Reloading 223s

[tubular031]

I have a lee turret press and have loaded and shot a bunch of 40 and 45s. I am now intrested in loading some 223. What do I need to do different with 223? I have read about needing case lube but according to lee you dont need it with their dies.
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog ... rifle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know I need different primers and powders too.

What else do I need and any pointers? Right now all I have is a bolt action rifle. Some day I would like to add an AR to my collection.

[.30calSolution]

I'm new here, but I would like to add some information from my own experience.

I would suggest a full length sizing die and would also suggest using lube. A case trimmer will also come in handy. Each rifle will like different bullet weights, powders and primers and those components will depend on the platform you are using and the type of shooting you plan on doing. What's your barrel length and twist rate? Will the main purpose of your reloading be for paper punching or for popping critters? Any info will be helpful.

With more information I may be able to give you some suggestions to help achieve the results you are looking for.

I was unable to locate a thread for newbies, if there is one would someone please direct me to it so that I may properly introduce myself.

[ghostrider]

If you're shooting a semi-auto, I would recommend full-length resizing and lube. For bolt-action, I neck-size only, but still use lube.

[NcongruNt]

I believe the "no lube required" is because the dies are carbide. I've not used lube on any of my pistol cases yet with mine, and have not had a problem. I've not loaded rifle on it yet, so can't testify to whether lube is needed on a carbide full-length resizing die.

[loneranger4x4]

I have a lee turret press and have loaded and shot a bunch of 40 and 45s. I am now intrested in loading some 223. What do I need to do different with 223? I have read about needing case lube but according to lee you dont need it with their dies.
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog ... rifle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know I need different primers and powders too.

What else do I need and any pointers? Right now all I have is a bolt action rifle. Some day I would like to add an AR to my collection.

use the lube, I have tried it both ways with the lee dies and even though it says none required, it is 10 times easier with the lube and your equipment will probably last longer and possibly prevent stuck cases in the die.

[sf340b]

I take two steps on the .223.

After cleaning run them through with lots of lube resizing and de-priming only.

Trim in between steps.

Then the second round is for prime, powder, bullets, crimp.

Takes a little longer but works great lasts a long time.
You will need the lube. For the best lube evar...


I just did research on this very thing..the alcohol/lanolin mix is recommended by lots of people. to make it you need 99% pure isopropyl alcohol (91% will work and found readily) and pure liquid lanolin (found at health food stores) it must be pure liquid lanolin, not "anhydrous" (? spellin?") pure liquid lanolin has no fatty content.
mix 1 part liquid lanolin to 4 parts 99% isopropyl alcohol and shake well. put in common spray bottle and spray away.
I am currently looking for these items locally (found the 91% alcohol at the local pharmacy) and will look for the lanolin this week.
I found the lanolin online for 2.95 for a 4oz bottle, that would make a pint of lube!
my $.02

Nuke a big cup of H2O, about 1/2 full. Place the lanolin tube in the H2O to melt. It mixes better. Re-nuke the H2O and place the spray bottle in the cup to help with the mixing of the two liquids. Do not mix the alcohol/lanolin with the H2O.