AR15s are popular and their popularity is increasing. AR15 shoot .223 Remington caliber ammo and some shoot 5.56 MM. These two rounds are different. Information on the differences can be found by doing a simple search on the internet. This post is focused on some considerations for reloading .223 Remington.
If you are considering reloading, please obtain the proper training. Money spent on training may save your life and probably many dollars down the road.
The price of the .223 Remington, some say, is relatively cheap ($7 to $8 for 20 rounds and cheaper if you buy 500 or 1000 rounds) so why bother reloading? True now but given the anti-gun enviornment we live in, perhaps this may not be true for long.
The .223 Remington shell is thin and a bit longer (appox 1.760") than a 357 Magnum shell (appox 1.282"). Diameter of a .223 is appox .253" and the 357 is appox .378". When the .223 shells hit the ground they get nicked and dented a bit. So if you retrieve shells from the range be sure the shells are suitable for reloading.
Reloading allows you to try different combinations of smokeless powder and bullets. Reloading data books identify how to determine a good combination. Based on my research, I decided on Hodgdon's Varget smokeless powder and Hornady's Varmint .22 cal. 55 gr. bullets. These were good initial choices. However, the Varget powder is stick powder and it sticks at times in the powder drop. So it takes some patience and persistence to work through the loading of the powder.
As it is for all rifle rounds, the shells have to be trimmed and deburred (inside and out). This is the most time consumming part but also the most important. The primer pockets should be cleaned and trimmed if needed -- ensure they are round.
I use Redding dies for the De-capper / Sizer, Seater and crimp. Crimp isn't necessary but it gives a nice finished feel to the round. Redding dies are well made and reliable. The company, located in Cortland, NY., is very customer focused. My experience has been that the better quality dies perform better and last longer.
My website (kjd-firearmstrainingllc.com) contains more details on reloading as well as a link to the NRA Training website to sign up for a reloading class.
Comments