Suggestions for my first reloading attempt

[ar_craig]

I would like to start reloading for my 223. I've spent the last week reading reload books, watching videos, and talking to friends who reload. One friend was nice enough to loan me his old single stage press and associated gear/tools. I played around with it and cleaned/sized/deprimed a bunch of rounds. I feel like I'm ready to take the next step...

When I go plinking, I'm most often using 55gr PMC or Fiochi rounds (because they seem to be the most readily available ammunition)... but my barrel has 1:7 twist, so for reloading I'd like to go with a heavier bullet. I was thinking about something in the neighborhood of 62gr.

My current problem is that there are so many brands and styles of bullets, propellant, primers, etc., that I'm a little overwhelmed... So, if a guy wanted to reload rounds in the 60-ish grain area, primarily for recreational target shooting, what components would you recommend?

Since these will be my first reloads, I'll be buying in small quantities (at first), just to get my feet wet. I'm not looking for the absolute top stuff, just components that are of reasonable quality, affordable, and common enough that I'd find them at my local reloading store (in this case, Angeles Crest rifle range).

Basically, I want to make the leap from THINKING to DOING. I want components that are cheap enough for practice, but also good enough to be worth using for my everyday target shooting/plinking.

Any suggestions?

-Craig

edit: I spent a good amount of time scanning the reload forum before posting this question, but if it has been covered before, I apologize. Just point me to the thread and smack me on the back of the head.

[Fjold]

From Hodgdon's website for 63 grain bullets, 24.6 grains of Varget (max load, work up from about 22.5 grains) will get you about 3,200 fps (about the highest velocity of the Hodgdon made powders).

Use whatever cases you have on hand but I would recommend using only one brand of cases. The Wolf magnum small rifle primers supposedly have a thicker cup for semi-auto loads.

Weigh each powder load unless you have a good powder measure. Compare the height of the powder column in each case by looking inside and if you use a powder measure check every tenth round or so on your scale to make sure that your measure is correct.

[Homebrew2]

Always good to see a new reloader!
First, the official answer is, get a reloading manual(s) and only use published recipes. Some powder mfgs have some recipes online (Hodgen, Accurate). When a manual says "minimum" load, "starting" load and "max" load, observe those parameters absolutely.
Next, as to buying locally, you should probably check to see what products your local store stocks (or is willing to order) ... that may quickly dictate your choices.
Cheers!

[RaymondMillbrae]

Check out my tutorial on reloading .223.

Click on the RELOADING .223 link under my signature.

Glad to see another reloader born.

In Christ: Raymond

[hoffman259]

Check out Raymonds video it is very well done.

If you want 62gr rounds check out wideners reloading. They have some for good prices. Get a bunch of manuals and read read read then slowly build up your rounds. I am still real new to reloading and this has been my major source of learning.

[gau17]

The internet is your friend. Look at the F/S ammo reloading threads here. There is alway someone selling brass. LC seems to be the favorite.

Places to buy components: MidwayUSA, Cabelas, Widener Reloading, Grafs and Sons, Sinclair Reloading, Powder Valley. Try to buy powder and primers from the same place to save on hazmat fees. Most likely you will have to back order.

My two 223 loads:

55 gr HPBT Hornady, 25 grains of Hodgdon H335, Remington 7 1/2 SR Primers, and LC brass

77 gr HPBT Sierra, 25 grains of Hodgdon Varget, Remington 7 1/2 SR Primers, and LC brass (note they say 77 gr is good for 1:7 - 1:8 twist barrel)

[killshot44]

Your 1/7 twist will like the heavies. Sierra Match Kings are great; try 69gr and 75 or 77gr.
Remington 7 1/2 SR Benchrest primers. Varget podwer is great and versatile. H335 and RL15 are also good .223 powders.
Check out Powder Valley.com for bullets and brass. (buying powder locally avoids the HazMat fees)