Need help on what components to get

[Madmax]

Hello, I have RCBS reloading kit that I bought about 8 years ago and never did anything with yet. I think mostly from feeling a bit overwhelmed and a fear of blowing my self up.

Now with YouTube I feel I have a better starting point to work from with so many step by step videos out there to help a noob like myself.

The kit came with every thing you need to start reloading minus a few small things like deburring tools and such.

So now I need help on the bullet components to get. I am going to place a order for everything I need from MidwayUSA, there are no local shops here to use. I want to start reloading 5.56mm/.223 rounds first. I would like to make accurate range ammo not hunting ammo.

So I need help with what primers, bullets, powder and dies to get. Any help for this next step would be a great help to me, Thanks!!!

 

[cfullgraf]

First, you should have at least one reloading manual. If you bought a starter kit, one should have been included. The manuals will have recommended bullets/powder/primer combinations.

But, the manuals published by the bullet manufacturers only include their products. Ditto for the powder manufacturer. Hence the reason why most reloaders have multiple manuals.

Search the forum. There are numerous threads on "favorite powder and bullets for 223 Remington".

There are many bullet weights available for 22 caliber. 50 to 55 grain will give good results at shorter ranges, less than 300 yards or so.

You will need some small rifle primers as recommended by your manual. There is lots of discussion on the proper primer for use in an AR style rifle. Some folks swear only CCI #41 military spec primers are the only ones to use.

I generally use AA2230 with light bullets and Varget with heavy. I am planning on trying CFE223. There are many other good powders for use in 223 Remington..

Hope this helps.

 

[Searcher4851]

Youtube videos are nice, but it would still be a good idea to read up on reloading. The ABC's of reloading and Lyman #49 manual are great references. The more information you have the better. Safety first.
Reloading is not dangerous by nature, it takes someone to make it dangerous.
All it takes is knowing what is supposed to be going on, and paying attention to make sure that that and only that ARE what's going on. Distractions are an enemy to safety.
You didn't mention what type of gun you are reloading for. Also, if you intend to reload for handgun, that would be an easier place to start.

 

[119er]

The .223 is very versatile. Start with a Lyman or Sierra manual to see what results they achieved with the bullet type and weight you choose. This will be a good point to start seeing what powders they got good results with. As far as primers go, you can use what the manual used or go with what you like or what is available. If you are starting with low end charges it shouldn't matter much primer you choose as long as it is the type called for in the manual. As for dies, choose the features you like at a price point you can stand. I personally prefer Redding but use RCBS and Lee dies as well.

When you make your order, try to get a little tub of Imperial sizing wax. A little goes a long way and I haven't had any dented shoulders using it.

If you were looking for specifics, I have good luck in my rifle(Rem 700 20") with Sierra 53gr HPFB bullets with H335 and Fed. primer and Hornady 68gr HPBT with Varget and Win. primers.

 

[Madmax]

I wanted to start with my AR's, mostly for the money savings and better accuracy. I was hoping to get my groupings tighter. I have a few AR's, all that I built. Some rifles and some AR pistols. Rifles have 16" barrels and pistols are 10.5"

I will at some point reload .45 ACP and 9mm.

 

[rcmodel]

Best accuracy will be found using good varmint or match bullets.

That does not include FMJ-BT military type bullets.

I highly recommend giving Hornady V-Max and/or Nosler Ballistic-Tip varmint bullets a try.

They shoot exceptionally well in all of my rifles.

rc

 

[Madmax]

rcmodel what powder and primer do you use?

 

[119er]

The .223 is very versatile. Start with a Lyman or Sierra manual to see what results they achieved with the bullet type and weight you choose. This will be a good point to start seeing what powders they got good results with. As far as primers go, you can use what the manual used or go with what you like or what is available. If you are starting with low end charges it shouldn't matter much primer you choose as long as it is the type called for in the manual. As for dies, choose the features you like at a price point you can stand. I personally prefer Redding but use RCBS and Lee dies as well.

When you make your order, try to get a little tub of Imperial sizing wax. A little goes a long way and I haven't had any dented shoulders using it.

If you were looking for specifics, I have good luck in my rifle(Rem 700 20") with Sierra 53gr HPFB bullets with H335 and Fed. primer and Hornady 68gr HPBT with Varget and Win. primers.

 

[rcmodel]

rcmodel what powder and primer do you use?

I use CCI Sm Rifle primers and WW-748 powder.

But there are too many good powder choices to list.

rc

 

[[email protected]]

If your ordering from midway usa, look for some promo codes to use. AR151110 is good right now for $10 off $50, and Ar151115 is good for $15 off $100. I think that these expire at the end of the month.

 

[Madmax]

I do have the Lyman 48th and Speer 13th manuals, so good there.

Thanks for the Midway coupon codes!

As far as the die's go not sure what way to go. Not one is heads above the other in the on-line reviews. RCBS has a 223 AR die set, if I go with RCBS should I use the standard 223 or the AR 223? Anyone use the AR type, is it any better?

Thanks again

 

[MrCountyCop]

RCBS Full length 223 Remington set and some Imperial Sizing Wax will get you started. Also a LE Wilson 223 Rem gauge may help you when you set up the resizing die and to check the rounds after they are finished. Not to go to far off of RC (since he's smarter than me) but you may want to start with something like H335 and some 55g FMJ-BT to get the process down and get comfortable with reloading then move up to the higher quality bullets like VMax.

 

[rcmodel]

if I go with RCBS should I use the standard 223 or the AR 223?

You never did say what kind of rifle you are going to load for.

If it is an AR, then the AR die set might be the way to go.

They allow taper-crimping without case length being quite so critical.
(Although I don't crimp my AR ammo anyway, it would be a nice feature to have if I did)

rc

 

[Searcher4851]

You mentioned that you have a few AR's. That's one of the great things about loading your own ammo. You can vary your loads to each particular weapon, when you find out what shoots best in each one. Or you can work out a compromise load that you can shoot in all of them.