Calguns.net  

Home My iTrader Join the NRA Donate to CGSSA Sponsors CGN Google Search
CA Semiauto Ban(AW)ID Flowchart CA Handgun Ban ID Flowchart CA Shotgun Ban ID Flowchart
Go Back   Calguns.net > INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES > Ammo and Reloading
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Ammo and Reloading Factory Ammunition, Reloading, Components, Load Data and more.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-13-2012, 4:51 PM
mjm362004 mjm362004 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default 223 reload beginner

i would love some advice on reloading 223
is there a basic starter kit?
what ammo should i buy to reuse the brass?
best places to buy equipment and ammo?
etc,
etc.
any other info would be much appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-13-2012, 5:14 PM
shooterbill shooterbill is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Beaumont
Posts: 1,096
iTrader: 35 / 100%
Default

If you are buying ammo to keep the brass, Remington and PMC usually don't have crimped primers. If your buying in person, check. As far as I know there isn't a kit for the 223. Do you have any equipment already-press, case trimmer, powder measure?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-13-2012, 5:16 PM
ExtremeX's Avatar
ExtremeX ExtremeX is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 7,160
iTrader: 43 / 100%
Default

If you want to learn how to reload you are going to have to put in the time like everyone and just buckle down and do some reading, video watching, and note taking.

Some people do things differently than others, and have different desires in their equipment and methods either from a convenience, budget, quantity/volume, quality standpoint… You can easily spend a couple hundred to start out or a couple thousand… just depends on what you want to do and how far you want to take it.

Here are some resources to get you started.



http://ultimatereloader.com/

http://ultimatereloader.com/getting-...osing-a-press/

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=108907

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=211158

As far as brass… I’ve been collecting and saving my brass for over 2 years before I actually started reloading because I saw myself doing but never got around to it until recently.

I still have some factory ammo, and never had issues with brass from Federal .223, Federal M193/M855, PMC, PMC-XTac. That’s pretty much what the bulk of my brass is because that’s what I shot in the past.

Plenty of places to buy equipment, but more important is what do you want to buy.

Last edited by ExtremeX; 11-13-2012 at 5:21 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-13-2012, 5:20 PM
Breadfan's Avatar
Breadfan Breadfan is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SLO County
Posts: 1,019
iTrader: 1 / 100%
Default

check out www.grafs.com they have all the equipment you will need
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-13-2012, 5:21 PM
MIAMIbaseballer's Avatar
MIAMIbaseballer MIAMIbaseballer is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sacramento/Miami
Posts: 786
iTrader: 30 / 100%
Default

Maybe if you listed your general location, you could bribe someone that reloads 223 to show you the ropes....
__________________
It's ok to be jealous. We understand your animosity. We live the life you wish you had. And of over 4000 universities and over 1700 division 1 schools, only one is simply known as "The U"
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-13-2012, 6:18 PM
Full Clip's Avatar
Full Clip Full Clip is offline
I need a LIFE!!
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Hoboken, NJ (Escapee #655321)
Posts: 10,239
iTrader: 48 / 100%
Default

All the tools you need to reload .223 except a mallet, bullets, powder and brass.

__________________
“Political tags — such as royalist, communist, democrat, populist, fascist, liberal, conservative, and so forth — are never basic criteria. The human race divides politically into those who want people to be controlled and those who have no such desire.” — Robert A. Heinlein

“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds” — Samuel Adams
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-13-2012, 8:06 PM
insik insik is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Oxnard, CA
Posts: 238
iTrader: 1 / 100%
Default

I got the Lee Classic Turret from here:
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...mart&Itemid=41

You ave the option of selecting the Rem 223 dies.

You also need these:
reloading book
http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-49Th-Edi...reloading+book

digital caliper
http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Digital-C...ef=pd_sim_sg_2

tumbler
http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arse...mbler+franklin

case trimmer - I am using the WFT (Worlds Finest Trimmer. a little bit pricey but worth it)
http://www.littlecrowgunworks.com/wft.html

bullet puller
http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arse...ef=pd_sim_sg_1

Digital Scale
http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-2052...=digital+scale

I get my powder/primers/bullets from either
www.grafs.com
www.powdervalleyinc.com

Read a lot on reloading and search youtube for setting up the Classic Turret.
Be safe and enjoy
__________________
NRA member
CZ75B, PX4 Storm, GSG1911, Mossy 500, M&P 15T, M&P 15-22
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-13-2012, 8:23 PM
ExtremeX's Avatar
ExtremeX ExtremeX is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 7,160
iTrader: 43 / 100%
Default

Instead of the WFT I would recommend the CTS as another option, and at a cheaper price.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=587361
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-13-2012, 9:02 PM
bohoki's Avatar
bohoki bohoki is offline
I need a LIFE!!
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: 95401
Posts: 20,647
iTrader: 21 / 100%
Default

if you are looking to save money i wish you luck

my breakdown is about 10 cents per bullet 10 cents for powder and 2 cents for primer

that comes to 4.40 a box which sounds super awesome but then you have to take all the labor into it and its a tad more extensive than say loading 45 or 9mm

you should trim and debur after sizing and sizing requires lube i use the petroleum jelly

and i often have to ream and chamfer the primer pockets
then after all that sometimes i run into a pocket that is too loose to hold a primer so after all that work i have to chuck that case and 9 times out of 10 it was a FC case
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-14-2012, 4:30 PM
ERC12's Avatar
ERC12 ERC12 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Elk Grove, Ca.
Posts: 102
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

are you in the sac area
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-14-2012, 6:00 PM
Kappy's Avatar
Kappy Kappy is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sutter Co.
Posts: 5,348
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

How much money are we talking? Best place to buy... I'd just look all over. Check Slickguns for some deals. Here's an example: http://www.slickguns.com/product/rcb...ck-friday-2012. I bought that setup but with a few items missing and the partner press. Works very well in my portable setup.

I like both PMC and Fiocchi GFL brass. I wish I had more Fiocchi, but it's more expensive, so guys at my range don't shoot it as often. I feel like a vulture, sometimes, grabbing it out of the brass can...

As to equipment, it depends on if you're into plinking or accuracy. If you're going plinking, just get a Lee turret and the accompanying gear (scale, micrometer, manual, trimming gear).

If you're going for accuracy, get an RCBS setup. I don't think anyone makes more durable, solid gear than RCBS. I'd also recommend Lee's press-mounted priming tools (if they are still available).

Hope this helps.
__________________
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.

Last edited by Kappy; 11-14-2012 at 6:07 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11-14-2012, 6:21 PM
problemchild problemchild is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 33.753276,-118.19139
Posts: 6,959
iTrader: 82 / 100%
Default

You need to shop around more or ask for a free tube of KY with those prices. Holy smokes!!!!!!!

.07 projectile
.037 powder
.014 primer
free range brass= 12c each

And to the OP... Loading rifle is no child's play. Go load with an old pro for a day and ask lots of questions before you buy.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bohoki View Post
if you are looking to save money i wish you luck

my breakdown is about 10 cents per bullet 10 cents for powder and 2 cents for primer

that comes to 4.40 a box which sounds super awesome but then you have to take all the labor into it and its a tad more extensive than say loading 45 or 9mm

you should trim and debur after sizing and sizing requires lube i use the petroleum jelly

and i often have to ream and chamfer the primer pockets
then after all that sometimes i run into a pocket that is too loose to hold a primer so after all that work i have to chuck that case and 9 times out of 10 it was a FC case
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11-14-2012, 6:33 PM
ar15barrels's Avatar
ar15barrels ar15barrels is offline
I need a LIFE!!
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Van Nuys
Posts: 56,410
iTrader: 119 / 100%
Default

I miss the days of 7 cent 223 reloads.

15 years ago prices:
$35/k bullets
$11/k primers
$48/8lb surplus powders
__________________
Randall Rausch

AR work: www.ar15barrels.com
Bolt actions: www.700barrels.com
Foreign Semi Autos: www.akbarrels.com
Barrel, sight and trigger work on most pistols and shotguns.
Most work performed while-you-wait, evening and saturday appointments available.

Last edited by ar15barrels; 11-14-2012 at 6:36 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11-14-2012, 6:36 PM
bohoki's Avatar
bohoki bohoki is offline
I need a LIFE!!
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: 95401
Posts: 20,647
iTrader: 21 / 100%
Default

well i dont like buying 5000 bullets and 10,000 primers and a case of 8 pound powder

i never see a baggie of 100 bullets less than $10 and primers everywhere i can go buy them wants at least $25 a 1000 or $3 for 100

also i prefer us made ones

i love tac even though its made in belgium
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11-14-2012, 6:37 PM
ar15barrels's Avatar
ar15barrels ar15barrels is offline
I need a LIFE!!
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Van Nuys
Posts: 56,410
iTrader: 119 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bohoki View Post
buying 5000 bullets and 10,000 primers and a case of 8 pound powder
That's the way to save...
__________________
Randall Rausch

AR work: www.ar15barrels.com
Bolt actions: www.700barrels.com
Foreign Semi Autos: www.akbarrels.com
Barrel, sight and trigger work on most pistols and shotguns.
Most work performed while-you-wait, evening and saturday appointments available.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 11-14-2012, 7:59 PM
problemchild problemchild is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 33.753276,-118.19139
Posts: 6,959
iTrader: 82 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bohoki View Post
well i dont like buying 5000 bullets and 10,000 primers and a case of 8 pound powder

i never see a baggie of 100 bullets less than $10 and primers everywhere i can go buy them wants at least $25 a 1000 or $3 for 100

also i prefer us made ones

i love tac even though its made in belgium
Why reload 100 at a time? I can buy wolf ammo cheaper than you reload and shoot all day without the hassle.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11-14-2012, 9:52 PM
Kappy's Avatar
Kappy Kappy is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sutter Co.
Posts: 5,348
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by problemchild View Post
Why reload 100 at a time? I can buy wolf ammo cheaper than you reload and shoot all day without the hassle.
Because handloads are more accurate than Wolf is.
__________________
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11-15-2012, 6:07 AM
Cowboy T's Avatar
Cowboy T Cowboy T is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: United States
Posts: 5,555
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

OP, are you going for accuracy, lower price, assured ammo availability, or a combination of the three? If it's some combination, is there a "prime" goal that you have? This might help us to advise you on this.

Personally, I think it's a great idea to get set up for reloading, even if you just break even, because CA has already tried AB 962 and very nearly made it, but for a sensible court that struck it down as un-Constitutional. But they will try again. So, every shooter in California that can reload, should. Just my view.

For presses, I now generally recommend Lee's Classic Turret Press or an inexpensive single-stage (e. g. the Breech-Lock Challenger) for new folks getting started. Progressives like LnL AP's, Pro 1000's, all Dillon models, etc. will always be there after getting some experience.

Here's what I'd recommend to you for getting started. Since you're reloading .223, even if you're weighing the bullets, the 100gr capacity of the scale will not be a problem. This and a set o' .223 dies should do the trick.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121...tage-press-kit

Remember, folks, the primary goal here is to get the OP started and see if he likes it. I suggest we keep it as easy (including up-front cost) as we can.

- T
__________________
"San Francisco Liberal With A Gun"
F***ing with people's heads, one gun show at a time. Hallelujah!
http://www.sanfranciscoliberalwithagun.com (reloading info w/ videos)
http://www.liberalsguncorner.com (podcast)
http://www.youtube.com/sfliberal (YouTube channel)
----------------------------------------------------
To be a true Liberal, you must be 100% pro-Second Amendment. Anything less is inconsistent with liberalism.

Last edited by Cowboy T; 11-15-2012 at 6:12 AM.. Reason: Pointed the OP to a specific kit for his/her consideration
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 11-15-2012, 9:48 AM
JNunez23's Avatar
JNunez23 JNunez23 is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sherman Oaks
Posts: 2,756
iTrader: 13 / 100%
Default

^^^^ Great advice Cowboy T.
__________________
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
John Wooden

Need a holster?, please email us at StrappedKydex@gmail.com for any holsters, mag carriers, and more. Custom jobs welcomed!
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11-15-2012, 6:04 PM
Kappy's Avatar
Kappy Kappy is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sutter Co.
Posts: 5,348
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Do we have a budget for this?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11-15-2012, 6:07 PM
AeroEngi's Avatar
AeroEngi AeroEngi is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Glendale, CA
Posts: 2,887
iTrader: 8 / 100%
Default

Make sure the brass that comes with the ammo you're buying is boxer primed and not berdan primed. Berdan primed will break your decapping pin in your die.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 11-17-2012, 9:22 PM
gemini1's Avatar
gemini1 gemini1 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: 15 mins to the Bay bridge
Posts: 2,223
iTrader: 38 / 100%
Default

I spent $199. shipped for the Lee Breechlock kit alongh with dies for 223 and 9MM. The caliper, Lyman 49th ed and Frankford Arsenal bullet puller from Amazon.com, cost me around $50+.
But as for the bullet puller, after trying it out on some 223 ammo, I should have instead bought the cam lock puller for a few $ more. The kinetic puller I tried, had me whacking it for like 40 times before the bullet dropped from the casing, and it wasn't even crimp.

Last edited by gemini1; 11-17-2012 at 9:25 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 11-18-2012, 7:43 AM
dlouie87 dlouie87 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Contra Costa
Posts: 1,396
iTrader: 76 / 100%
Default

When people reload for accuracy, having a cheaper round is not the biggest factor. Its getting a cartridge and it's load/components near perfect for their firearms.

Example using custom load with lupua brass on .308:

Might be the around the same price for a round of factory 175 federal gold match but since the reloader has the ability to mess with powder weight and different projectiles, a reloader can "produce" a far more superior and accurate load for around the price.

So when I think about reloading, I think about getting the best possible round for my firearms, the price variable plays a role but not a huge one. Having the free ability to customize the loads to a specific firearm is the perk of reloading.... with that, you can create plinking ammo too.
__________________
-D

Last edited by dlouie87; 11-18-2012 at 7:45 AM..
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 11-18-2012, 8:49 AM
ar15barrels's Avatar
ar15barrels ar15barrels is offline
I need a LIFE!!
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Van Nuys
Posts: 56,410
iTrader: 119 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dlouie87 View Post
When people reload for accuracy, having a cheaper round is not the biggest factor.

Having the free ability to customize the loads to a specific firearm is the perk of reloading.... with that, you can create plinking ammo too.
Exactly.

I load two different kinds of 223 ammo:

Blasting
0.07 55gr fmj bullet
0.03 surplus powder
0.01 primer
0.11 total cost per round

Precision
0.17 75gr Amax bullet
0.05 varget powder
0.03 match primer
0.25 total cost per round
__________________
Randall Rausch

AR work: www.ar15barrels.com
Bolt actions: www.700barrels.com
Foreign Semi Autos: www.akbarrels.com
Barrel, sight and trigger work on most pistols and shotguns.
Most work performed while-you-wait, evening and saturday appointments available.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 11-23-2012, 1:56 PM
roc_my_tims's Avatar
roc_my_tims roc_my_tims is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 1,443
iTrader: 118 / 100%
Default

Tagged
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 11-23-2012, 8:49 PM
Munny$hot's Avatar
Munny$hot Munny$hot is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,621
iTrader: 56 / 100%
Default

Only advise is be realistic with how much shooting are you going to do. I bought a Dillon 650 years ago but have never used it to its full potential. Also some tips go slow, mount you press to something rock solid, buy a real bullet puller ( Hornady cam lock) not a kinetic hammer, never force anything, wear safety glasses, buy a case gauge for every caliber, inspect every round epically in the beginning, remember the hottest load doesn't equal the most accurate, examine your brass after firing to look for pressure signs, and be OCD with everything which will keep you safe.
__________________
Can DI AR's run dirty?

Palmetto State Armory Suppliers revealed

"If it ain't stock, it don't belong on your Glock"
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:37 PM.




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Proudly hosted by GeoVario the Premier 2A host.
Calguns.net, the 'Calguns' name and all associated variants and logos are ® Trademark and © Copyright 2002-2021, Calguns.net an Incorporated Company All Rights Reserved.
All opinions, statements and remarks made by Calguns.net on this web site and elsewhere are solely attributable to Calguns.net.



Seams2SewBySusy