Shot my first reloads today!

[edrex]

Just got started in reloading and I'm working up a 223 load for my AR with 18" White Oak upper. Tested 4 different charges, each charge with 2 different primers using Sierra 69gr HPBT. Felt great to shoot my own ammo and I'm pretty happy with the results!

Here are the 2 best groups (100 yards, light wind, 47 degrees out):

Top target is 22.9gr H335 with CCI BR4 primer (0.85")
Bottom target is 23.3gr H335 with CCI BR4 primer (0.81")

Even though the bottom target is a little smaller, if I toss out the flyer from the top the 4 shot group is only .46" (!), so I think I'm going to start there and do some fine tuning.


Once thing I noticed is some dimples in unfired primers. The pic below shows some rounds that were chambered and then removed from my AR. These dimples show up chambering my reloads and also factory ammo. I've read about the AR having a floating firing pin that can strike the primer but is this a normal mark to be left? Seems like its not that far off from firing at that point. Just need to know if this is something I need to have looked at.

[ExtremeX]

Dimples on the cases are normal, and yes its caused by the floating firing pin.

[elhefe50ss]

grats feels good huh

[SWalt]

If you are new to reloading, you should know you need to make sure your primers are seated properly especially for a gas gun. They should sit slightly below the case head. Also make sure the primer pocket is the right depth. Others will tell you that you should only use mil spec primers like cci 41 for 223. They have a thicker cup and have less of a chance of slam fire. The dimple is normal, just make sure the primers are seated properly.

[hemiguy55]

Nice man! What kind of reloader are you using?

[edrex]

If you are new to reloading, you should know you need to make sure your primers are seated properly especially for a gas gun. They should sit slightly below the case head.

Thanks, I size, trim and prime each batch and then load another time and I feel each primer to make sure they are seated.

Nice man! What kind of reloader are you using?

I got a Lee Classic Turret. Really like it so far. Still taking it slow right now, but its been pretty easy to set up and learn on.

[gau17]

Is the barrel 223 or 5.56?

If it's 5.56 you can probably bump it higher. most common load is 24-25 H335. I personally use 25 grains.

I prefer using Remington 7 1/2 or CCI 41 primers for the reasons noted by SWalt. Do yourself a favor and buy a Dillon or Wilson headspace gauge. This will let you know if you are sizing your brass properly and verify they will all chamber.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/25547/catid/3

Congrats. Be safe.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

So, did you close your eyes and turn your head, or did you cup your hand over your "huevos" and squint?

Just kidding, man.

I know it's funny, because I haven't blown myself up yet, but every time I try a new recipe, I get a bit concerned.

[ExtremeX]

So, did you close your eyes and turn your head, or did you cup your hand over your "huevos" and squint?

I do this every time I try a new load lol

Not that big of a deal tho... all my friends were wearing these

[the led farmer]

So, did you close your eyes and turn your head, or did you cup your hand over your "huevos" and squint?

Don't forget to shoot off handed!

[edrex]

Is the barrel 223 or 5.56?

If it's 5.56 you can probably bump it higher. most common load is 24-25 H335. I personally use 25 grains.

I prefer using Remington 7 1/2 or CCI 41 primers for the reasons noted by SWalt. Do yourself a favor and buy a Dillon or Wilson headspace gauge. This will let you know if you are sizing your brass properly and verify they will all chamber.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/25547/catid/3

Congrats. Be safe.

It's chambered for .556.
By 24gr the groups opened back up to a little over 2". My next batch will be more increments between 22.9 and 23.8 to see if anything gives better grouping.

So, did you close your eyes and turn your head, or did you cup your hand over your "huevos" and squint?

I used the "hey kid, wanna shoot an AR?" technique. Works every time. lol

[Old Flash]

Congratulations! Its a great feeling when shooting your own reloads and getting good results. I also use H335 on my 223 reloads for my ARs. 24.5 to 25.0 grs with a Sierra 69gr HPBT and Winchester SR. Varget and BLC 2 are also great powders, but seem to be hard to find these days.

[Rider1k]

I cant wait to load and shoot my own. Have almost everything I need and have even been practicing loading dummies. Damn panic buying put my loading to a hault.

[edrex]

Congratulations! Its a great feeling when shooting your own reloads and getting good results. I also use H335 on my 223 reloads for my ARs. 24.5 to 25.0 grs with a Sierra 69gr HPBT and Winchester SR. Varget and BLC 2 are also great powders, but seem to be hard to find these days.

I just picked up some Varget the other day. Gonna work up a load on that too so at least I have a couple of options when things are scarce.

I cant wait to load and shoot my own. Have almost everything I need and have even been practicing loading dummies. Damn panic buying put my loading to a hault.

What are you missing? S&T in Santa Rosa has a decent amount of powders although SR primers have been hit or miss. My biggest problem right now is bullets. I bought about 500 before the panic so I'm trying to ration those until they are more readily available.

[Jet Setter]

Congrats. Something I hope to do someday.