Getting Ready to reload .223

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johndeeere1979

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anyone have any advice on powder for the .223 i am looking into using military surplus powder anyone know where to get some cheap?

also where is the best place to get some cheap fmj for the .223

Thanks
jr
 
If you are looking for some cheap pull down bullets and surplus powder check out http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.htm. Be careful with the surplus powder because a lot of times I can buy W748 or H335 for the same price at Graf's or Powder Valley. RVO http://www.rvow.com/Default.htm also has some good pulled bullets cheap but they are hard to contact sometimes. I got some 62 grain M855's that were nice for $40 per thousand.
Rusty
 
there's no cheap surplus anymore, pat's reloading has the 844 and 846 for $99/8lb jug,

but you can ramshot TAC at powder valley for $95/8lb jug,
Tac is some pretty decent powder for 223, works well with all weights,

w748 is also a good all around powder in the 223 but is approx $30/jug higher than the tac.

powder valley has some 55gr FMJ for approx $.06/bullet plus S&H,

wideners had some 55gr FMJ listed at $419/6k plus S&H.

hitech ammo has new no name 55gr FMJ for $177/3k plus S&H.
 
Take a look at Accurate AA2230. Sells locally for $104.95 per 8# jug. Figure shipping and haz-mat fee ($20) on top of any "deal" you might find on the 'net and the local supplier comes in ahead. Unless you buy huge quantities from Pat's (32# or more) you won't save a dime.
 
I'd start with H335 or Ramshot TAC. W748, BL-(C)2, Ramshot X-terminator (light bullets) are other choices.

Surplus powder isn't for novices since there is no published data for it. You often use load data for another powder and work up from there. You must always work up a new load with each new batch/lot of surplus powder you get.

Hazmat and shipping often eat up the cost of surplus powder. Check your local gun shows for canister powder.
 
Any good sources for brass? I think i am going to be looking for processed brass or remington so i don't have to buy a swager.
 
I've been using the surplus 846 from Pat's for a while. I've been very happy with it. Because of variation from lot to lot of surplus powder, you can't treat it like cannister powder. For your own safety and to prevent blowing up your gun, start at 15% under the minimum load suggested in most manuals and work up from there, watching for pressure signs.

Dave
 
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