223/556 Reloading

[Woodythedog]

I am just starting to reload .223. I have a large amount of range pick up brass of both types. Can I reload and safely use both types as 223 or should I go thru and put aside the cases that are 556??? Thanks

[kcheung2]

I use them interchangeably.

[tabascoz28]

That's what I did but crimped 556 brass is very finicky to put a new primer in. After years of reloading 223 and getting 2 primers to pop in my rig I discovered primer pocket reamers.

If you can find PMC 223 it is uncrimped along with some others, but most companies like Federal crimp their 223s too. Otherwise yes, interchange.

[bohoki]

556 is a tighter specification under the .223 cartridge

if you are loading a bullet that is within the 556 range and at a velocity within specification use it its just a stamp its a "label" it reminds me of 3.5 floppies some were marked macintosh others ibm the disks were identical its just nice to keep the mac format labeled disks for mac just to prevent future confustion

[tyler_sti]

As long as you swage all the brass don't worry about it. Its all on you're load. Typically 5.56 are loaded hotter than 223(more pressure). Case wall thickness can vary amongst manufactures but that's not a safety thing, more so for consistency in your load. Basically if you are just loading for plinking and training stuff don't worry about the headstamps. If you are trying to reload for ultimate accuracy and consistency you need to use all alike brass by the same manufacture (ideally from the same lot as well).

[alpha_romeo_XV]

I've reloaded >10 thousand of different 223 / 556 brass. You can find primer cripped brass in either type. Some brass brands are good for more reloads. Good to separate and keep track of times reloaded. Some brass go 5 or 6 resizing before neck splits, and some brass go twice that many. If i get more than two split necks in a batch of 100 then they all go to recycle bucket.

[jsanch03]

[Woodythedog]

OP here....thanks for your replies. I already used my RCBS pocket reamer on all the brass that I will be reloading this week. A good tip about marking the brass to save a step later. I will report back after my next range trip...

[FLIGHT762]

OP here....thanks for your replies. I already used my RCBS pocket reamer on all the brass that will be reloading this week.

The newest RCBS primer crimp cutter is the best crimp reamer tool on the market. I like it better than a swaging tool. I process a lot of 5.56 crimped brass. I chuck the cutter in a variable speed drill in a padded vice. works really fast. Been doing it this way for many years.

The second best tool is the Hornady crimp cutters.

Point is a swager isn't necessary. Some like them. Buy them it if you want, I like the cutters.

[five.five-six]

I am just starting to reload .223. I have a large amount of range pick up brass of both types. Can I reload and safely use both types as 223 or should I go thru and put aside the cases that are 556??? Thanks

[Sailormilan2]

My recommendation, having learned from experience, is to segregate your brass by brand if swaging the primer pockets. Since different brands are often made to different thicknesses, which may cause problems with swaging.

[sigstroker]

One thing is almost certain - after the first resizing, they'll all need to be trimmed.

[Donny1]

All my .223/5.56 is once fired range brass. All get loaded mixed but once you go through the entire process of swage, cleaning, sizing, trimming you keep those separated from once fired so you don't have to do the entire process on that batch again, only size, and maybe trim after a few loadings.