transition from pistol to rifle loading

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JBrady555

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Hey folks I have decided to make the jump from loading 9 mm only to loading 223 for my ar's. I load on a dillon 550 and after watching some YouTube videos I purchased this list of stuff to convert my pistol only operation to 223.

Lee breech lock challenger press
lee pacesetter 223 dies
lee 223 case holder, trimmer aND case length gauge
Hornady one shot case lube
dillon tool head
dillon caliber conversion kit 223
dillon case gauge

I figure this is all I need along with everything that I already used for pistol like scales and such. I got the lee o frame press as a permanent sizing depriming station. I'll charge, seat and crimp on the dillon after sizing and triming. So what have I missed? Where are you guys getting quality inexpensive projectiles. I want to play accuracy games but I'm also interested in loading full power defensive rounds. Would love to hear some tips and tricks from you 223 loaders to help lessen my learning curve. Thanks
 
A swager or primer pocket uniforming tool to get rid of military crimps is almost mandatory.
Also, I don't see a chamfer/deburring tool in there. Pretty much a necessity after trimming.

As far as accuracy, I use A-max or Sierra Matchkings, no cheap source for those. My bolt action loves them.

For plinking/general range use, I get Xtreme FMJs. $43/500. They are not bad in the accuracy department.
 
I do have a lee chamfer debut tool. I do need a primer pocket swager but I wish I could find one that wasn't 100 bucks. Is all 5.56 crimped primers? I got a lot of winchester 5.56, is it crimped?
 
"Is all 5.56 crimped primers? I got a lot of winchester 5.56, is it crimped?"

First question, no.
Second question, if it is civilian, most likely not.

Most military brass has crimped in primers. This makes sense. Popping a primer out in a full auto weapon (large/oversize chamber - greater head thrust and case expansion) and having 'it' bounce about in the action until 'it' stops everything, could/would be very embarrassing in a fire fight.

Taking care of those military crimps is a one time only process.

Now comes the question. How many crimped in primers are you expecting to deal with? Is that enough to justify some expensive tool?

Using a pocket knife and some time, that little ring of brass can be cut/scrapped away. This would be OK if only dealing with 20 rounds of brass, but 200 or 1000....

I have used a 'Wilson' chamfering tool with great results. That could be an option. Or to do it all - http://www.ch4d.com/products/equipment/priming-tools/psk

Just short of $40 is less than the $100 you listed and this one will do it all. I'm sure there are others at less and more costs.

Don't over think changing from one caliber/cartridge to another. The same thing is accomplished with a few minor refinements for each. Don't rush in to anything, take your time and your initial perceived needs will change.
 
I'm not a fan of the Lee Challenger press. If you want a Lee single stage press look at the Classic Cast press instead. It's a much better and stronger press all around. The Classic Cast press comes in both standard and breach-lock configurations, both just over $100.

As for case lube, Hornady One Step is good for some things but IMO Imperial sizing Wax is the best lube available today. A small 2oz tin lasts forever.

As for the breach-lock system, IMO it's an additional cost with very little reward. Each Quick Change Bushing will cost you $8 and since I'm sure you will be loading more than just for the .223 in the future the costs will rise. Adjusting dies isn't all that time consuming where you need to spend an additional $8 for each die you use. (IMO of course)
 
ArchAngelCD said:
I'm not a fan of the Lee Challenger press. If you want a Lee single stage press look at the Classic Cast press instead. It's a much better and stronger press all around. The Classic Cast press comes in both standard and breach-lock configurations, both just over $100.

As for case lube, Hornady One Step is good for some things but IMO Imperial sizing Wax is the best lube available today. A small 2oz tin lasts forever.

As for the breach-lock system, IMO it's an additional cost with very little reward. Each Quick Change Bushing will cost you $8 and since I'm sure you will be loading more than just for the .223 in the future the costs will rise. Adjusting dies isn't all that time consuming where you need to spend an additional $8 for each die you use. (IMO of course)
Click to expand...

Lee bushings are $4.00 each, $8.00 for a package of two:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/971565/lee-breech-lock-quick-change-bushings-package-of-2?cm_vc=ProductFinding

IMHO, get the Lee regular Classic Cast. It handles the spent primers better than the breech lock version, which is a similar design to the Challenger. If you want the quick change, I believe the Hornady adapter and bushings will work, and the additional bushings are cheaper than the Lee.
 
ArchAngelCD said:
Oppssss, I looked quickly at that same page and didn't realize there were 2 in the price. :eek:
Click to expand...

Hey, no prob. :)

I have the Challenger, and I actually like the breech bushing feature. I get the ones with the built in locking rings. What I do not like about the Challenger is the way it handles spent primers - all the primer residue ends up gumming up the ram. The regular Classic Cast sends the primers down through the hollow ram.
 
Toprudder said:
Hey, no prob. :)

I have the Challenger, and I actually like the breech bushing feature. I get the ones with the built in locking rings. What I do not like about the Challenger is the way it handles spent primers - all the primer residue ends up gumming up the ram. The regular Classic Cast sends the primers down through the hollow ram.
Click to expand...
I agree about the spent primers. My Lee classic Turret Press handles the primers like the Classic Cast SS press and it is a good system. For a hair over $100 it's one heck of a press!
 
For .223 plinking ammo I use either Hornady or X-treme 55gn fmjbt. I stock up when either goes on sale. How many rounds per month or year do you plan on loading? If you are going to do any volume, I would suggest a better trimmer option. You will find that case prep for rifle rounds takes longer than the actual loading process.
 
Wideners is a good source for bulk 55gr. bullets. Also Powder Valley.
For .223, One Shot is perfect.
Regarding your Pacesetter dies. In my opinion you do not need a 3 die set. You will do just fine with a 2 die set, and I recommend the RCBS FL set:

http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Die-Set-...d=1417709672&sr=8-1&keywords=rcbs+223+die+set

Regarding trimmers, I recommend either the Possum Hollow or the WFT:
Here's the WFT:http://www.littlecrowgunworks.com/wft usa.html

The Possum Hollow seems to be unobtainium right now.

There are many powders available. I like W748, RE-7 and RE-10x for general range work.
 
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