sizing .223 / 5.56 brass

[ford8nr]

In reloading for my 30-06 bolt gun I only neck size and trim. Can the same be done for a AR15 if it's the same gun the once fired brass is from?

 

[highbrow]

Not a good idea in semi autos. Risk of slam fire due to the free floating firing pin and vigorous loading cycle. Always full length size for semiauto rifles.

 

[hvychev77]

not to mention you'll have feeding issues if your brass is a tight fit for the chamber from NOT full length sizing............do yourself a favor and search for alcohol and lanolin mixture for bulk lubricating 223 cases for FL sizing. it works like a charm...........cheers.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Full length sizing is necessary for ammo used in a semi-auto rifle, sorry...

 

[AlliedArmory]

You should always FL resize for any semi.

 

[steve4102]

Here is a good read.
http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm

 

[helotaxi]

Not a good idea in semi autos. Risk of slam fire due to the free floating firing pin and vigorous loading cycle. Always full length size for semiauto rifles.

Neck sizing only won't lead to or even increase the risk of a slam fire. That usually comes from a high primer or using the wrong primer.

While I wouldn't do it for any other semi-auto or cartridge, I do primarily neck size only my .204 Ruger brass for my AR. I have yet to have an issue. I also don't really care about that rifle being 100% reliable when feeding and often run it as a single shot with a plugged magazine. The steep shoulder on the .204 case keeps the brass from growing much, if any, and the rifle length gas system, low pressure of the .204 and the fact that the super high velocity bullet has cleared the muzzle and pressures are down well before the bolt begins to unlock means that the brass really doesn't get pushed out of shape.

All my other ARs and my lever action get their brass FL sized every time. Spray lube is your friend.

 

[Walkalong]

I size my .223 brass to fit a case gauge. I get 100% function and 10 plus reloads shooting them in ARs, a Sig 556, and a Mini 14. The primer pockets finally get loose and there is still no sign of case head separation.

 

[FROGO207]

Agreed--actually having to full length size your brass is not a problem here. It does not appreciably shorten the case life that I can measure. Yes that homemade case lube works great for me, just use enough of it to work and let the alcohol out of the mixture on the brass before sizing them. I put some brass into a gallon plastic zip top bag spray enough lube in, close it and work the brass around to get them lubed before dumping the brass onto a cookie sheet to dry. The bad thing about my Mini 14's is they throw brass into low earth orbit and I seem to loose some every time I shoot and hardly ever get to wear it out.

 

[Walkalong]

my Mini 14's is they throw brass into low earth orbit

Yep. It's worse than the Sig 556.. Argh.

 

[Hondo 60]

For a bolt-action 223, neck sizing is fine,
but for semi-autos, like an AR-15, full length resizing is almost required.

 

[steve4102]

The bad thing about my Mini 14's is they throw brass into low earth orbit and I seem to loose some every time I shoot and hardly ever get to wear it out.

Easily fixed with a smaller Gas Port Bushing, or a faster powder.

 

[ford8nr]

Thanks for the replies, that's what I thought...........then I got to thinkin'. So a full length size it will be.