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New to Reloading #5854028 07/29/15 08:48 PM
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huck18 Offline OP
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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?

Re: New to Reloading [Re: huck18] #5854087 07/29/15 09:19 PM
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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...


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Re: New to Reloading [Re: huck18] #5854120 07/29/15 09:38 PM
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huck18 Offline OP
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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.

Re: New to Reloading [Re: huck18] #5854227 07/29/15 10:53 PM
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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.

Re: New to Reloading [Re: huck18] #5854401 07/30/15 12:20 AM
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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.


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Re: New to Reloading [Re: huck18] #5854477 07/30/15 12:52 AM
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I use CFE 223 and Win 748 for Hornady 55 grain bullets. <.5 moa with both.

Re: New to Reloading [Re: huck18] #5854711 07/30/15 02:44 AM
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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.


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Re: New to Reloading [Re: huck18] #5854933 07/30/15 11:24 AM
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W748 or H335 for the 55 gr .223 with CCI 450 SRP as stated above.


Pass the gravy.


Re: New to Reloading [Re: huck18] #5855480 07/30/15 05:22 PM
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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.


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Re: New to Reloading [Re: syncerus] #5855571 07/30/15 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted By: syncerus
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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