Handloading for the AR-15

[DZ]

Well, I finally took the plunge and brought home a lovely Rock River Mid-Length AR-15 w/ 16" stainless steel barrel (1:8). Naturally, I will need to start loading for this ammo eater.

Want to develop a couple of different loads for it:
(1) a general blasting/plinking load (read: low(er) cost) and
(2) a super accurate varmint exploding load.

Ive started doing some reading on THR and Handloads.com and it seems that most people are using IMR 4895, 3031, H335, W748, AA2015, Varget and RL15.
Which of these powders are ball powders? Since I'll be loading large quantities, I'd like to stick to something thatll meter well in my Lee Auto-disk.

What other components and dies do you guys prefer?

 

[Lambo]

IMR 4895, 3031, Hodgdon 335 & Varget are Stick Powders, W748 is Ball, the others, can't say.

I have a RRA LAR 15 NM

and have been Loading mostly the 52gr BTHP & 55gr FMJ & SP backed by 26.5 grs. of Varget, COL at 2.260.

Here's a few Links that will help you,

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=223 Remington&Source=Guest&Type=rifle

http://www.accuratepowder.com/reloading.htm

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

http://www.realguns.com/loads/223r.htm

http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=18

http://www.reloadbench.com

 

[DZ]

Ahh the NM. I was close to buying that one, but decided it was much to heavy for my purposes(playing), so I went with the CAR Elite A4 w/ carry handle.

Thanks for the links.
According to reloadbench.com, H335 is a ball powder (http://www.reloadbench.com/gloss/hh335.html) and IMR4895 is said to meter well (http://www.reloadbench.com/gloss/imr4895.html). Hopefully this holds true since I cant get Winchester powders locally (that Im aware).

 

[E.Shell]

IMR 3031 & 4895 are almost identical in appearance and granular size, and should meter about the same. IMR 4895 is a very popular .223 powder.

FWIW, I had some decent, sub-MOA loads for my .308, Lapua 155s and IMR4895, but it proved to be extremely temperature sensitive, at least with my combination. It was giving me 3 MOA elevation differences at 1,000 yards with the temp difference between ammo from my pocket and ammo from the magazine at 25oF ambient. At that distance, this is mainly a demonstration of velocity differences, and would not be nearly as bad at closer ranges.

Yes, the H-335 (& 380 & 414) are ball powders, as is W748.

RL-15 is a stick powder that IS a little rough to meter, I've been fooling with that in the .308.

Not positive about Varget, AFAIK it's a stick powder.

 

[DZ]

For the Lee die sets, how is the powder loaded into the case(w/ the Lee Auto-Disk)?

 

[tonyjj]

For the Lee die sets, how is the powder loaded into the case(w/ the Lee Auto-Disk)?

You could use the Lee auto disks with the rifle charge die but I just use a funnel when loading rifle rounds. The charge die is basically a hollow tube that allows for the use the auto disk system. The charge die is a seperate order item from the desired rifle sets.
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/cat...6=/html/catalog/powhan1.html#RifleChargingDie

 

[DZ]

tony, thanks. I couldnt quite figure out what die performed the charging operation.

 

[DZ]

What primers work well with the AR? Should I look for a harder primer(CCI?)?

 

[Lambo]

I use CCI BRs & SR, so far haven't had any slamfires like I had recently with the Winchester!

 

[monumentalhp]

I too have a Rock River NM A2. I reload, but use the same load for everything, but I use different bullets and loads for 200/300/600 yards. Cases that are not perfect are used for the kids to shoot.

I use CCI BR4 primers myself, never had a problem after about 1,000 rounds. I'm surprised at the recent price increases, good think I have a bit of a stockpile.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I use H-335 under 55gr FMJ in LC brass with CCI Small Rifle mag primers for range loads. Also use a Lee turret with an Auto Disc set up and a powder thru die for them reloads. The H-335 meters very well thru that set up and I can put out a good quantity of rounds in an hours time.

Have tried Varget but its almost impossible to get a full load of Varget into LC brass. Winchester and Federal .223 brass works better for Varget. My buddy shoots Varget exclusively out of his Bushy H-bar.

 

[DZ]

LJ- Thanks for the info, Ive read a few of your posts over on THR. Hope MD isnt treating you too bad...

What die set are you using? Im considering using the pasesetter set since it has the FCD.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Pacesetter dies, LFC die and a powder thru die.

 

[DZ]

Any thoughts on the RCBS X Die? Worth the extra $35?

I would also have to get a new trimmer, since I have been using the Lee Zip Trim up to this point. I figure I will have to anyway as I get into reloading for rifle. Suggestions for a decent (not the most expensive) trimmer?

 

[Topher]

I have the X-Dies for .223.
You definitely don't have to trim. Saves time!

 

[DZ]

Yeah, I downloaded the instructions for the X-die and it says that the first time you trim to 0.020" below max case length, then you never have to trim again. Only problem is I only have the lee zip trim, which doesnt allow for adjustment, so Ill also need to get a new trimmer.

 

[Half-cocked]

Yeah, I downloaded the instructions for the X-die and it says that the first time you trim to 0.020" below max case length, then you never have to trim again. Only problem is I only have the lee zip trim, which doesnt allow for adjustment, so Ill also need to get a new trimmer.

Does the Lee Zip Trim use the same case length gage as the manual trimmer? What if you ground off .020" from the end of the stud, where it indexes against the shell holder?

 

[DZ]

It does, and I have thought about that. That may do the trick for now, but I think I will eventually need an adjustable trimmer anyway for rifle reloading.

 

[mr phil]

OK I have decided to reload. I have only shot 223 in my AR . I can shoot 556 as well. I just bought 1000 rds of 556. I suppose I'll be reloading 556. Is there any difference?

 

[Topher]

There is a difference. What is the difference.... Hell if I know... I used to know but forgot.

I believe it has to do with the pressure. A gun chambered for 5.56 can shoot .223 but not the other way around.