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 556 Hollow Point Bullets
#5628330
03/01/15 07:18 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45
Jordan249
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45 |
I've been itching to start reloading some 556 but one of the biggest issues as most people know is that you can't shoot FMJ at most ranges. To bypass this issue, I am starting to think of possibly making my own hollow point 556 bullets. I managed to come by a lube sizer for dirt cheap, I have a hot plate and an old pot, and the ingot molds seem pretty easy to come by (as well as the other small accessories). However, I cannot find a 556 hollow point bullet mold anywhere. If anyone could point me in the right direction, or let me know why these don't exist, I would greatly appreciate it!!
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5628386
03/01/15 07:46 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 13,415
jdk1985
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 13,415 |
Most people won't want to push lead at 223/5.56 velocities due to excessive leading in the barrel
Instagram @justinkingwoodworking
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5628455
03/01/15 08:20 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,946
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,946 |
I'm old and tired but I would just shop inexpensive , bulk soft point bullets somewhere. Gun shows also usually sell them in bulk.
Just couldn't justify the time or mess to save a few pennies
Brownels maybe, Dixie gun works??
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5628486
03/01/15 08:38 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,516
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,516 |
+1 on both responses above.
I sense that maybe you're a bit confused...there are many jacketed bullet designs besides FMJ.
Also, I know of one range where they walk around with a magnet checking for steel core bullets, they are forbidden.
![[Linked Image]](https://i.imgur.com/Kqs020H.jpg) "Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5628492
03/01/15 08:39 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,173
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,173 |
I cast for my AR. Gas check and size to .225. I don't have any issues with leading. Also, the bullets cost about 3.5 cents apiece.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5628587
03/01/15 09:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,516
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,516 |
How fast are you pushing them? And what's your load, if you don't mind my asking?
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5629472
03/02/15 03:44 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45
Jordan249
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45 |
This will be my first batch of 223/556. I will be using CFE 223 powder and 55 grain bullets, 25 grains with about 3,100 fps.
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5629621
03/02/15 05:39 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,418
tenyearsgone
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,418 |
Why would you do that? It's not going to take advantage of the velocity your gun can do. It's far easier and cheaper to buy 55 grain hp's. It also doesn't appear like you'd be able to achieve an efficient shape. A box of 100 HP or tipped can be had for about $14. I'm also fairly confident the FMJ rule is for indoor ranges.
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5630344
03/02/15 06:11 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,599
chalet
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,599 |
No FMJ is pretty common at outdoor ranges.
Shoot. Eat. Repeat.
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: Jordan249]
#5630576
03/02/15 08:32 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,294
oldoak2000
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,294 |
I've been itching to start reloading some 556 but one of the biggest issues as most people know is that you can't shoot FMJ at most ranges. To bypass this issue, I am starting to think of possibly making my own hollow point 556 bullets. I managed to come by a lube sizer for dirt cheap, I have a hot plate and an old pot, and the ingot molds seem pretty easy to come by (as well as the other small accessories). However, I cannot find a 556 hollow point bullet mold anywhere. If anyone could point me in the right direction, or let me know why these don't exist, I would greatly appreciate it!! A hollow point serves no purpose on a CAST bullet going over 1800fps; they will expand just fine without, besides, a HP would severely limit the top velocity the cast bullet could be fired out without self-vaporiZing. This will be my first batch of 223/556. I will be using CFE 223 powder and 55 grain bullets, 25 grains with about 3,100 fps. 3100 fps cast ? hope you know what you are doing; too soft of alloy and these will vaporize soon as they exit the barrel. You will need gas-checks going over 1600fps, which will make making these tiny bullets a pain; do youself a favor and buy some of these (you just missed the sale; they were about 8c ea): http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1165324...=ProductFinding
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: chalet]
#5631364
03/03/15 03:34 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,418
tenyearsgone
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,418 |
No FMJ is pretty common at outdoor ranges. Wonder why that is. I use it all the time. It hits the dirt the same as any other bullet.
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5631838
03/03/15 02:31 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,294
oldoak2000
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,294 |
No FMJ is pretty common at outdoor ranges. Wonder why that is. I use it all the time. It hits the dirt the same as any other bullet. One range I shoot at forbids fmj 'because it tears up the target board posts' ; (they use metal beams behind 4x4's on the corners of target backer boards). They also forbid 'rapid-fire' ; go figure . . . .
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Re: 556 Hollow Point Bullets
[Re: RiverRider]
#5634438
03/04/15 11:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,173
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,173 |
How fast are you pushing them? And what's your load, if you don't mind my asking? I am shooting 21grn of IMR 3031. I think they're running about 2400.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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