ar15. 223 reloads not going very well.

[vujade]

I apologize that I forgot about this thread.  I like closure and so I felt the need to resurrect this while it's still warm.

 

You guys are absolutely right!

 

1. The jamming was because I wasn't sizing them enough.  I picked up a case gage and wow!  all those early rounds were too big!  Everything I've loaded AFTER (no matter what bullets I use)  (once I turned the die a little bit more so that they touched the bottom) worked without a jam.  (the amax bullets were the most forgiving, they worked even when the rounds were too long) and that's why I thought it was the bullets). 

 

2. Accuracy?  the Hornady amax, vmax, match, etc. were all good (about .5-.75 inches at 50 yards).  The 62 grain penetrators and 55 grain FMJ weren't too far behind, maybe .75-1 inch at 50 yards.  Iron sights or an Eotech with the front of the rifle benched.

 

Here are some typical groups:

 

 

The one on the left is with the 24.3 of surplus powder and 50 grain vmax.  The one of the right is the same (the first group is the nice central ones), then I felt confident and decided to mess up the target by shooting it standing only and have that patter at 50 yards.  (and this makes me realize i'm not a very good shoot when you take away my sling or shooting mat or bench and then tell me to stand!)

 

I did take it out to the Clarksville range.  With a 50 yard zero, the POI was about the same at 200 yards.  200 yards with only the iron sights (i found that easier to use than the eotech at long distance) and a sling in the prone, I was placing 9 out of the 10 shot groups right in the head of the silhouette target.  What a rush!

 

Here is my BIL shooting at 200 yards also.

 

 

Thanks everyone!

[timthetoolman]

I second the chamber gauge.  For like 20-25 bucks you have a great way to check your rounds every so often and be ensured they will work in your chamber. I also second the Lee factory crimp die.  I use this for all rifle loads now.  

 

Hey, your buddy in the pic doesn't happen to be from California or frequent there does he?

[timthetoolman]

I trim my cases to 1.745". I used to trim at 1.755"-1.760" and I had to trim every time. I use a Lee trimmer and used a grinder to knock .015" off the stem. With the collet and body die trimming the cases is not happening anywhere near as often.

Having a case too short is never a problem as long as it holds the bullet. Too long can cause serious issues with pressure because the case mouth is held closed by the throat. And the bullet is not released until pressures are dangerous.

 

 

Hey Gordon, have you ever tried a Little Crow trimmer?  They work great!  We use them for 223 and 330 blk

[Dolomite_supafly]

I made one for 300 Blackout but don't have one for 223. I have plenty of time so it doesn't bother me if it takes longer.