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Author Topic: Reloading 223 and 308 options  (Read 3962 times)

Obeone

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Reloading 223 and 308 options
« on: January 30, 2009, 04:19:33 pm »
I plan on starting to reload 223 and 308 here shortly.  I already reload for pistol rounds, (mainly 45 and 10mm right now) with a Dillon 550.  I plan on using this press as well since I do want to load a lot of volume.  At some point I will work up some loads for accuracy, and will probably get a single stage for that.
I looking at advice on dies bullets and powders.  I was looking at getting the Dillon carbide die 3 pack.  I have had good luck with them on pistol, and it seems that they would work well for high volume in rifle as well.  Would I be better off getting a different set or peasmealing it?  Maybe Hornady?
I would like to have one powder that would work for both, but I know that can be a tall order, especially since I want to use a progressive press.  Some powders just don't work that well at metering.  Varget looks like it might be a good choice, but I am not sure if it will meter that well.
Oh yeah, these will be shot out of AR type guns, both the 223 and 308. 
I would like to not have too many different loads, since I would like to streamline as much as I can.  The Use will be for blasting, competition, ect.  I would like it to as work well for more serious work as well.
So, Any suggestions?
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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #1 on: January 31, 2009, 07:28:09 pm »
    Varget does work well in both calibers, so that's not a bad starting point.  And the dillon dies are wide radiused at the mouth for use in progressive presses, so I'd say run 'em.
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    professor gun

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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #2 on: January 31, 2009, 10:52:33 pm »
    I use Varget quite a bit in .270, .308, and .30-06.  It meters fine for me.

    I use BLC(2) in .223.  I could use Varget, but just prefer BLC(2).
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    Obeone

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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #3 on: January 31, 2009, 11:03:57 pm »
    Varget, seemed like it might be good for all my uses, I was just worried it wouldn't meter well.
    Any suggestions on bullets? I was looking on the heavy side especially for 223, like between 60-80 grs as long as they would work in an AR. 
    For 308 I was looking somewhere around 150 grs.  At some point I was looking at my long range load using 155s like a Scenar or maybe the SMK Palma, but that is a little ways off.  I have seen others have gotten good results with Varget so I like the Idea of only having one powder.
    I would like to do maybe one or two bullets for each.  Is there one that any one likes that works well that is relatively inexpensive and has good performance?
    I am more looking for options right now; I don't have anything definite in mind.
    Thanks for the advice so far.
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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #4 on: February 01, 2009, 02:18:01 pm »
    Your bullet weight specs in 223 has me a bit worried.  What's your twist rate?  Given the weight range you posted, I'd strongly suggest a 1/8 or 1/7 barrel.  One in nine barrels get real iffy above 65 grains, IME.
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    Obeone

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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #5 on: February 01, 2009, 05:01:54 pm »
    I knew that, but I forgot.  Didn't cross my mind.  I believe two of the three rifles I have are 1/9, an Armalite carbine upper and a Kel-tec.  The other is a Carbine from Eagle Arms.  I guess I should be at the lower end of that.
    I was thinking about trying to replicate the TAP loads.  They seem to be pretty good and if I reload something similar, I have something I can buy if needed.  For 223, I guess I should look at the 60Gr version to replicate.  Would it be a problem not having a cannelure since I plan on using it in an AR?
    I am not set on a certain powder or that I have to use it for both if it causes problems.  Another powder I read the might work well is H-335 since I want to use a Dillon and use the load in an AR.
    I guess I am looking at options and use other people's experiences so I don't have to replicate the same problems others had, just because I wouldn't ask the question.
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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #6 on: February 01, 2009, 10:35:28 pm »
    What are you expecting these 223 slugs to do?  Punch paper, or more serious work?
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    Obeone

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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #7 on: February 02, 2009, 12:45:12 am »
    Well, for both the 223 and 308, I was hoping to find something that would do both. 
    I was hoping to have something that I could use to blast and practice with, but would also work well in more serious work.
    Since I am reloading it, whatever I do will be cheaper than something I could comparatively buy.  Besides I do like making my own, not as much as shooting it, but still. 
    I could just load a FMJ, and duplicate a mil load, but since I don't I figured I would max the performance.  That's why I was looking at maybe replicating the TAP loads.  But I don't know how well that would work.  Maybe I should buy a little and see how it works in my rifles before I go too far down that road.
    I guess I am tiring to find one or two do it all loads for both the 223 and 308.
    I hope that is clear enough.
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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #8 on: February 02, 2009, 08:00:18 am »
    Well you're on the right track, since you want to duplicate the TAP loadings, just get a couple boxes of the Hornady slugs and try them out.  I got lucky once, had a Bushmaster with a 1/9 barrel that actually stabilized 75 grain slugs.  So you'll never know until you try.
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    This may be considered as the true palladium of liberty. . . . The right of self defence is the first law of nature: in most governments it has been the study of rulers to confine this right within the narrowest limits possible. Wherever standing armies are kept up, and the right of the people to keep and bear arms is, under any colour or pretext whatsoever, prohibited, liberty, if not already annihilated, is on the brink of destruction- St. George Tucker, Blackstone's Commentaries

    Obeone

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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #9 on: February 02, 2009, 08:16:34 pm »
    Thanks.
    If you have any pet loads that might work well, I am also willing to give them a try.  While I like building up different loads to see what works best, I figure there is enough knowledge out there that I don't have to start from scratch.
    Other than replicating TAP loads, are there any others that I might want to take a look at?
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    Obeone

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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #10 on: March 28, 2009, 12:17:37 am »
    Finally got a chance to pick up some of the steal cased Hornaday 75 gr loads and tested them in my rifles.  Did 10 rounds a piece and didn't have any problems with keyholeing.  Seems like I will be good to go.
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    rjohnson4405

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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #11 on: April 22, 2009, 03:49:36 pm »
    Just as an FYI those Hornady (TAP) loads aren't steel cased, they're a black nickel coating for better loading and less corrosion (at least according to the website).

    FYI, typically steel cases are the cheaper ammo which TAP definitely is not.

    Carry on.
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    Obeone

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    Re: Reloading 223 and 308 options
    « Reply #12 on: April 22, 2009, 11:12:19 pm »
    Agreed, The TAP load is not, but there is a 75 grain load in a steel case that comes 50 to a box.  A magnet sticks to it. 
    That load is NOT TAP, but I did get it to test out heavier loads. IT did lok like the same bullet.
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