Finally got it all together, how would you guys recommend I start? (reloading .223)

[Lasers]

Thanks to a ton of advice here, my setup is ready to go.

Here are my variables:

I have 4 projectile types
I have 2 powders
I have 2 primers

I have clean, deprimed brass from 223 rounds, and seperately 556 LC, measured and case gauge checked.

I have starting points and max loads from my Lyman handbook.

Where should I begin? Ladder method with 1 primer and 1 projectile, then that powder with different projectiles? I'll be happy with plinking rounds, so anything that goes boom is great...

But I'd like to have an objective in mind too


Where would you start?

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[Lasers]

 

[Lasers]

I also have some 61gr orange tip but those will just be for fun

The others were gifts from last Xmas, other than the Nosler I bought from another NWFA member.

Should I pick up some other weights?

 

[DizzyJ]

Only change one variable at a time.

I'd start about midway in the load and work up in 0.3gr increments.

I'd also start with the boat tail pills. Less possible problems on your first go around.

You have tools to measure?

 

[Member 34319]

What are your goals?

 

[slimmer13]

I think you'll end up liking H335 for .223.

 

[Member 5605]

You didn't mention the brass was trimmed to proper length, only that it was sized correctly.

 

[slimmer13]

You didn't mention the brass was trimmed to proper length, only that it was sized correctly.

I typically don't trim brass every loading. Especially for plinking ammo.

 

[Member 5605]

I typically don't trim brass every loading. Especially for plinking ammo.

just hazing ya a little . you covered everything else so I had to find the knothole in the fence.

 

[Member 34319]

I typically don't trim brass every loading. Especially for plinking ammo.

Pistol ammo that may be fine. Not 556. I've had plinking loads stretch a cases neck out of spec with one round of reloading.

 

[DizzyJ]

I didn't catch the gun and twist rate you're using?

 

[DizzyJ]

You may not have to trim every case, but you should at least measure each one to see where you're at or if it needs it.

Generally there's a fair amount of leeway if you're at max length, but at some point you'll be pinching the end of the brass either with the end of the chamber or possibly a carbon ring that has accumulated at the end of the case mouth.

Tools and measurements equal knowledge!

 

[Lasers]

So I kinda lazy manned it. I have about 700 cases that were under trim length after sizing and another big batch that still needs trim.

 

[DizzyJ]

So I kinda lazy manned it. I have about 700 cases that were under trim length after sizing and another big batch that still needs trim.

Nothing wrong with that!

 

[CLT65]

I've found a chronograph to be extremely useful when working up loads, but not necessarily required when you're using canister powders.

Personally I'd start with one powder and bullet, and work with that until I was comfortable with what I was doing. It's hard to go wrong with H335 and 55gr FMJ bullets, for a start.

 

[Unka-Boo]

H335 and Hornady 55gr FMJ boat tails are my "go to" load for plinking and matches. Consistant and adequately accurate for shooting steel out to 400.

 

[David Sherman]

You might want to take the NRAs Basic Reloading Class:

NRA Explore



There aren't many instructors that teach this class but if you can find one he/she will help you avoid some mistakes.

 

[ron]

Check your sized brass by chambering a piece. You should be able to withdraw the brass easily. This will check your
sizing die adjustment is bring down the shoulder of the case enough. H335 and W748 are great powders for 55 grain or less
bullet weight. Depending on your twist rate (1/8 or 1/7) if you can stabilize the heavier 69 and 77 grain bullets. Where do you want to go?
Sub MOA or minute of beer can?

 

[Lasers]

Check your sized brass by chambering a piece. You should be able to withdraw the brass easily. This will check your
sizing die adjustment is bring down the shoulder of the case enough. H335 and W748 are great powders for 55 grain or less
bullet weight. Depending on your twist rate (1/8 or 1/7) if you can stabilize the heavier 69 and 77 grain bullets. Where do you want to go?
Sub MOA or minute of beer can?

I was able to chamber the brass I checked in the case gauge without problem.

Rifle is a 16" 1/7 FN CL
I'll be using a 3-9x optic

I hadn't really set a goal... I'd probably start with seeing if I can get to MOA or better.

 

[Lasers]

1/7 means I should get some heavier bullets huh?