Reloading for 5.56 chamber
Quote from Reloader on June 1, 2010, 3:04 pmI have all 5.56 chambered AR15s. Just starting to load for this caliber after a long break (used up my commercial 5.56 WW stockpile) I still use 5.56 ammo for matches but want to start using reloads (again)
Have about 2000 rds to reload. Have the Dillon 550B setup with FL 223 dies, also the .223 trim and headspace dies. Of course, the Dillon primer pocket swaging tool.
Planning to use an old single stage press to pop the primers and resize the brass, then swage the primer pocket, then relaod.OK, finally the question. If I am only using these reloads in the 5.56 chambered rifles ( I have no .223 chambers) do I go by the OAL cartrdidge length of 1.772 for 5.56 or do I stick with the .223 cartridge OAL of 1.760?
Will the FL .223 resize die set back the shoulder of the case, and should I not screw the die down so far it touches the base plate?other suggestions welcome
Thanks!
Wayne
I have all 5.56 chambered AR15s. Just starting to load for this caliber after a long break (used up my commercial 5.56 WW stockpile) I still use 5.56 ammo for matches but want to start using reloads (again)
Have about 2000 rds to reload. Have the Dillon 550B setup with FL 223 dies, also the .223 trim and headspace dies. Of course, the Dillon primer pocket swaging tool.
Planning to use an old single stage press to pop the primers and resize the brass, then swage the primer pocket, then relaod.
OK, finally the question. If I am only using these reloads in the 5.56 chambered rifles ( I have no .223 chambers) do I go by the OAL cartrdidge length of 1.772 for 5.56 or do I stick with the .223 cartridge OAL of 1.760?
Will the FL .223 resize die set back the shoulder of the case, and should I not screw the die down so far it touches the base plate?
other suggestions welcome
Thanks!
Wayne
Quote from Reloader on June 2, 2010, 2:41 pmSince all of your chambers are 5.56mm, then the 1.772"OAL is fine. The 223 size die is fine for 5.56mm, suggest you use a headspace case gage for adjusting the size die. The throat is where the predominant chamber differences are, not in the shoulder and body.
Since all of your chambers are 5.56mm, then the 1.772"OAL is fine. The 223 size die is fine for 5.56mm, suggest you use a headspace case gage for adjusting the size die. The throat is where the predominant chamber differences are, not in the shoulder and body.
Quote from Reloader on June 10, 2010, 7:05 pmUse the headspace case gage and make sure a sized case with the lube wiped off drops in to flush with the lower step on the gage.
Use the headspace case gage and make sure a sized case with the lube wiped off drops in to flush with the lower step on the gage.