Crap...now what should I do?

[Fyathyrio]

OK, I'm geting an EBR from JB Machine Tech soon in 7.62 flavor. I strongly suspect that a 5.56 will be following shortly thereafter. I recently started reloading and I have all the equipment needed for my pistol rounds but I'm really not set up for rifle brass yet as far as case prep, primer crimp and all the other additional issues that come with it. I'm also active duty Navy and time is a valuable commodity. Mainly I'm just gonna be plinking/zombie killing for now, but will eventually wanna work up to some long range shooting once life calms a bit. Anyway...

1) Should I just say to hell with it and get a 1000 rnd value pack of decent American reloadable ammo and worry about the brass prep issue later when I have more time and these are empty? Found WWB military stuff for about $600/1000 with just a cursory search.

2) Suck it up and start the struggle of getting the various brass, bullets, primers and powders, dies, and other tools to start experimenting and working up my optimal load? Long time and pain in the neck searching the internet for deals and availability...then waiting on it to ship.

3) Buy a bunch of different 20 rnd boxes of various weight projectiles and different manufacterers to see what the rifle likes and then get components to match?

Long run all cost roughly the same, but buying ready made ammo is quickest out of the starting gate. I'm thinking possum hollow for trim/debur, and I'll be using my Hornady LNL with a case feeder for reloading down the road.

I know I'll reload them myself eventually, I just would like to learn more about the case prep, head space, and all the other tricks before I do this for a rifle. Is Winchester good brass for reloading plinking stuff?

Thanks,
Mark

[f4tweet]

Reloading is a seperate hobby, related to shooting. Reloading rifle is very time consuming compared to pistol. Unless you have lots of learning time, and a friend to help, stick with store bought. My .02.

[krzgoat]

Depends on the intended outcome and how much you plan to eventually shoot.

Going the ammo route will definitely get you trigger time now and some brass to reload for later.

You can always start saving for that stuff while you shoot the store bought stuff.

[Fyathyrio]

Yeah, I understand the hobby part, that's what I love about reloading because it's turned an activity into a hobby. There's more purpose going to the range then just puttling holes in things. I've also read enough about rifle reloading that I'd like some more experience and maybe some hands on befoe I do it myself.

I'm leaning towards just buying a bunch myself, just thought I'd look for some more experienced opinions...seems like my logic is sound.

What's that ammo pricewatch website again?!? Can't find the link.

[ireload]

1) Should I just say to hell with it and get a 1000 rnd value pack of decent American reloadable ammo and worry about the brass prep issue later when I have more time and these are empty? Found WWB military stuff for about $600/1000 with just a cursory search.

With purchasing factory fresh ammo you have a starting point of known once fired brass. Keep in mind with bottle neck rifle brass you can get several loading before you have to pitch the brass.

2) Suck it up and start the struggle of getting the various brass, bullets, primers and powders, dies, and other tools to start experimenting and working up my optimal load? Long time and pain in the neck searching the internet for deals and availability...then waiting on it to ship.

If you do purchase factory loaded ammo, you can slowly purchase 5K primers, 8lb jugs of powder, and bullets. The dies are readily available. The primers can be touchy stock wise. I would definetely start with primers and powders.

3) Buy a bunch of different 20 rnd boxes of various weight projectiles and different manufacterers to see what the rifle likes and then get components to match?
Long run all cost roughly the same, but buying ready made ammo is quickest out of the starting gate. I'm thinking possum hollow for trim/debur, and I'll be using my Hornady LNL with a case feeder for reloading down the road.

This would be just a waste of time.

I know I'll reload them myself eventually, I just would like to learn more about the case prep, head space, and all the other tricks before I do this for a rifle. Is Winchester good brass for reloading plinking stuff?

Along with die purchase, purchase a case gauge. This is a very valuable tool to have in setting your sizing die with bottle neck brass. Winchester is good brass to load along with R-P, Federal, LC, PMC, Speer, WCC. With bottle neck brass trim lenght is important. The more uniform the lenght the better out come with crimping the bullet. Of course others prefer not to crimp.

[Fyathyrio]

OK, now the big question is after some major googling...

1000 PMC Bronze 147gr FMJ BT for $0.65/rnd shipped.

1000 Magtech 150gr FMJ for $0.646/rnd shipped.

1000 Winchester 147gr FMJ for $0.675/rnd shipped.

Which do you think would be better to start with and for reloading later?!?

Thanks,
Mark

[Pre 64 Joe]

Winchester in my not so humble opinion. or Fed or Rem.

[ireload]

1. Winchester

2. PMC

I do not have any experience with Magtech .223 ammo nor the brass to reload.

[EOD3]

Of the brass listed, I'd go Winchester but, I prefer Remington or Federal.

[smguser]

What kind of reloading equipment do you have now? Is it capable of reloading rifle?

[Fyathyrio]

What kind of reloading equipment do you have now? Is it capable of reloading rifle?

I have a Hornady LNL press now. I'll likely use that for plinking stuff, but will also likely get a single stage down the road for making good stuff and experimenting with different components.

[bruce381]

funny now I shoot just to make empties to reload

[five.five-six]

I would buy a large quanity of ammo with matching brass.... this will be good later

I would not buy military ammo swaging

[Fyathyrio]

Just received 1k rounds WWB 7.62...should last a little while. No crimp and will make plenty of plinking ammo in the future.

[Ninja45]

Good for you!

Glad to hear that you listen to people's advise after asking for it. I know of people who ask, then still go against everyone's advice. ;-(