Reloading 223 in AR

[johns8168]

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.

[carpsniperg2]

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.

[Biggerhammer]

I've never crimped, use standard dies and buy BL-C(2) in bulk for my .223/ 5.56's.

[jay.sharkbait]

I would only use small base dies on brass that's been fired from an open bolt weapon.

[WoodlandShooter]

since you have an 8 twist, why not load up some 77 grain pills?

[johns8168]

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.

[carpsniperg2]

All of my 1:8's seem to really like the 53-69g bullets.

[WoodlandShooter]

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.