Newb 223 reload question

[Abe]

I have a question about reloading 223 and just for the record; I’m doing it to save money. At least that’s what I told my wife.

I have Lyman’s 47th Reloading handbook and have a question about a load. I’d like to use a Sierra #1355 bullet (55gr FMJBT). The only reason for using this particular bullet is that it is just like that used in the M193 that I usually shoot. The Lyman’s book doesn’t have a load for this specific bullet. The closest thing is a 55gr Jacketed Spitzer. The load for this particular bullet using H335 is 23gr. Start – 26.5 Max. If I check the Hodgdon site the load they recommend for a 55 GR. SPR SP bullet using H335 is 25.3. For the given load can I use the Sierra #1355 in place of the 55gr Spitzer? Is this a generally safe practice given any style of bullet as long as it is 55gr?

Thanks,

Abe

 

[djm]

I looked in the speer reloading manual and it lists for 55gr fmj H335 starting load at 24gr and max at 26.0 gr. A word of caution if you are using military brass it has a smaller case capacity so you need to reduce the you loads. Most people agree to start at least 10% lower

Good luck

 

[Clark]

I have never noticed a signifigant difference subbing jacketed bullets of the same weight.

 

[Abe]

Thanks for the confirmation. I wasn't going to reload the M193 brass that I have yet. I'm told that it has crimped primer pocket and that I will need something like Dillon's Super Swage 600 to deal with this. I don't have that yet. I will start with reloading a bunch of Winchester brass that I also have.

djm - Out of curiousity what do you mean when you say that military brass has a smaller case capacity? Is the brass thicker than regular cases? What reduces the volume?

Thanks,

Abe

 

[Steve Smith]

INCORRECT

LC (military case) .223 is NOT heavier than commercial cases. .308 and .30-06 yes, but NOT .223. I guarantee you that it is not. Weigh 100 LC cases andc compare that to 100 Winchesters and 100 Remingtons. Also fill them with water and weigh the water that it takes to fill them for a volume measurement. Again, I guarantee that you will not find that they are heavier than Wins and Rems. Lapua and Norma .223 brass IS heavier. All those are heavier than Feds, which are some of the lightest and are unsafe for multiple use heavy load reloading for a semi-auto due to insufficient wall thickness above the web.


Abe, if you want some good brass without much work, go to www.rvow.com and order some of their processed LC brass. It is sized, trimmed, and primer crimps have been removed. Its $50 per 1K delivered.

 

[jw29650]

I am working my way through my first 1,000 brass from RVOC. The only thing I noticed was that there was a ring around the top of the mouth that needed cleaning up with my Lee camfer tool. It looks like it was created during the trimming process. I love this brass. Clean, processed and cheap.

JW

 

[Steve Smith]

I re-trim them because the lengths aren't consistent. Short enough, but not consistent. My power trimmer chamfers and deburrs at the same time.

 

[Abe]

Thanks for the tip on RVOC. I just placed an order for 1000 .223 this afternoon.

- Abe

 

[Nero Steptoe]

You guys sure that's not RVOW??

FWIW, Scharch's price for 1000 pcs. .223 100% processed, shipping included, is $44.

 

[djm]

Sorry Steve I know what you are saying about the .308 and .30-06 cases. I don’t reload .223 yet still have a lot on hand I mostly reload .308 I was going on the information that I had my Nosler manual under comments from the lab say that “The loads listed here were developed using standard commercial brass. Military brass has less case capacity because of heavier construction which often yields higher pressureâ€. I have read other similar comments in other reloading manuals. Did not mean to offend.

Abe removing the crimp is not that bad if you have the RCBS power station and buy the tool for removing the crimp. I have used the .308 version and have had good luck with it. I also like the deburring tool and the primer pocket cleaner as well. Good luck.

 

[Nero Steptoe]

Thanks for the heads-up on the LC .223 brass, Steve. I took your advice and weighed a sample of commercial .223 brass and some LC brass. If anything, the LC was lighter...certainly not heavier than the commercial brass.

 

[Steve Smith]

Nero, reread my post and you'll see I said RVOW not RVOC. Whatever.

I won't use Scharch. They had a roll sizing operation and it may have been linked to several blow-ups where cases had been stressed prematurely. Supposedly the roll-sizing equipment has been replaced, but I don't want an old batch. Some guys will use it, but I don't mind spending $6 more for cases that have no bad history.


djm, not offended at all.

 

[Nero Steptoe]

Steve: I was trying to point out that you'd posted RVOW, not RVOC, to those who posted "RVOC" subsequent to your post. Does RVOW use roll-sizing? If not, then how do they bulk resize their brass. If they do roll-size, then how is their operation different from Scharch's??

I've also read a few reports of problems with Scharch's brass. I've fired several thousand rounds of their brass with absolutely no problems.