Help newbie start loading .223

[Redhat]

Hi all,

I just started reloading 45ACP a few months ago and thanks to the excellent advice I received here, I'm back looking for more!

I have the Lee Classic Turret with the Pro-auto disk measure and really like it but now I want to try my hand at loading some .223. I'm looking at getting the Lee deluxe Die set, but what other equipment will I need since it appears loading rifle cartridges is more envolved.

Oh and these will be plinking rounds, not looking for match quality ammo.

Thanks for any help

 

[Dave_in_GA]

You will need to get the double disk kit for the powder measure. I load with Accurate 2230 powder,and it meters very well in the Auto-Disk. Also get the complete base & shell holder. You can change dies and base plate in about 5 minutes.

I load 223, 45 Colt, and 9mm with my Lee.

The straight walled 9mm and 45 dies are carbide, and don't require that you use case lube. However, the 223 dies, and the neck sizing done with the primer extractor, you need to use a good case lube. Otherwise you will be getting a lot of experience in removing stuck cases!

The bullet seating/ crimp die is tricky to get adjusted just right.

I use the RCB case lube pad. It is like an ink pad. My trick is to lube my fingers as I insert the case in stage 1. Just wipe your fingertips on the pad as you reach to pick up the next case.

Even with "just plinking" you can get pretty accurate loads. I can pull about 80-100 rounds per hour out of the Lee, and they WILL shoot 1" groups at 100 yards from my Mini-14

 

[rdaines]

Loading .223 is pretty easy. Just need two dies or three if you use a Lee crimper. Give a good crimp with cannelure bullets that go into magazines. Less important with bolt rifle loads

 

[nitesite]

The above posts cover some great info.

In your reloading Manual I would find the chapter about rifle case preparation and read about full-length sizing vs. collet neck sizing. Also read about proper case length, and case trimming (which you'll find will be necessary). Plus read about how to look for the warning signs of case weakening and imminent case failures.

 

[kellyj00]

use the 1.6 cc measure in your pro-auto disc and you should have about 20 grains of Accurate 2230. Not sure of this, but I think I recall that to be right.

I do know that you DO NOT need the double disk with accurate 2230 powder and a pro auto disc, just not certain of the cc volume.

Oh, and as a note.... you have the EXACT SAME SETUP as I do.

 

[Redhat]

Thanks to all who replied.

I have studied the book on case prep. I was hoping for some suggestions on what exact case prep equipment you guys recommend by company and model?

(Trickler, Trimmer, deburr tools...etc)

PS these rounds will be full length resized.

Thanks again.

 

[fourrobert13]

You can use the Lee trimmer setup in a cordless drill to trim your cases. I would suggest you get yourself a cas guage, either a LE Wilson, or a Dillon to insure that your resized rounds will function in your gun. I would also recommend Hornady's One Shot case lube. You'll want to get yourself a primer pocket reamer to get the crimps out of military brass and a chamfer tool (inside and out) for chamfering after you trim your caes. I use the Lyman power setup for chamfering and reaming. Surplus powder is the cheapest, but I wouls also recommend H335 for plinking ammo. I am sure I left something out, and when I remember, I'll post it later.

Edit: For blasting ammo, I wouldn't worry about a trickler. Your autodisk should give you consistant enough drops. Depending on your powder choice, you should get the double disk kit. When I started loading 223, the case guage was a life saver when it came to getting the brass resizedd. Now I load 223 for Ar's and bolt guns, and I am am doing it for accuracy and plinking. Start slow, and work your way up.