Reloading .223 REM

[tercel89]

I am about to start reloading .223rem . I have saw that some people dont crimp them. They deprime them , resize them and reload them with no crimp. Is crimp needed or not ? Any information is appreciated.

[leroy]

I like a crimp... It don't matter in a bolt gun... It does matter sometimes in a semiauto...

 

leroy

[runco]

I crimped mine. 

[gregintenn]

I've done it both ways with no ill effects. I'll usually crimp them just to be on the safe side.

[frankmako]

i crimp also.  

[tercel89]

Ok great information. As far as cleaning the .223 brass. How do you guys do it ? In my 9mm and .45acp brass I use my tumbler with corncobb. Would the corncobb get all stuff into the brass cases ? Or should I clean it a different way ?

[Caster]

Lizard bedding

[frankmako]

Lizard bedding

plus one.  go to pets mart and get the 20 pound bag for cheap.   

[gregintenn]

Lizard bedding

This....with a shot of Nu Finish liquid car polish.

[musicman]

This....with a shot of Nu Finish liquid car polish.

Yup. I use a mix of corn cob and walnut media. I got about a dozen bottles of Black Magic car wax for free when Autozone stopped carrying that specific item years ago. I squirt maybe a table spoon of that in every 2nd or 3rd batch. Love it. Slick, shiny brass.

One piece of advice that I'm sure goes without saying... but here goes... squirt the polish into the media and let it tumble for a few minutes BEFORE dumping in your brass. Edited November 18, 2015 by musicman

[Remington94]

Crimping is a waste of time for a bolt gun, I have a remington 700 and it doesn't matter they group the same. In a AR where is slams the shell, it can move the bullet so, AR yes crimp. Bolt gun, waste of time.


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[Caster]

Waste of time?  Mostly true, but like most things in life, nothing is black and white.  Many rifles with worn or longer than normal throats can benefit as a crimp will allow it to build pressure.  The Weatherby shooters out there been going back and forth on that for years as it pertains to the freeborn of a Weatherby chamber.  Shooting light for caliber bullets in milsurps is another as they often have worn/generous throats.  

 

It's all a part of load development.  It's one of the umpteen thousand things that separate a handloader from a reloader.  There's only ONE way you will ever know.  Find a load that shoots decent and do a side by side comparison with the presence/absence of a crimp being the only difference.  Then you will know.  

 

I have a several bolt guns and I usually do not crimp but I my .223 bolt action does run several loads that are crimped.  Reason being, I tried it that way, they shoot clover leaf patterns and I'm not interested in tinkering with a load I know works very well.  

 

Let us know what works for you.  There's no such thing as too much data for handloaders.  

[tercel89]

Wow I never knew there was such a thing as Lizzard bedding or litter . Cool . I have brass cleaner that I use now . Just a squirt before I throw the brass into the media .