quartermaster
Member
I have had my Stag model 2T since Obama got elected in 2008. I have never shot it yet, but have accumulated components for it over the years. I recently retired and decided that now is the time to get into it.
I have spent numerous hours prepping 1K of once fired LC brass for it as well as 1700 new Winchester brass. I sized and trimmed all to minimum specs in hopes that I will get 2 firings from them before they have to be trimmed again. After spending way too much effort removing the primer crimp on the LC brass, I purchased a Dillon 600 to do the job next time.
I have been loading rifles for over 20 years and pistols for 6 or 7 years, but loading for an AR is kind of a new experience for me, hence this post.
I set up my Dillon RL 550 B the other night to get ready to load. I had intended to use Varget, but it doesn't meter as uniformly as 8208 XBR, which I recently was able to aquire a lot of.
Has anyone used this in their ARs? I also was wondering at what pressure range did the guns operate best and give the best accuracy? I know all guns may react differently and will do my homework to safely load. I also realize that my starting load will be lower in the LC brass than in the Winchester. I am looking for accuracy over velocity. Naturally I would like to shoot 1/2" groups, but I figure that will be next to impossible, so hopefully I will get 1". Am I asking too much?
Another question regarding crimping the bullet. I have 1K of Hornady 55 gr FMJs with a crimp groove which I intend to use a slight taper crimp with in the LC brass and I have 4K 55 gr Nosler BTs that I am going to use with the Winchester brass. I definitely will also crimp these. My crimps will be as slight as possible as I have heard that tight crimps are detrimental to accuracy. I guess that I will have to slam the action shut a few times and check for COAL growth to get the right crimp.
I'm curious to get opinions on my powder choice. I guess if the rifle doesn't shoot as well as I would like, I will try different powders after trying different charges with the 8208.
I have loaded many pistol rounds with my Dillon, but new to .223s. BTW, I did change my powder charge bar.
Suggestions and opinions are welcomed
Thanks
I have spent numerous hours prepping 1K of once fired LC brass for it as well as 1700 new Winchester brass. I sized and trimmed all to minimum specs in hopes that I will get 2 firings from them before they have to be trimmed again. After spending way too much effort removing the primer crimp on the LC brass, I purchased a Dillon 600 to do the job next time.
I have been loading rifles for over 20 years and pistols for 6 or 7 years, but loading for an AR is kind of a new experience for me, hence this post.
I set up my Dillon RL 550 B the other night to get ready to load. I had intended to use Varget, but it doesn't meter as uniformly as 8208 XBR, which I recently was able to aquire a lot of.
Has anyone used this in their ARs? I also was wondering at what pressure range did the guns operate best and give the best accuracy? I know all guns may react differently and will do my homework to safely load. I also realize that my starting load will be lower in the LC brass than in the Winchester. I am looking for accuracy over velocity. Naturally I would like to shoot 1/2" groups, but I figure that will be next to impossible, so hopefully I will get 1". Am I asking too much?
Another question regarding crimping the bullet. I have 1K of Hornady 55 gr FMJs with a crimp groove which I intend to use a slight taper crimp with in the LC brass and I have 4K 55 gr Nosler BTs that I am going to use with the Winchester brass. I definitely will also crimp these. My crimps will be as slight as possible as I have heard that tight crimps are detrimental to accuracy. I guess that I will have to slam the action shut a few times and check for COAL growth to get the right crimp.
I'm curious to get opinions on my powder choice. I guess if the rifle doesn't shoot as well as I would like, I will try different powders after trying different charges with the 8208.
I have loaded many pistol rounds with my Dillon, but new to .223s. BTW, I did change my powder charge bar.
Suggestions and opinions are welcomed
Thanks