.223 overall length ?

2.20 is listed in some books. It will definitely fit inside the magazine.

The good news, the.223 Rem/5.56 NATO isn't especially difficult to reload for general rage and plinking use. Just follow "best practices" found in reloading manuals as mentioned above.

Precision reloading for ranges beyond 300 yards opens another Chapter in reloading and the checkbook!!

Smiles,

357smallbore said:

My question is, is this a correct length for using in my AR?

Click to expand...

2.20" is a tad on the short side, but it'll work just fine.

357smallbore said:

And should I put a crimp on the cannelure?

Click to expand...

If it has one, that's where it should go.

24.5 was a good load out of my Axis, but each gun is different.

2.260 is normal mag length limit. Some allow a little more or less. If your just starting I would load to the canalure and see how close you are. Do some setback testing to see if crimp is required. You may want to check your neck tension and maybe polish your expander ball down for a little more and consistant neck tension.

For an AR I always start at max mag length, which as AJC1 pointed out is usually 2.260".

Due to the freebore in either the 5.56 or .223 Wylde AR chambers IO load for I've just had good luck loading as long as possible even withe the 55 abd 62 grain stuff.

357smallbore said:

My question is, is this a correct length for using in my AR? And should I put a crimp on the cannelure?

Click to expand...

To answer your question precisely this depends. If your case length measures between 1.750" and 1.760 and than you add the length of the bullet for your Cartridge over all length yes it will be safe to shoot but it is short. Bullet size, design and manufacture will vary from manufacturer even though the bullets are say for example 55 grains. The important thing is that you do not exceed the 2.260 case overall length as they will not fit in the magazine.

Since your rounds are far short double check all the cases and insure that the cases measure between 1.750 and 1.760, if a case is shorter I recommend you pull the bullet and load on a different case with the perimeters given. As far as crimping it becomes a personal preference some people do some don't. I add a slight crimp on mine sometimes other times I don't crimp. But always set the bullets to the cannelure regardless whether you crimp or don't.

Depending on your 55gr bullet profile the 2.220" should be fine. I'm loading the Hornady FMJ-BT at 2.210". Need to check to see where you are with the lands. I have min spec chambers in my AR's and have to load short compared to some manuals to keep from jamming into the lands.

Recently did some load development with Everglades 55 gr bullets. My OAL was 2.200 and was well within the cannelure. No issues loading, accuracy, or pressure signs. As far as accuracy is concern my groups were between 1.6 to 2.5 inches. All 5 shot groups were done at different powder charges.

AJC1 said:

2.260 is normal mag length limit. Some allow a little more or less. If your just starting I would load to the canalure and see how close you are. Do some setback testing to see if crimp is required. You may want to check your neck tension and maybe polish your expander ball down for a little more and consistant neck tension.

Click to expand...

2.260-2.50 would not allow me to open the bolt with a loaded round in 4 AR's! I settled on 2.25 for general range use in these 4 AR's. For precision shooting the ammo will be for one specific barrel/bolt/carrier and specific "leade"!

I load to the cannelure which gets me a tad under 2.200... maybe 1.119 more or less.

I usually like to load mine a little longer depending on the bullet. 2.230 - 2.250 seems to work well. I have had problems in some magazines loading up to 2.260.

Like others have said 2.200" is called for in some manuals. I believe Hornady calls for 2.200" in their FMJ and soft points in the 55gr flavor.