556 & 223, Should I sperate?

[thempopresense]

I am sure it's been hashed out many times before, but I couldn't find anything with my keywords.

Should 556 be separated from 223 for any reason. I know some 556 has a crimped primer pocket, but if the crimp were removed, would it make a difference when bulk loading? Will the internal volume be different causing FPS spikes or drops?

Thanks.

[freonr22]

some 223 has crimped pockets too. I am removing the crimp whether or not its there on all, its just easier if you have a small/med qty

[Technical Ted]

I'd separate them by headstamp simply because internal capacities can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer due to variations in wall thickness. For instance, Winchester .223 Remington cases will hold 25.9 grains of Varget (my pet charge for 69 grain .224" Sierra Match King BTHP bullets) without overflowing the neck, while Lake City 5.56 NATO cases will overflow.

[spareparts]

Here's my chrono numbers from using mixed brass. Three 10 shot groups. Normally my deviation is around 20 to 25 fps. I didn't take the time to try to narrow down which casings were shooting faster/slower, just wanted to see what my plinking loads were doing. I bolded the fastest and slowest times in each string.

2828 2843 2838 2935 2816 2885 2794 2861 2804 2864
2839 2846 2919 2945 2896 2802 2907 2826 2909 2838
2871 2863 2898 2855 2771 2882 2903 2873 2897 2899

[tamalpias]

that is a good bit of difference. Enough to make me want to separate them.

[freonr22]

so, how do you adjust depending on case capacity? I mean I have like 10 different brands myself, do you get avg capacity of 10-20 pcs each brand and if the volume is + 5% add 5% charge??

[Someoneelseok]

so, how do you adjust depending on case capacity? I mean I have like 10 different brands myself, do you get avg capacity of 10-20 pcs each brand and if the volume is + 5% add 5% charge??

your question is the very reason why I perfer to separate my brass or keep only one type of headstamp.

[spareparts]

so, how do you adjust depending on case capacity? I mean I have like 10 different brands myself, do you get avg capacity of 10-20 pcs each brand and if the volume is + 5% add 5% charge??

For accuracy I generally buy my brass brand new. Keep good records on round count, etc. Generally put alot more prep work in to it.

All the random and once fired brass I acquire I save for plinking. I only separate out bad brass and those of unknown/questionable origin. I work up some loads and chrono them, look for pressure signs, keep the charges on the light side. Works good for general blasting and fun.

[bruceflinch]

For accuracy I generally buy my brass brand new. Keep good records on round count, etc. Generally put alot more prep work in to it.

All the random and once fired brass I acquire I save for plinking. I only separate out bad brass and those of unknown/questionable origin. I work up some loads and chrono them, look for pressure signs, keep the charges on the light side. Works good for general blasting and fun.

Good Idea!

I do the same for my target rifle & AR plinkin' ammo