223 Reloads

[gr8wytbohuntr]

Just built my first AR-15 and am now looking into reloading the 223 rounds. Looks like lake city brass is the best deal around. Really like the Hornady bullets. But not sure which powder to use. I will only be loading 55gr to 70gr bullets. I have always prefered CCI primers. But I would like to hear your loads and sources of supplies. Hope I am not beating a dead horse with this.

[AZXD]

Subscribing

[gr8wytbohuntr]

Bump

[Bidah]

If I don't feel like doing all the work on military brass, I get mine from Scharch.com. It comes ready to load and is once fired. Two other sources is brassmanbrass.com and gibrass.com.

For the 55gr loads, I have been using AA2230, although there are a number of other good powders out there as well. For the heavier bullets, I use or have used AA2230, AA2520, Hodgdon BL-C(2) and Ramshot Tac. All have worked quite well for me. What powder to use is almost a personal preference, and what the rifle likes. I prefer ball powders, but stick ones are good too, such as 4895. I have heard that Alliant Reloader 15 works well, but I don't know if it is a ball or stick powder.

For bullets, I have used surplus (hard to find now) mostly for plinking. For most of my needs I tend to use Hornady bullets, ranging from the 55gr FMJBT to the 75gr Match. For the 77gr and 80gr ones I mostly use Sierra.

[The Knight Of Light]

I love Reloader 15(RE15) so much I get it in 4lb jugs. I have also used Varget with excelent results as well as H4895. Some folks like ball powders because they meter well in a volumetric powder measure. A good stable ball powder is AA2520. WW748 has a following as well.

I like 24gr of RE15 under a Hornady 52gr BTHP. Very accurate load.

[EricCartmann]

Powders:
For .223, H335 and Varget are the only 2 powders I have ever used, both are great and I really can't ask for anything more (unless it is a lot cheaper).

H335 is a ball powder so it meters easier, and can go higher velocity than H-Varget. Positive of H-Varget is not as temp sensitive and seems to be more consistent for higher grain bullets.

For .308 I like 4895 and Varget.

Brass:
I have bought brass from GI-brass before with good results. But recently I heard of top brass Top Brass by Scharch Mfg., Inc., Reloading Supply & Brass for Professionals and Gun Enthusiasts and they seem to offer a better deal since they swage and clean the once fired GI brass for not much more than what GI-Brass sells their un prepped brass for. Swaging is a PITA so it is well worth the money to buy the once-fired GI brass already swaged.


Primers:
I have used Federal, Magtech, and CCI all with good results. I have never had a misfire for any of these. I talked to some local guys at the range and a couple of them swear by Wolf primers. At $19 per 1000 I might even pick some up for my next batch of plinking ammo.

[gr8wytbohuntr]

This is all great info that is much appreciated.

[highscore]

Sounds like your not going to reach out too far! I have used Varget the most but when I don't feel like weighing, have used Accurate 2460 with good results.

LC, WCC, and Black Hills for brass.

Federal small rifle and small rifle match primers. I did use Remington which shot well also. Unless you are looking to shoot at long distance, the CCI primers should work well.

[The Knight Of Light]

Originally Posted by highscore

Sounds like your not going to reach out too far!

My other load is a 75gr Hornady BTHP over 24.5gr of Varget. That one reaches out pretty darned far.

[highscore]

Originally Posted by The Knight Of Light

My other load is a 75gr Hornady BTHP over 24.5gr of Varget. That one reaches out pretty darned far.

75 gr. Hornady's are good bullets. The 24.5 grs of Varget is right on. Not sure I would shoot them at 600 yards and definately not any further.