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.223 for AR?
#595086
02/10/09 11:12 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102
Jim_Bob
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102 |
Need some experienced voices here. I have been reloading like crazy for all of my rifles. Now it is time for the .223. In the past all we did was follow the normal path for a bolt action rifle. Now that I am lucky enough to have an AR. Question is: Are there any specific things to do differently when reloading ammo specifically for an AR? Thanks, Jim ![](/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif)
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Re: .223 for AR?
[Re: Jim_Bob]
#595087
02/11/09 09:34 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,292
moderno
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,292 |
I have been reloading for 204 and 223, and I just do it like always. I have a new RRA Preditor Pursuit, and loaded about 150 for it and have not had any malfunctions at all. Some of my rifles I just necksize, but I think for an AR you need to full length resize, but that is JMO ![](/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif)
Bartender, bring me anything except brake fluid, cause I don't plan on stopping!
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Re: .223 for AR?
[Re: moderno]
#595088
02/11/09 09:55 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,423
NTRP
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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Posts: 1,423 |
the AR is designed to handle 5.56 pressures which are significantly higher than .223. So you are fine using .223 data..
The general rule with NATO rounds are: 7.62X51 is safe in a .308 chamber 5.56X45 is not safe in a .223 chamber
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Re: .223 for AR?
[Re: NTRP]
#595089
02/12/09 12:49 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102
Jim_Bob
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Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102 |
Quote:
the AR is designed to handle 5.56 pressures which are significantly higher than .223. So you are fine using .223 data..
The general rule with NATO rounds are: 7.62X51 is safe in a .308 chamber 5.56X45 is not safe in a .223 chamber
Thanks! I am very familiar with the pressures and differences here. Back in the old days, we always thought that for autoloading rifles additional steps in sizing and seating specs were needed. I was/am not sure if that holds true for AR type rifles.
I will keep well within limits and test fire a few recipes.
Any other words of wisdom?
Thank you both for the insight thus far!
Jim
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Re: .223 for AR?
[Re: Jim_Bob]
#595090
02/12/09 02:09 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,423
NTRP
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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Unless you had a custom AR built, it should have a NATO chamber which is a loose chamber with a long throat. Some seat the rounds to magazine length but I prefer to just load V-Maxs to the standard FMJ length. Just make sure you put a light crimp on the round even if the round you choose doesn't have a cannelure. The recoil and rocking around in the magazine can/may change your seating depth as you are firing without the crimp. This can be offset with good aftermarket muzzle brakes.
I have good luck with the 60gr V-Max over Reloader 15. Standard carbines have held 3/4 MOA with my Gemtech Piranha silencer screwed on the end of it. 1.25 MOA without the sound suppressor.
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Re: .223 for AR?
[Re: NTRP]
#595091
02/12/09 03:45 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 387
El Tiburon
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 387 |
One thing you might check is the base diameter of a sized case. Some FL dies won't size the base enough, especially if the brass was fired in a loose chamber to begin with. You may need a set of small base dies if you run into this. it's best to check after sizing a few test cases It's bad to find out after you've reloaded several hundred rounds. Ask me how I know. : ![](/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif)
Last edited by El Tiburon; 02/12/09 06:12 AM.
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Re: .223 for AR?
[Re: El Tiburon]
#595092
02/12/09 04:18 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,423
NTRP
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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good call El,
A lot of once fired brass you buy these days was actually fired through a machine gun. This brass usually needs a Small Base die to reform it to a diameter to fit within your chamber.
If it is brass you have only shot in a bolt rifle or your own personal gasser, a regular FL should be sufficient.
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