Loathing my 223 reloading

[trixter]

I've been working with about 2000 rounds of .223 for about 2 1/2 years. My process is like this: shoot, run through the tumbler (I use walnut shell media, Nu-Finish car polish, and strips of dryer sheets to absorb the dirt and dust). Size and de-prime, swage the primer pocket with my RCBS tool, trim with my Lee trimmer tools and cordless drill and then chamfer using my RCBS Case Prep Center (Geat tool!!). Nearly all of mine get primed with the Lee Hand Primer tool, the old round one. Next I run them through my Lee Classic Turret Press for Powder, Bullet seating and crimping. I keep batches of in-progress brass in 39 oz plastic coffee cans with marker sheets as to where they are in the process. That was the first time around. Now, after shooting, I tumble, check the case length and only trim the ones that need it, then inside chamfer the ones that don't get trimmed, and both inside and outside chamfer the ones that I do trim, and then run them through the Lee Classic Turret press and reload by sizing and de-priming, then prime on the press, then powder and seat bullets, and crimp. It really works well. The only time I get bogged down is after we go 'squeek' hunting and shoot most all of the reloaded stuff. Then I start all over again.

Patience Grasshopper.

 

[redclay]

I have trouble with my hands and trimming puts a lot of stress on them, so I bought a "Little Crow" trimmer for the rounds I have to trim in volume(308 and 223) best money I have ever spent on reloading equipment. Trimmed a 500 lot of 308 recently in less than an hour, I use a lyman case prep center for deburring ,chamfering and primer pocket prep. This is easy on the hands and still gives me a "hands on" satisfaction. Every step after trimming is broken down into small batches so I can complete before supper. I take my time and go for consistant rounds that will function to my expectations.

 

[HJ857]

The new Lee Quick Trim is pretty darn nice. Trims, chamfers and deburrs in one step. It's press mounted too.

All you need is the deluxe cutter.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/717013/lee-deluxe-quick-trim-case-trimmer

And the correct trim die.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/742287/lee-quick-trim-die-223-remington?cm_vc=sugv1717013

It's remarkably consistent once you get it set. I used to use the Possum Hollow trimmer but it requires you to chamfer and deburr separately, the Quick Trim is much faster overall.

Do not get the Value Trim Cutter, it does not chamfer and deburr.

 

[W.E.G.]

I've loaded thousands if .223

Satisfaction comes in success.

You've a way to go yet.

Tenacity and focus.

Complain less.
Nobody cares.

 

[carbine85]

Just to add my .02.
Once you process the brass the first time the hard part is behind you. Depending on the brass and the type of shooting you do you may not have to trim each time.
I also use an electric case trimmer.

 

[GLOOB]

I don't know how primer pocket prep is "the worst part," for anyone. Takes about 2 seconds per case, with a drill and a chamfer tool/bit. You're done almost as fast as you can pick up and drop the case.

Giraoud might be awesome on a stick, but if you're on a budget you can still get the job done. For $25.00 you can buy a Zip Trim chuck and spindle. With a nice cordless drill you can trim and chamfer pretty fast, and additional calibers are only $5.00-6.00 each. Note I'm omitting the inside chamfer, cuz I use an M die.

http://s688.photobucket.com/user/gloob27x/media/LeeZipTrim.mp4.html

I will trim and chamfer ~300 cases in an hour, while watching a video. Easy on the hands, too.

 

[Comrade Mike]

My only .223 is a bolt action so I don't get what all the fuss is about

 

[Miata Mike]

My only .223 is a bolt action so I don't get what all the fuss is about

That would be nice..... Still looking. I do much the same as redclay,

Tumble,
Resize,
Dillon Super Swager,
Possum hollow trimmer and Lyman prep center together since I have the case in hand,
then on to the Lee turret.

All are done in batches so that a guy doesn't go bonkers.

 

[A-FIXER]

This
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/314017/hornady-lock-n-load-case-prep-center-110-volt all in one and you spend it only once

 

[greyling22]

I'm with 1kperday. REloading rifle is tedious. Especially in mass. I've given up on reloading 223 semi autos. Wolf isn't much more expensive, and so much easier. I'll still load for bolt action accuracy, but I'm shooting steel from here out.