New to reloading

[AR_Forever]

Well I'm looking at getting into reloading. I reloaded my first 15 rounds at my friends house this past weekend. .223 Remmington Brass, Federal Premium Rifle Primers and Vargit powder with 50 gr JHP Barnes bullets. These are mostly for varmint hunting. I am looking into getting my own press and start reloading for rifle and pistol.

So my question is this. What differences are their between 5.56 and .223? I've been saving my 5.56 brass and am looking to start reloading to off set the $300 per case of ammo. It looks like RCBS sells a 5.56 die. The rifles both colt 6920 and 6551 will shoot either 5.56 or 223.

Does anyone reload 5.56 or .223 on the forum? Any advise for someone starting out?

Thanks,

[PsychoI3oy]

You seek the ammo oracle:

http://www.ammo-oracle.com/body.htm#diff

Basically, the NATO specs for 5.56 run a little hotter than the SAMMI specs for .223rem.

Since your rifle is chambered for 5.56, you can safely load to either pressure for that gun.

[AR_Forever]

Do I need seperate dies for .223 and 5.56 or are they close enough to just have one?

[Marlin]

No, in that respect they should be the same. At least I haven't had problems.

[AR_Forever]

Another reloading question.

Do you trim your brass for .223 or 5.56? Even if it's just for plinking?

Where is a good place to pick up bullets, primers and powder here in Denver?

Thanks,

[HunterCO]

Another reloading question.

Do you trim your brass for .223 or 5.56? Even if it's just for plinking?

Where is a good place to pick up bullets, primers and powder here in Denver?

Thanks,

If they need trimed then yes trim them. I buy all my stuff at Sportsmans because it is 5 minutes from my house.

[dmeis]

I usually trim every other loading. I do so much volume now that I use a drill press and a shell holder.

I learned long ago what happens when your cases are too long for the chamber. Luckily I didn't have any mechanical failures. Just lots of hot gases and a stuck bolt.