Noob Question .223 Reloading

[veprjack]

Sorry if this was discussed but didn't threads it in my searches.

So, I have a lot of steel case .223 and was wondering if I could pull the bullets and reload some brass with them. Mfg of my current gun warns against steel case so... The old AK clunker I used to shoot them through was sold.

Also, how about saving/reusing the powder? I'm just getting back into reloading and am trying to be very careful. Seems like what I'm thinking about doing could be dangerous, (at least the powder part) since I'd be putting components together that might not be compatible. I won't know the manufacturer of the powder, but ...

Am I thinking too much or is there reason to be concerned? Not gonna do anything until I check it out thoroughly.

THANKS!

 

[ericuda]

Shoot the steel cased ammo, most warn of reloaded ammo too. As plinker for beer cans it will work perfectly fine and maybe pretty accurate. I would never try to reclaim powder...bullets maybe but currently bullets are avaible. How many cases are you talkin?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Of course you can use the bullets if need be as long as you are careful not to damage them but IMO it's extra work for no good reason. I agree, just shoot the ammo and be done with it. Since you have no way of knowing which powder is used you can't safely use that powder. The warning for your rifle is lawyer talk. Every gun manufacturer tells us not to use reloads but we do anyway, same thing no?

Welcome back to the reloading bench.

 

[Reloadron]

I agree with just shoot them. If they chamber and cycle they should shoot just fine. Can you pull the bullets and use them? Yes, but as mentioned, you are just setting yourself up for some work. Can the powder be used? I would not suggest it simply because I would rather tell you no than yes on the powder. Better I should err on the side of safety.

Ron

 

[ants]

Confirming: Sounds like the old AK clunker was chambered for 223 Rem, that's why you have leftover steel cased 223 Rem. How old is the ammo?


Depends upon the age of that steel cased ammo. Going back to the 1990's the steel case had a lacquer finish that you have to clean out of the chamber to make sure it doesn't build up. I used brake cleaner in AR15 chambers back then. Tens of thousands of rounds in all my 223 rifles, perfect results.

Newer steel cased ammo is polymer coated, not lacquer. Just shoot it up.

Check your stash to see if it's the old old stuff. If its old you still shoot it, just clean the chamber regularly.

 

[mdi]

What do yo want to shoot the .223 steel cased ammo in? Yep, bullets can be reused, powder nope, toss it. Jes shoot 'em...

 

[Axis II]

I had some Tul ammo that had laqeur on it and got stuck in my heavy barrel chamber. Ar15 I would do it but not a bolt gun.