Reloading 101

[Keachie]

Looking at starting up in the reloading game and just looking for some suggestions in regards to powder and primers for the 223.

Ive been doing a bit or reading and youtubing on the subject but still unsure on a few things.

Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated

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[The Raven]

Looking at starting up in the reloading game and just looking for some suggestions in regards to powder and primers for the 223.

Ive been doing a bit or reading and youtubing on the subject but still unsure on a few things.

Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated

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I've just started down this route myself and wouldn't pretend to have a fraction of the knowledge of many members here but...

I've found Sierra BlitzKings in 55gn work very well with 2206H in my .223. I'm using CCI primers as that's what my LGS stocks.

There's a thread on it here somewhere.

[Camel]

You got yourself a good reloading manual yet ? Nick Harveys book is perfect for the beginner.

Powder I used in my old 223 was AR2208, not perfect but it gave good accuracy and if the numbers in the ADI book are anything to go off, good speed as well. Any of the small RIFLE, not pistol, primers work well personally I use Remington 7 1/2. Projectile, you will go a long way to find a better general purpose projectile than Sierra super roo bulk projectiles, only around the 13 cent each mark for the last lot I got but they may be more now.

A good single stage O frame press is perfect for those who only load small amounts of ammo.

I have a Super Simplex press you can have, Ill send it down to you one of these days, dies I cant help you with but they will be available readily.

Read heaps, then re-read it till you understand, ask plenty of questions, none are stupid when it comes to reloading.

[Keachie]

Yeah i got a manual and a single stage press both brand new (in 97) never used

Id like give some 60 gr nosler partition projectiles a go seem to highly recommended for light/ medium game like fallow

And most of the youtube stuff they seem to be using cci small rifle primers

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[stinkitup]

Check what the local has for primers/powders/bullet brands or usually has always a good option to have a good supply. With smalls I have winnies and now have some Russian muron primers which so far are excellent if you can track them down. The winnies work but generally flatten quicker well before sticky extraction that being said with very hot loads in my 222rimmed martini that wouldn't eject the primers were flat but didn't fall out or nothing

[trevort]

Yeah i got a manual and a single stage press both brand new (in 97) never used

light/ medium game like fallow

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get yourself a bigger calibre

[trevort]

or just hit them in the brain box (pretty small target)

I am 0 from 2 on headshots. Both hit but both missed the brain box and required a fast follow up shot

[macca]

The good thing about a 223 is most powders will drive various projectiles well. My son's rem is a 1:9 twist and runs from 50gr to 69 gr projectiles exceedingly well. BM2 2208 and 2206H all performed well. Rem 7 1/2 primers were my preference in it. I use cci and Federal in other rifles but found ignition in the 7 1/2 to be the best.
As was suggested see what you have available locally as a regular supply is important.
The 60gr partition will be effective on fallow. I think we had a sako 223 that liked them and a full load of 2206H.
Remember to heed the warnings on load development, work up towards the max loads.
Good luck.
Cheers

[macca]

or just hit them in the brain box (pretty small target)

I am 0 from 2 on headshots. Both hit but both missed the brain box and required a fast follow up shot

I shoot for the junction of the spine and head or the spine and shoulder rather then the brain unless they are facing me straight on. Nether needed a follow up yet. (taps nearest piece of wood and dreads my next shot).
Cheers

[trevort]

You won't need luck Macca but advice taken. Brain box avoided from now on.

Keachie im another fan of the REM 7 1/2 primer. I used 2206h when I had a 223


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[dashooter]

Cant help with loads specific for the .223 Keachie but as far as projectiles go, you could look for Speer 70 grain projectiles that would be suitable for fallow. Would be cheaper I think than Partitions or as the wise Camel said the 55gn Sierra Super Roo projectile.
Another option is a 45gn TSX, these work well on Fallow out of a .22 Hornet so coming out of a .223 should also do an admirable job.
Twist rate might be an issue but most .223's have a decent (fast twist anyway).
In saying that if the 45gn TSX can be stabilised out of a 1-16 twist tube at Hornet speeds I don't think you'll have any problems with them in the .223 at .223 speeds.

[Camel]

or just hit them in the brain box (pretty small target)

I am 0 from 2 on headshots. Both hit but both missed the brain box and required a fast follow up shot

The brain is on the end furthest from the tail Trev. Not the other way round.

[bimbo]

A good cheap projectile is the sierra super roo 55gr. I paid 135 for 1000 but see them advertised in the shooting mags for 150-160 not sure what that converts to in Tasmania though. I drive mine with bm2 but 2208 is suitable and seems to be pretty versatile across quite a few cartridges so id try it first a most gunshops will have it in stock

[The Raven]

A good cheap projectile is the sierra super roo 55gr. I paid 135 for 1000 but see them advertised in the shooting mags for 150-160 not sure what that converts to in Tasmania though. I drive mine with bm2 but 2208 is suitable and seems to be pretty versatile across quite a few cartridges so id try it first a most gunshops will have it in stock

Thanks for the tip! I also see Bigfellascott likes them (found an old post via google)

I'm also looking for some projectiles to try/buy and those sound like good value.

Yes Trevor, I know about that other thread

[Keachie]

Thanks guys this has all been a good bit of help and a decent nudge down the road to wildcats id imagine

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