Loading for the .223/5.56mm on the LCT, info needed

[Landric]

So, now that I have my Lee Classic Turret set up, I'm moving on to the next phase in my never ending saga of handloading. I'm going to start loading for rifles.

I've been handloading for handguns for over 15 years, first on a Rockchucker, then on the same Rockchucker and a Dillon Square Deal B, and now with a Rockchucker and the LCT. I've never been a high volume rifle shooter, so I have always contented myself with factory rifle ammo. However, with the general cost increases of .223/5.56mm, an expected increase in my volume of shooting the same, and my general enjoyment of handloading in general, I've decided to branch out into rifle cartridges.

I know that handloading for rifles is much more involved. I'm starting out with two rifle cartridges on pretty much opposite ends of the spectrum, the .223/5.56mm and the .45-70 Government. My .45-70 shooting is going to be low enough volume that I'm going to just do that on the Rockchucker, probably in batches of 25 or less. The .223 is going to be higher volume, and I'd very much like to do it on the LCT. I don't have any interest in buying a full progressive for rifle loading right now, so my options are going to be either the Rockchucker or LCT.

Here is my general understanding of the rifle handloading process:

1) Clean brass
2) Deprime (can be done before cleaning)
3) Swage primer pocket if military brass
4) Clean primer pocket if not done in a previous step
5) Lube cases
6) Resize and prime
7) Clean brass of lube (can also be done on finished rounds)
8) Trim if necessary (can this be done effectively before resize?)
9) Clean up case mouth in the event of triming
10)Charge with powder
11)Seat bullet
12)Crimp (if crimping and not done as part of seating step)
13)Clean loaded ammo of lube (if not already done to resized cases)

So, is that about right, and am I missing anything?

I'm looking for folks who handload .223 on a LCT. What process do you follow? How are your dies set up? Is it possible to put the case on the press for resize and end with a loaded round using only the four stations on the LCT and without removing the case until it becomes a loaded round (I can't see how it would be, but I'm hoping I'm wrong).

One other question, if I lube and then choose to clean cases at the end (as loaded ammunition) how much of a problem does the lube cause with powder sticking to it?

TIA

 

[bullseye308]

If your cases need to be trimmed, it will most likely have to be done off the press. I have loaded 223 on a Loadmonster, not the LCT, and the way I do it is run them all through and lube/deprime/resize first. Measure/trim/chamfer then tumble. Back to the press to prime, drop powder, seat bullet, then crimp. Fill up a few ammo cans and call it a day.

 

[lgbloader]

Hey Landric,

Is it possible to put the case on the press for resize and end with a loaded round using only the four stations on the LCT and without removing the case until it becomes a loaded round (I can't see how it would be, but I'm hoping I'm wrong).

Dream on, Mate.

Trim if necessary (can this be done effectively before resize?)

Always resize your rifle cases before trimming.

One other question, if I lube and then choose to clean cases at the end (as loaded ammunition) how much of a problem does the lube cause with powder sticking to it?

I wouldn't do that. I would retumble to remove the case lube after I resize and call it a day.


Here is how I handload 223 REM:

1) Inspect brass for obvious folds, deforms, cracks or splits.
1) Tumble brass
2) Lube cases and Resize/deprime.
3) Tumble brass to remove lube
4) Thorough inspection of Brass / check length with calibers.
5) Swage primer pocket if needed.
6) Trim cases if necessary
7) Champfer/Deburr case mouth
8) Clean primer pocket/flash hole.
9) Inspect brass
10) Prime case
11) Charge with powder
12) Seat bullet
13) Crimp
14) Final Inspection
15) Box them up

Fun Stuff, huh?! As you can see, it can become a chore. I will be honest, processing my 223 REM brass is my least favorite things to do when it comes to Handloading. Once the brass has been processed, it is no problem to run this through a press like yours (LCT). one push and 3 pulls of the handle and your done.
I use a Dillon 550B to assemble my components starting with priming the case so it goes fast. It's the brass work that will kill you. Don't forget to inspect your brass!

Cheers Mate

LGB

 

[snuffy]

Is it possible to put the case on the press for resize and end with a loaded round using only the four stations on the LCT and without removing the case until it becomes a loaded round (I can't see how it would be, but I'm hoping I'm wrong).

Yes it is. IF you have cases that do not require trimming, you do NOT clean primer pockets, you CAN load .223, or 45-70 with four dies, or even 3 dies. HOWEVER if you want match ammo, the process becomes more involved.
1. lube, resize, then remove the case.
2. Trim, chamfer, clean the lube off, return to loader to seat a primer, OR use a hand-held seater.
3. Charge the powder.
4. Seat the bullet.
5. Crimp, if necessary.

I've never crimped .223. Even if there's a cannelure. Neck tension is always enough to keep the bullet from moving. I DO have a lee FCD,(final crimp die). I haven't used it yet, I want to do side by side tests to see if maybe I'm missing something.

Yes I do load 45-70 on my LCT. It's slicker than greased snot! I have a forster co-ax, to load 45-70 on it requires I change the shell holder to a larger one. It's a PITA, and I can't load ANYTHING else until it's changed back! Also my dillon 650 could do it, but that conversion would cost more that the LCT!

 

[Landric]

Thanks for the tips so far folks, keep 'em coming.

I think I'm going to have to look at rifle handloading in a different light, and in doing that, I hope to find that I enjoy it as much has I do for handguns.

 

[RustyFN]

1) Clean brass
2) Deprime (can be done before cleaning)
If you do it in a universal decaping die. You don't want to resize brass that is dirty.
3) Swage primer pocket if military brass
4) Clean primer pocket if not done in a previous step
5) Lube cases
6) Resize and prime
7) Clean brass of lube (can also be done on finished rounds)
Yes
8) Trim if necessary (can this be done effectively before resize?)
Always check for trim after you resize.
9) Clean up case mouth in the event of triming
10)Charge with powder
11)Seat bullet
12)Crimp (if crimping and not done as part of seating step)
13)Clean loaded ammo of lube (if not already done to resized cases)

Here is a video loading 223 on the classic that might help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOpN9iYOyE8

Rusty