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New to Reloading
#5854028
07/29/15 08:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,023
huck18
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I'm new to reloading and have a couple questions for the experienced guys. I will be re-loading .223, 6.5 creed and probably .308 eventually. I just purchased the Hornady Lock and Load classic deluxe kit, Hornady match dies in 223 and 6.5 as well as a Hornady ultra sonic cleaner. I have about 500 rounds of factory 140gr Amax's that I will be using the brass for reloading once I run through the factory rounds.
Is there anything else I would need to get started besides of course the powder, primers and bullets? Also is there a good source to get H4350 powder in stock locally around Fort Worth so I don't have to pay an extra $20-$40 for hazardous shipping fees?
I have a good idea of where to start my loads for the 6.5 but not for the 223. I noticed there are regular small rifle primers and there are AR small rifle primers, does it make a difference? I would like to find a 223 load that will shoot well in both an AR and a bolt gun.
Also how often do you end up having to trim your cases on the 6.5?
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: huck18]
#5854087
07/29/15 09:19 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,693
603Country
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THF Celebrity
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Posts: 15,693 |
You didn't say what bullet you'll be shooting in the 223. Plenty of powder choices, but pick a bullet first. I use H335 for the 40 grainers. Varget will work pretty well for heavier bullets, and the good thing about Varget for a new reloader is that you can't put enough Varget in a 223 case to blow yourself up. For powders, I'd try Cabelas. 'My' Cabelas seems pretty well stocked on powders these days.
I'll defer to others on the primer question, though I think the AR SR primers probably have a harder cup. You'll need the Large Rifle primers for the 6.5 and 308. And you'll probably want a powder other than 4350 for your 308.
I shoot a 260 a lot, but it's similar to the 6.5 Creed. As for how often a fellow needs to trim will depend a lot on how hot your loads are. I'd just check them with a caliper (you'll need one of those) and trim if necessary.
And...welcome to the addiction...
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: huck18]
#5854120
07/29/15 09:38 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,023
huck18
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For the 223 I will be loading 55gr bullets for now because Hornady gave me a rebate with the purchase of my reloading equipment so I have 600 55gr varmint soft point bullets.
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: huck18]
#5854227
07/29/15 10:53 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,228
dredd
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With 55/gr Hornady soft points, I had good results using W748 w/ CCI Primers.
I stopped playing with the load when I got my 20" AR (Bull Barrel) down to 5/8" groups. That was good enough for that particular project.
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: huck18]
#5854401
07/30/15 12:20 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,503
syncerus
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I think that you'll find it easier to start with the 6.5 Creed than the .223, although the .223 brass is cheaper and more easily available. Are you loading for autos or bolt guns? It makes a difference on some of the preferred equipment.
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: huck18]
#5854477
07/30/15 12:52 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,418
tenyearsgone
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I use CFE 223 and Win 748 for Hornady 55 grain bullets. <.5 moa with both.
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: huck18]
#5854711
07/30/15 02:44 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,633
DStroud
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AR Comp or XBR8208 would be a decent powder for all three calibers from my experience. Primers recommended for AR's would be Rem 7 1/2's CCI BR2's and CCI 450's all have slightly harder cups. Trimming is a personal thing but they should go 3 sizing's with no problem.
"Anyone taking up handloading necessarily plays with unknown factors and takes chances. But so does anyone who drives a car,goes to a cocktail party,eats in a restaurant,or gets married."
Jack O'Connor 1963
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: huck18]
#5854933
07/30/15 11:24 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,891
GasGuzzler
THF Trophy Hunter
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W748 or H335 for the 55 gr .223 with CCI 450 SRP as stated above.
Pass the gravy.
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: huck18]
#5855480
07/30/15 05:22 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,516
RiverRider
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Lots of powders work well in .223 with the 55s.
Just about any small rifle primer will work, but don't use Remington 6-1/2s. They are not meant to be used beyond about 46000 psi, IIRC.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: New to Reloading
[Re: syncerus]
#5855571
07/30/15 06:19 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,023
huck18
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I think that you'll find it easier to start with the 6.5 Creed than the .223, although the .223 brass is cheaper and more easily available. Are you loading for autos or bolt guns? It makes a difference on some of the preferred equipment. The 6.5 is a bolt action the 223 is a semi but I plan on putting together a 223 bolt action in the near future.
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