Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: johns8168 on January 19, 2015, 02:02:07 PM

Title: Reloading 223 in AR
Post by: johns8168 on January 19, 2015, 02:02:07 PM: Hello everyone, had another post outlining my issues getting my AR to shoot accurately but now I have it shooting well I will begin reloading to hopefully improve things a bit more. The primary purpose of the gun is varmint hunting/longer range plinking and paper punching.

I have been reloading for a couple years but only for larger caliber bolt guns, just checking to see if there is anything I should be thinking about differently when loading for a semi-auto. Specifically I am thinking both crimping (if needed), bullet selection and seating depth that will still function in the mag (not interested in single shots). Of the factory rounds I shot the best seemed to be the 55gr Nosler Varmegeddon. I know its not a varmint round but I was thinking of starting with 69 or 53gr SMK's, any thoughts? I have a 1:8 twist 18" HBAR if that helps sway where to start one way or another.

Thanks for any thoughts, kind of a vague post but just looking for any general AR reloading experiences people may have.
Title: Re: Reloading 223 in AR
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 19, 2015, 02:18:08 PM: I have killed many coyotes with the 53g smk bullets. I use the 69's in a few AR's as well. You will find out which one your gun likes and go with that. I run the 69's in guns with a 1:8 or 1:7 twist. I run the 53's in pretty much all of them.

You might pick up a set of small base dies. They help with loading for semi auto rifles. You can use regular dies if you want.

No need to crimp unless you want to. I only run a light crimp on bullets with cannelures.
Title: Re: Reloading 223 in AR
Post by: Biggerhammer on January 19, 2015, 05:48:42 PM: I've never crimped, use standard dies and buy BL-C(2) in bulk for my .223/ 5.56's.
Title: Re: Reloading 223 in AR
Post by: jay.sharkbait on January 19, 2015, 06:30:18 PM: I would only use small base dies on brass that's been fired from an open bolt weapon.
Title: Re: Reloading 223 in AR
Post by: WoodlandShooter on January 20, 2015, 10:30:46 AM: since you have an 8 twist, why not load up some 77 grain pills?
Title: Re: Reloading 223 in AR
Post by: johns8168 on January 20, 2015, 12:53:31 PM: I tried some 77gr Remington Match ammo last weekend, they shot the worst of what I tried, I know different bullet lengths and ogave shapes make a difference but thought I would stay with the shorter/lighter 55-69gr, they shot considerably better.
Title: Re: Reloading 223 in AR
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 20, 2015, 06:13:46 PM: All of my 1:8's seem to really like the 53-69g bullets.
Title: Re: Reloading 223 in AR
Post by: WoodlandShooter on January 21, 2015, 09:22:10 AM: I have a16" 1-8 Bartlein in an AR, Wylde chamber...it likes 77's.

Best factory 77 grain stuff I have used is the Fiocchi Exacta match ammo.