223 reloading

[Jeff H]

I'm getting set up to reload my 1st 223 reloads for my AR and have a question regarding primers. I found a couple thousand CCI#41 primers at a gun show and want to use them because I hear that you are supposed to with an AR. For powders, I will experiment with Varget (already have) and probably H335. Since H335 is a spherical powder, would I be better off with SRM or will the #41 primers work just as well? Is there a better powder for 55gr FMJ or are the above 2 considered the better ones?

I have also heard that CCi 400 primers are also being used with ARs. Is this common practice or not recommended ?

 

[suzukisam]

I have used cc1 400 and their nato primers, and have not experienced any difference.. now the lack of problems is not indicative of the fact that they do not exist.. but I have loaded thousands with cci 400.... as far as powder goes, 26.0 gr varget is a sweet load with a 55 gr pill.. I haven't found an AR that isn't accurate with that load...

 

[cfullgraf]

You cannot go wrong with CCI #41 primers but it is not worth paying a premium price for them. CCI says to load them like their magnum small rifle primers

I have used CCI 400, CCi 450, CCI #41, Winchester Small Rifle, and Remington 7-1/2 in my AR loads without an issue. Just make sure the primers are seated properly.

I like AA2230 for my 55 FMJ loads and Varget in my 69 SMK match loads. Lots of folks like H335 and other powders as well.

 

[rcmodel]

I have used standard CCI Sm Rifle primers in AR's and Mini-14's for about 40 years with never a problem.
Well, never a problem that is, after I stopped smashing them during seating with a press primer arm.

I seat them with an RCBS hand primer tool for much better feel.
If one doesn't want to go in, I know I still have remnant GI primer crimp in the case that needs to be further removed.

I do prefer ball powder, in my case W-748, as it meters and goes through a .22 case neck much better then stick type powder.

rc

 

[mmay1]

I have used H335 for 55 gr. 223 loads - 24.5 gr. produced a very accurate load. I could not find enough of the H335 locally and switched to IMR 4064, which I also use for 308 Win., with similar results.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I use either 23.5 or 24.5gr of H335 and a CCI SR primer and 55gr FMJ bullet. I have also mistakingly used CCI SRM primers in the same recipe and they worked the same. Very accurate. Haven't had a hickup or anything (knock on wood).

 

[frankge]

+1 on H335 24.5g and 55fmj, using Tula .223 primers

 

[Rokman]

I have used a lot CCI 400 and Rem 7.5 primers in my AR's without a problem yet. I do like RC mentioned and seat them with an RCBS priming tool. There are so many powders that work great with the .223 round. If you want to use spherical powder for the 55 fmj bullets, the the H335, AA2230, and Ramshot Exterminator are hard to beat. Varget, RL15and Tac are really good powders to me for the heavier bullets if you are so inclined.

 

[RustyFN]

I use mainly H335 and W748. I have used standard Win, Magtech and wolf SR primers and have had no problems. For me 25 grains of H335 and a Hornady 55 grain FMJ-BT are very accurate.

 

[68wj]

41's are essentially 400's with a harder cup. This lessens the chance of a slamfire or pierced primers in high pressure military applications. Take that as you will.