.223 / 5.56 Shooting & Reloading Questions

[bearpaw]

I've never reloaded for .223 or 5.56. My gun will apparently shoot either, I've shot both in it, but after reading the following article I became concerned that maybe I need to figure out which chambering I have for sure and then reload only for that chambering. The additional question is which dies to use, .223 or 5.56, seems I need to decide one or the other depending on my rifle chambering?

https://www.hornadyle.com/resources/le-faq/what-is-the-difference-between-556-nato-and-223-rem-ammunition#:~:text=The%20first%20difference%20is%20the,125%E2%80%9D%20longer%20throat.

Am I understanding this correctly?

[Cougartail]

Somewhere on the internet there is an article describing the measurements of all the 223/5.56 throats. Pretty interesting read. The Wylde(?) Is suppose to handle both so check your barrel/manufacture specs. As for the 10,000 psi increase and primer/shell issues, I've not seen it and believe it is overblown in the article. Point of impact bears this out as I've shot both out of my Ruger M-77 with the .223 throat.

Also.. American rifles are built with a huge degree of safety as to pressures. If ammo manufactures were worried there would be warnings on every box. There is not.

[hunter399]

If it was me,I would probably just go with 223 ,then if you ever want a bolt gun,mini14 ,or this or that gun all your rounds are pretty much "safe".
With that said.......
I'm sure as your reloading and "working up" for your rifle.
You could make hot enough loads in 223 that you would be happy with.
Maybe somebody with more experienced will chime in.

[BULLBLASTER]

Here is some pretty good info.
https://ultimatereloader.com/2018/08/05/223-vs-5-56-facts-and-myths/


Imo if you are handloading for a specific rifle it doesnt really matter as you tailor sizing, seating depth, and charge to that specific rifle. Just work up a safe load.

[mazama]

Military rounds if I remember correctly have crimped primer pockets,also you need small base dies for reloading semi autos, so the function,new factory will function will function in bolt and auto.

[fowl smacker]

Military rounds if I remember correctly have crimped primer pockets,also you need small base dies for reloading semi autos, so the function,new factory will function will function in bolt and auto.

You don't need small base dies for reloading for semi autos.  I've reloaded and shot thousands of rounds through my AR's with no issues at all from standard RCBS and LEE .223 reloading dies.

[300rum]

That is correct, you don't need small base dies.  If reloading for a semi, use a Dillon Case gauge, it will show you what you need to do as far as trim length, bumping the shoulder, etc.  If it works in the Dillon Case gauge it will run in your rifle. 

[hunter399]

I've loaded for my ar with just lee dies ,I'm cheap,it's what I got.
Do you want to make copy cat miltary rounds or are you making hunting rounds or both.
I've never reloaded 223/556 but I have loaded a few that are similar and even have the same case.
I do know when you buy 223/556 most military rounds are not hunting rounds. So I just bought Alot of 223 softpoints .

[NWShooter]

I’ve shot all through both chamber stamps for 30 plus years and have never had a problem.

[NRA4LIFE]

I've shot both out of 3 different guns with no problems.  On a different note, when reloading, if you get used or range brass, lookout for a headstamp of 83 over 12.  Your decapping pin will thank you.  They are Berden primed.  I've reloaded several thousand 223/5.56 and I came across one of these devils last month.  Literally, one in 2000-3000 cases.

[Jingles]

Roger that on the berden primed and your decapping pin , of the over 12K pieces of range brass I have  recycled came across between 30 and 50 that were so primed. One thing you will need is a primer pocket reamer.  And agreed do not need small base dies Have done over 10k using Hornady 223 dies on a RCBS Rock Chucker

[fowl smacker]

You guys want a decapping die that will take care of the most stubborn primers get a mighty armory.  They're awesome.  I have no affiliation with them but bought one for doing military brass and it just cruises through it.

[bearpaw]

Thanks for the info guys! 

[wadu1]

You guys want a decapping die that will take care of the most stubborn primers get a mighty armory.  They're awesome.  I have no affiliation with them but bought one for doing military brass and it just cruises through it.

Since I find a lot of MIL brass I run into the MIL crimps a lot. I reviewed fowl smacker's suggestion on using Mighty Armory decaping dies. They look good, company with good ideas. I just ordered one they even have a one year warranty on the first pin.
https://www.mightyarmory.com/

[NRA4LIFE]

Funny, I ordered the Mighty Armory decapping die and it rocks!  Crimped in primers are no match for that thing.  It is a superior design where the pins are threaded into the shaft and not a compression fit like others.  It comes with a spare pin too.  Don't buy the cheap Lee model, those suck.