Fixin' to become a 223 handloader

[Redneck with a 40]

I bought my mini-14 earlier this week, with 200 rounds of 55 gr PMC ammo, so I'll have a brass supply. I got my stuff ordered from Midwayusa today, 1000 Hornady 55 gr spire point's, Lee die set, extra 4-hole turret, and a shell-holder. I've already got the primers and H-4895 for powder. I should be up an runnin' next weekend.

 

[NCsmitty]

We look forward to a range report with pics.
Good shooting.


NCsmitty

 

[NuJudge]

You'll need to case trim, and maybe swage primer pockets

I hate case trimming more than anything. Eventually I bought a Giraud trimmer.

I have heard some reports that at least some of the PMC brass has crimped primer pockets. Chamfering tools do a not-so-good job removing them.

CDD

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Unless you are from the South,you are not allowed to use "Fixin' to" in that manner. BTW, Brown Bear ammo is very accurate in my Stevens Model 200. You might try it in your Mini.

 

[Mags]

I found the 4 hole turret set up to be a PITA when loading rifle cartridges. One, after depriming and sizing you must take the brass off for trimming and remove the military crimp if necessary. Two, it is much easier to charge the cases off the press with a powder scoop and funnel. Then I put the cases cack on the press for the final 2 operations of bullet seating and crimp.

 

[Mags]

Oh, PMC brass definetly is crimped here is a link to a must have for removing that pesky crimp. I just put the crimp remover in a standard RCBS acessory handle.
http://www.cabelas.com/p-0002928210623a.shtml

 

[Redneck with a 40]

The stuff I bought is boxer primed, thank god.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/200-rds-223-fmj-ammo.aspx?a=414679

I really don't want to mess with de-crimping and swaging primer pockets.

 

[Mags]

Boxer primed is still military crimped its basically staking some brass over the primer.

 

[ForneyRider]

If it is crimped, you can send it off and have it processed, or get a tool to "fix" the primer pocket. I use the RCBS swager and it is slow for volume work, but does a good job.

.223 is more of a pain than 308 Win, but definitely one of the cheaper rifle cartridges.

Have fun!

 

[dagger dog]

jimmyray,
If he was from the south he would have said " I'm a fixin' to".

sure nuff

 

[Landric]

I use a Classic Turret for loading .223. I actually have two turrets set up for the process, one for prep, the other for loading.

Prep Turret:

1- Lee Universal Decapper
2- RCBS Lube Die
3- Dillon Carbide Sizing Die
4- RCBS Trim Die (to check to see if trimming is needed)

Brass that needs to be trimmed and/or have a crimp removed is processed off press after its trip through the prep turret.

Load Turret:

1- Lee Neck Sizing Die (priming also happens here)
2- Lee Powder Charge Die/Pro Auto Disk
3- Dillon Seat Die
4- Dillon Crimp Die

Oh, and anyone calling themselves "Redneck with a 40" is allowed to use "Fixin' To". I wonder if he means a .40S&W or a beer?

 

[Mags]

Landric, I tried the Lee powder through die with the lee auto disk pro to no avail with Tac and H4895. How do you get the powder through die to work successfully?

 

[cdet69]

i own a mini 14 the last year of production before they converted to the latest model. all i know is the one i own is a accuracey pig and handloading is totaly useless.

 

[Mags]

i own a mini 14 the last year of production before they converted to the latest model. all i know is the one i own is a accuracey pig and handloading is totaly useless.

What are you talking about? How is handloading useless? Where is the grammar and english? I don't understand.

 

[atblis]

Probably meant dog instead of "pig".

 

[Redneck with a 40]

Mine is a 580 series and I'm getting 2.5" groups at 100 yards with bulk 55 gr FMJ. I compared some of my military crimped .308 rounds to my PMC 223 brass, this PMC does not have a crimped primer. There is no distinct ring of brass around the primer, no sealant, there is both on my .308 rounds. I'm pretty sure the PMC bronze is not military crimped.

 

[Landric]

Landric, I tried the Lee powder through die with the lee auto disk pro to no avail with Tac and H4895. How do you get the powder through die to work successfully?

I use H4198, it meters well and doesn't require the double disk kit.

 

[something vague]

I'd hate to say it Redneck but I really think that your PMC stuff is crimped. I've never come across PMC without a crimp, but I have seen crazier stuff in my lifetime so maybe your right. Look for a ring around the primer where it looks like there is brass at a lower level than the rest of the case head, almost level with the seated primer. It's a very small ring but noticable when compared to non crimped rounds.

 

[rbernie]

It's been my experience that virtually all commercial ammo, except Remington and some Prvi, has crimped primer pockets.

There was an ad in the Trading Post/Reloading subforum a while back for a guy who'll process the pockets for a modest fee.

 

[Russ in WY]

Benchmark in 223...

When you use up the 4895 try Benchmark, is also an "Extreme" powder , meters well & works in 222 /20 Tac and probably others in that case size. My 2¢ Russ.

 

[Bruno2]

I have seen a swaging press I think it was a dillon . Have any of you guys used or owned one of these ?

 

[Roccobro]

I have one and it is great. Only thing better is a station on a progressive like the Dillon 1050 has.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I just bought 1000 Remington once fired 223 brass off of gunbroker for $108 including shipping. These don't have crimped primers.

 

[KAB55]

I just got a case of PMC .223 and none of it is crimped

 

[Mags]

I just got a case of PMC .223 and none of it is crimped

That's what you think, if the box says "PMC Bronze" it is crimped and if you don't believe me you will find out when you try to seat your primers.