Taking the plunge: Reloading 223/5.56

[titanse05]

A bit of background:
I have been reloading 45ACP since 2010 and have reloaded 4k rounds on my Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press so far.

Reloading 223/5.56:
I had previously gone back and forth with the idea of reloading for my ARs and with the current panic buying, lack of availability of reasonably priced factory rounds, possibility of future taxation and rising prices finally pushed me over the edge. I placed an order on Midwayusa yesterday and the order consisted of the following:

Dies:
Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 2-Die Set 223 Remington
Hornady Microjust Seating Stem
Lee Factory Crimp Die 223 Remington
Hornady Lock-N-Load Die Bushings Package of 3

Shellplate:
Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shellplate #16

Case trimming/preperation:
Little Crow Gunworks Worlds Finest Trimmer 223 Remington
Lyman Case Prep Multi Tool
Hornady Unique Case Lube 4 oz Tub
Imperial Dry Neck Lube Convenience Pak

Case gage:
L.E. Wilson Case Length Headspace Gage 223 Remington

Ammo box:
MTM Flip-Top Ammo Box 223 Remington 100-Round Plastic

I believe that these items in addition to what I already have should allow me to reload the 223 Rem. I have already started tumbling the brass that I had saved up since I got my first AR and I am looking forward to processing some brass and getting them ready to reload once I get the money for the bullets, powder and primers.

Bullets:
I have found thru my internet research that a popular bullet are the Hornady offerings such as this one: Hornady 55gr FMJBT. I would like to get the best per/bullet price and the bulk 6000 piece case is the cheapest I could find at about $0.08 each.

Another nice Hornady bullet that I will probably try is the Hornady Zmax which I have found at a couple of places for about $0.12 each (500 piece box).

Powder:
Hodgdon H335 ($128/8LB)
Ramshot TAC ($128/8LB)
Milsurp W844 ($85/8LB)

Primers:
CCI #400s ($26/1000)
Wolf SPRM ($14/1000)

The point of this thread is to share my experience with taking the plunge into reloading my first rifle caliber and to see if anyone here is already reloading it and would want to share tips/tricks and favorite load combos. I will be sure to share pictures along the way.

I also wanted to share this website as it has a lot of good info on it: http://www.6mmbr.com/223rem.html

[DaFadda]

Titan, I'm really interested in watching this thread as you explore the 5.56/.223 reloading process. I reload for the round, and have chosen to focus more on reloading "frangible" bullets for indoor range use up here in Connecticut. My favorite powder has been Hodgden's Varget, but that's just my opinion.

55 grain FMJ from MontanaGoldBullet.com is $295 / case of 3500. .084 cents per piece. Excellent quality in the .45 JHP and .357 JHP that I've purchased in the past, you might want to try them out with 1000 to start. Or call them and they should send a sample (usually about 10 rounds or so).

Good luck, it'll be fun to watch. And thank you for getting a gage to check your rounds. You wouldn't believe how many people think that step is unnecessary.

Da

[titanse05]

Originally Posted by DaFadda

55 grain FMJ from MontanaGoldBullet.com is $295 / case of 3500. .084 cents per piece. Excellent quality in the .45 JHP and .357 JHP that I've purchased in the past, you might want to try them out with 1000 to start. Or call them and they should send a sample (usually about 10 rounds or so).

They are on my list too but after considering shipping that they would be more like $0.09 each. They are a good option though as I have also heard good things about them.

Originally Posted by DaFadda

Good luck, it'll be fun to watch. And thank you for getting a gage to check your rounds. You wouldn't believe how many people think that step is unnecessary.

Da

I would believe it.....lol. I think that since I'm reloading for a auto loader that it is critical to have a case gauge. Nothing quite like a visual check.

[Boats]

Originally Posted by titanse05

I would believe it.....lol. I think that since I'm reloading for a auto loader that it is critical to have a case gauge. Nothing quite like a visual check.

I bought mine a week ago!

[titanse05]

Here is the equipment that I received from Midwayusa today. Now I just have to disassemble and clean up the dies so I can start setting up the press to get the cases ready to receive the primer, powder and bullets.

[DaFadda]

Titan... MontanaGold ships free. just letting you know.
Da

[douglas_knott]

I use h335. I don't crimp my .223 though.

[titanse05]

Originally Posted by DaFadda

Titan... MontanaGold ships free. just letting you know.
Da

Oh.... didn't see that. That's good to know. They are out of stock at the moment however.

[titanse05]

I came across a Surplus Military Powder (SMP 844) today that offers a pretty significant saving over H335 and they are reportedly essentialy the same thing. Anyone used it?

[titanse05]

Originally Posted by douglas_knott

I use h335. I don't crimp my .223 though.

How many grains and what projectile?