am missing.
That’s my understanding, you don’t want to push the shoulder back too far, usually between .002-.004. I’d do one other thing, make a dummy round up, (no primer, powder, seat and crimp bullet) and load into rifle and check that it chambers, ejects, without problems, Also did you check and see if the cases needed trimmed? Not to sound stupid…But, you are full length resizing, aren’t you?
yes i checked case length and trimmed as needed. one other thing i noticed the majority of my used cases have a nice little dent a little less than half way up the case. my assumption is it is from the case being warm and ejected into the brass deflector on my AR.?
Though it is common… I would be hesitant to use such cases for “Hunting” loads as the OP has stated which I would assume to be at close to max potential loads.
I’ve seen though types of dents in many cases as well and would load them with no fear in standard plinking loads.
I wouldn’t worry a bit about dents. They’ll fire form right out of the brass. I’ve NEVER had a case that had an issue as a result of dents, creases, mashings, or anything else.
And I’ve brought cases back to life that would freak you out… run over by vehicles, stepped on… everthing.
As far as the case guage… if you’re concerned at all… get a know good factory load and see how it measures… then match your die setting to get the same results.