Probably not the most informative post but I just finished loading my first 40 rounds with my new LEE (Prepared for the flaming) press. I used PMC brass that I had saved, Sierra 55gr. FMJ Boat tails, CCI Primers, and 24.5gr. of IMR 4064. Ill be going to the range on Sunday and will be able to post the results.
I did not tumble the brass, just wiped it down. I cleaned the carbon out of the primer pockets, and I did not crimp the bullet. The LEE press that comes with the anniversary reloading kit appears to be more than adequate for 223, however, full length resizing 308 is a little much for it.
I have never reloaded anything, or watched anyone reload up until tonight, very easy and very fun. Any comments or recommendations would be great! Pics Follow.
I planned on loading a 75-77gr but could not get them… so 55gr boattails it was! I have a 14.5" m4 and a 16" HBAR that im going to test the load in. It’s the same I used in my buddies 168gr .308 load, Ill know how it works by the weekend!
Congrats! Wait till you pull the trigger, the smile will be hard to wipe off your face.
My first reloads were made on a Lee Anniversary kit. The kit paid for itself in the first year I owned it. You are correct on the 308, I broke one of the links on mine reloading 30-06. $3.00 later and I was back in business. I lent it to a friend and he learned on it as well. It’s a good starter kit to see if the person really wants to get serious or not.
I now use a Dillon 550 and RCBS Rockchucker. Night and day difference in quality and have never broken either one.
I went to the local shop to look at equipment before I ordered this press off of the internet, and they started laughing and being total jerks about the press that I was interested in. They tried telling me that I needed the 550 to do any real loads and that the lee was a waste of money. I played with it at the store… and the 550 is a VERY nice press but its not what I needed yet Ill probably upgrade next year.
My buddy is looking at a Lee progressive kit for $200. Anyone with experiance? Worth the money or better getting a quality single stage?
What powder / load do you guys use with 55gr and 62gr? Im lookin for a hot load comperable to 193 and 855.
Thanks so much! Its very nice to have people leave constructive and helpful information. I appreciate it!
Stay away from the Lee progressives. I had a buddy that had the Loadmaster and he got rid of it pretty quickly and picked up a Dillon 650. Dillon and Hornady would be the only progressives I would consider. Lee’s Turret press is OK from what I hear.
For high accuracy loads in a 18-20" barrel I like Hodgdon 335 and Benchmark. I have also had some success with Vihtauvouri powders. For plinking, paper punching, class loads, etc. I use Accurate 2230 and Hodgdon 4895. Ramshot TAC seems to be a pretty popular powder as well.
As far as hot loads go, I don’t feel comfortable making recommendations. You will have to spend the time with your gun working up a load for it. Be careful of temperature, some powders are sensitive and will give you much higher pressure on hot days.
Personally, I would stay away from the Lee Progressive presses. Take a look at the Lee Classic Turret press. This is a heavy well made cast, 4 station press. Folks are loading up to 200 rounds/hr with these. Make sure you’re looking at the “Classic” turret. This is the cast model. Check out the Classic Turret kit. Only sold by Kempf’s gunshop. Google them. They have an online store. They are a top Lee retailer and put this kit together themselves. I own one that I use for 223. I also own a single stage, and a Dillon650 that I use for mass producing handgun ammo. 600-700 rounds/ hour. The Classic turret press is an excellent buy for the money. I’ve been reloading for 26 yrs. I’ve seen some good equipment. And not so good equipment sold. This press is a good buy. The press alone runs about $85-90.
Again, Thank you all very much. I will pass on the word of the classic press to my friend!
One more newb question. I have a bunch of crimped primer brass. Can I just clean up the edge of the primer picket with the mouth chamfering tool? I tried priming them initially, then i realized that they were crimped… or whatever you would like to call it. If so, im going to load up another 60rounds tonight… Its addicting
And as far as hot load, I was just wondering if there was a safe load with specific components that was comparable to an xm193 or so.
If you have a lot. The best thing to do is buy an inexpensive hand reaming tool. This tool will do a better job than the method you asked about. The reamers cut the correct size and bevel and as importantly the correct depth. Run about $5-6. If you really have a lot. I would suggest the Dillon Super Swage. Fast and easy. The best swager made. These run about $95. Hand reaming a lot of brass can be tedious. As well as hard on your hands.
I just picked up some 75gr BTHP Hornady Match for my 16" HBAR. Question being: If I use the same 24.5gr powder load of 4064, it looks like the load will be slightly compressed, as the powder level is at the first shoulder (noted by red marker in photo). Should this be a safety problem? Should I run magnum primers in this load? When is there a need to run the hotter primer? and again, all of your help is much appreciated.
Compressing the load should not be a problem as long as the load selected is an acceptable documented load. Many of my loads using 62gr and 70 gr are slightly compressed. It’s part of the 223 case being so small. Not much volume. My varget loads fill the case. So the powder is going to get a little compressed no matter what. Also make sure the OAL is correct. Don’t seat lower than recommended. Otherwise you’ll be fine.
Compressed loads aren’t a big deal, but I am only familier with 75 or 77gr bullets and RE-15. I cannot comment about your powder. You’ll need to check your manual regarding the safety of that charge with that bullet. Typically they tell you when a load will be compressed.
Magnum primers arent required, and normally used because they are harder, although they are often recommended for use with ball powders because they also burn a little hotter.
Try using a drop tube with stick powders to help them fill the case more efficiently.
I have decrimped thousands of pieces of brass with the RCBS case mouth tool. I would look into the possom hollow kwick trim for trimming. The adaptor also accepts the case mouth tool and is very easy to use in your electric drill.
Powders I perfer are Benchmark, RE-15, and AA2230. Other powders that are good, but not my first choice are IMR-4895, H335, W748
They aren’t real hot, but my pet loads are as follows:
55gr Hornady
25.0 benchmark*
24.0 aa2230*
25.0 H335
25.5 IMR-4895
*most accurate from my rifle
62gr
24.5 IMR-4895
I also have a load using aa2230, but it didnt shoot nearly as well from my LMT
I ended up loading 24gr of 4064 for the 75gr w/ an oal of 2.250" using 400 CCI primers. We will see how she works!
And a few other diff loads of 2 different 55gr bluets with w/ different bullet seating depths and powder charges. Also did a few more loads for my buddies 308. This loading stuff is great! can’t wait until I become more knowledgeable.
556mp- you’re going to like reloading. I am loading 55gr fmj using Varget. Noted to be one of the most accurate powders for 223. Using 26 gr powder. Shot out of several different guns. But the one I get the best accuracy out of is a 16" carbine. BM barrel. 1/9 twist. Not chrome lined. Groups shot using a Millet DMS-1 1x4 tactical scope with a dot in donut reticle. I am getting groups 1/2-3/4MOA @ 100 yds of course. These are the best groups I’ve ever gotten out of any gun. Especially with my loads. These are 5 shot groups. One hole. Shots were fired consecutively without time for barrel to cool down. In fact barrel was warm. Temp was around 40degrees.
24.0 of 4064 with a the Hornady 75gr match bullet seated to 2.250" is the MAX load. As you use longer bullets you are decreasing case volume, thereby increasing pressure. No offense, but guesstimating loads is extremely stupid and dangerous. I would strongly suggest buying a reloading manual.
Getting good data from the manual people or other reasonable source is a must for a starter. You can experiment later once you have the experience to back it up
CCI 400 primers are UNSAFE in the .223. Pull those loads, and DON’T shoot them. Running that load is risky anyway, and with CCI 400s you will blow your ass up.
If you’re going to use CCI primers, you need either 450 Magnum Small Rifle or the #41 arsenal primer. In Remington, you need #7 1/2.
CCI 400 or Remington 6 1/2 primers are meant for cartridges in the .22 Hornet pressure range. You are running a serious risk of a pierced primer, which if you’re lucky will just ruin your bolt.
Also - you need to be crimping if you’re shooting these out of an AR. One bad setback and you’re going to be picking pieces out of your hands.
You need to seek instruction from someone who knows what they are doing, not Cletus down at the gun shop.
I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I’ve used a whole bunch of CCI400’s and never had a problem. I agree that the Rem. 7 1/2 is a better primer, but the CCI 400 is just fine.
The 223 does not NEED to be crimped and may add complications for the budding handloader such as maintaining consistant case length. Crimping also raises pressures and can be determental the accuracy.
That load is out of a reloading manual. Ill have to look tomorrow, but I can scan it and post the pic. It is also .7gr below the max safe load. Granted, I picked up this manual 2 or 3 years ago when I origonaly wanted to start reloading. Will this seriously be a problem? <- not being sarcastic as I really do not want to pick my rifle up off of the ground in peices.
As far as primers that is what the local reloading shop told me to use. They strictly deal with handguns and reloading equipment and instruction.
What about 55gr FMJ BT with 4064 loaded at 24gr set with the crimp line just inline with the case mouth as shown in the pictures above. I do not remember OAL and i do not have my log book with me. I really do not want to hurt myself or anyone who may be standing near when I am shooting.
Herd48, I also have a BM HBAR chrome lined, and it shoots 3/4 to inch groups with brown bear 62 gr. They are very accurate barrels for very little money.
CCI 450 is not necessary and the CCI 400 is satisfactory. The arsenal #41 is a supposed military spec primer that has a harder cup to keep from having a slam fire. Never saw a slam fire in 10 years of High Power with ARs, M1s & M1As. It is a fluke that blames primers when dirty guns and broken parts cause slam fires. Find articles or books specifically for hand loading for ARs. I find it interesting that only two primers are can safely be used for AR loads. Balderdash!!!
My only crimped hand loads are cast bullet revolver and pistol loads. Crimping is not necessary for semi autos rifles with non cast bullets and has never been needed. If your die is working right the bullet will not move.
Ill probably upgrade next year.
