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5.56 AR Only Loads

New to reloading, bought a bunch of once fire brass that had been processed. I separated them by head stamp and started seating primers with my RCBS universal hand primer. Primers are Fed 205’s and FC brass. Some of the primers seat and some don’t. They’ll crush or won’t seat at all. With the price of primers and they’re hard to find, this is getting spendy. These are being reloaded for an AR.
67D4C630-1CEE-4EAA-B5F5-FCA3A78437F4.jpeg0F358FEE-B4B4-4950-82B7-E512F726B093.jpegA5375F63-076C-433A-9F29-EF735A00DF9F.jpeg7DB4909C-9C20-49DA-A107-B8F6BD034D9B.jpegD3898906-E9F9-4099-BF77-AD1146563027.jpeg8119A3B4-BAAA-4715-A9A0-B82D5C997B28.jpeg580E94A4-D78D-477F-804B-1CB29F15A29F.jpeg
 
BG94591 said:
New to reloading, bought a bunch of once fire brass that had been processed. I separated them by head stamp and started seating primers with my RCBS universal hand primer. Primers are Fed 205’s and FC brass. Some of the primers seat and some don’t. They’ll crush or won’t seat at all. With the price of primers and they’re hard to find, this is getting spendy. These are being reloaded for an AR.
View attachment 7544079View attachment 7544080View attachment 7544081View attachment 7544082View attachment 7544085View attachment 7544091View attachment 7544092
Click to expand...

Pop the bad primer out and use the Lyman primer pocket reamer. I have found that swaging does not always remove enough of the crimp.

 
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BG94591 said:
I bought them from a member on another forum fully processed. Guess there was a step left out. I’ll have to buy that tool.
Click to expand...

He may have swag them but it doesn't always work. Get this crimp cutter


www.rcbs.com

Trim Mate Military Crimp Remover-2 | RCBS

The redesigned Trim Mate Military Crimp Remover—2 speeds up case processing and reduces the amount of primer pocket being cut away.
www.rcbs.com www.rcbs.com
 
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BG94591 said:
I bought them from a member on another forum fully processed. Guess there was a step left out. I’ll have to buy that tool.
Click to expand...

I too have bought fully processed lc brass that was swaged and had the same issue seating primers.

padom said:
This is why I dont swag shit. RCBS crimp cutter on case prep center. Cuts it right out one and done
Click to expand...

I have mine on the Lyman case prep center. Cuts the crimp right out, and don’t ever have to worry about it.

431E35BA-3E96-42FB-8DE4-0067E4A8C737.jpeg
 
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PusherX11 said:
I too have bought fully processed lc brass that was swaged and had the same issue seating primers.



I have mine on the Lyman case prep center. Cuts the crimp right out, and don’t ever have to worry about it.

View attachment 7544112
Click to expand...
Guess I’ll go buy another prep center. Sold mine a couple years back when I got out of reloading. Thanks for all your answers.
 
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PusherX11 said:
I too have bought fully processed lc brass that was swaged and had the same issue seating primers.



I have mine on the Lyman case prep center. Cuts the crimp right out, and don’t ever have to worry about it.

View attachment 7544112
Click to expand...

Yep mines on my Frankford Arsenal Platinum case prep center.
 
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the_accuser said:
My plinking load:
hornady 62gr bthp
23.1gr H322
LC case
wolf small rifle magnum or Rem 7.5 primer
2.240" coal
Click to expand...
Stupid accurate was from Nosler No.3 manual...
91% density load using 68 gr nosler bthp
24.5 grains Reloader 15...210M Federal primers...can't remember the case but density is listed..
This load shot bugholes even in a mini 14 !
 
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I have found 23.9gr of Varget in
LC brass
CCI SRP
at mag length
to hammer in my WOA 18".
Have seen the exact same results on Johhny's Reloading youtube channel. Velocity looked to be lackluster but the accuracy is great.
I'm going to try seating back by a few increments to see if I can get it any tighter, how much should I seat the bullet back from mag length?
Initial results at mag length are sub MOA, right around .75.
 
20" 1:7 Ballistic Advantage barrel, Timney trigger, Viper PST II scope, set up for PRS style matches.

77g SMK
24.8g Alliant Power Pro Varmint
Lapua brass
Federal Match AR primers
CBTO 1.866
OAL 2.247
2830 fps
8.3 SD
14 ES
 

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FOHA1 said:
20" 1:7 Ballistic Advantage barrel, Timney trigger, Viper PST II scope, set up for PRS style matches.

77g SMK
24.8g Alliant Power Pro Varmint
Lapua brass
Federal Match AR primers
CBTO 1.866
OAL 2.247
2830 fps
8.3 SD
14 ES
Click to expand...
Any experience with the temp stability of power pro varmit?
 
TxWelder35 said:
Any experience with the temp stability of power pro varmit?
Click to expand...
So far so good. It was 80's on this past Saturdays match, supposed to be 100 this weekend, maybe I'll chrono it again and see if it's speeded up. I'm up near max, but not max.
 
cecztayl said:
Question for all. Crimp or no crimp? My experience loading for the AR platform is limited. Most of my loading for the AR will be coyote hunting extending to mid range plinking based. However, I do want to load some FMJ “ shoot the hell out of it” stuff too.
Click to expand...
I've never crimped a round for an AR. Some do but after many thousands of rounds, never had 1 issue.
 
WOA 18" barrel

LC brass
cci#450
75 BTHP
26.5 gr. TAC
col - 2.350 single feed
mv - 3000, 2992, 3006, 2996, 3000
no pressure signs
 
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New Criterion Core Series Barrel - .223 Wylde 16"
SW Match
RMR 69gr 3GH
CCI400
Mixed Headstamped Brass

Charges were weighted on FX120i and all high-end equipment was used in the reloading process. Every group shot poorly, so much so that I didn't even go grab my targets. I'm trying to diagnosis what the hell is going on with my SD/ES. I'm going to try Varget next and I'll anneal before sizing/mandrel work to ensure a better neck tension even though with mixed brass, there is going to be wide variations.

I don't care too much about my AR15 loads but this is far from acceptable to me. I'm in single-digit SD/ES with my 6BR & 6.5 Creedmoor bolt guns.

1619895865481.png
 
S3th said:
Mixed Headstamped Brass
Click to expand...
I found your problem.

What did you expect using brass with varying case capacities? Different case capacities, different pressures, different velocities, different barrel harmonics = a non precision loads
 
TxWelder35 said:
I found your problem.

What did you expect using brass with varying case capacities? Different case capacities, different pressures, different velocities, different barrel harmonics = a non precision loads
Click to expand...
It isn't like I am expecting single-digit SD and ES like my bolt guns. However, I figured I would be sub 25 SD and sub 50 ES.
 
S3th said:
It isn't like I am expecting single-digit SD and ES like my bolt guns. However, I figured I would be sub 25 SD and sub 50 ES.
Click to expand...
Mixed brass will easily cause your issue. If you want sub 20 SD you're gonna need same headstamp brass at minimum. When I run Mixed headstamp brass my SD is usually 25-30 over a 30 shot average, ES is right about 100 or so. Gives about 2-3 MOA accuracy out of any AR I put it through.
 
Last edited:
clcustom1911 said:
Mixed brass will easily cause your issue. If you want sub 20 SD you're gonna need same headstamp brass at minimum. When I run Mixed headstamp brass my SD is usually 25-30 over a 30 shot average, ES is right about 100 or so. Gives about 2-3 MOA accuracy out of any AR I put it through.
Click to expand...
Okay, good to know. Thank you.
 
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Doing up IMR 4166, 77 SMK, IMI Brass tomorrow out of my Mk12. 0.2gr increments from 5 each @ 22gr to 23.4gr. IMR said max was 23. There was a bit of crunch at 23.2 and 23.4, so we shall see.

First run with my new AutoTrickler V3. All I can say is WOW how much quicker everything went when the powder throw is automatic and 8-10 seconds each.
 
LC Brass, BR4
75gr BTHP or 77SMK
23.5gr 8208XBR
2.250" OAL (mag length)
2750fps
sub-moa to 700yds
MK12 Mod1 clone with Rainier 1:8" ratchet rifled Lilja SPR & Ops Inc 12th Model
 
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ManufacturerBulletWeight (gr)ManufacturerPowderWeight (gr)HeadstampPrimerAverage (fps)SDES
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch25.3MixedF#2052,69942100
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch25.5MixedF#2052,7343886
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch25.7MixedF#2052,76448116
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch25.9MixedF#2052,75353132
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.1MixedF#2052,80550128
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.3MixedF#2052,7893791
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.5MixedF#2052,8504189
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.7MixedF#2052,8811953
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.7MixedF#2052,88053114
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.9MixedF#2052,8863797
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.9MixedF#2052,8554296
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch27.1MixedF#2052,90053129
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch27.1MixedF#2052,8883994
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget24.4MixedF#2052,6042566
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget24.6MixedF#2052,6592665
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget24.8MixedF#2052,697720
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget25.0MixedF#2052,697718
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget25.2MixedF#2052,7362047
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget25.4MixedF#2052,7881644
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget25.6MixedF#2052,8081232

.223 Wylde - 16" Criterion Core
 
S3th said:
ManufacturerBulletWeight (gr)ManufacturerPowderWeight (gr)HeadstampPrimerAverage (fps)SDES
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch25.3MixedF#2052,69942100
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch25.5MixedF#2052,7343886
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch25.7MixedF#2052,76448116
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch25.9MixedF#2052,75353132
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.1MixedF#2052,80550128
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.3MixedF#2052,7893791
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.5MixedF#2052,8504189
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.7MixedF#2052,8811953
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.7MixedF#2052,88053114
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.9MixedF#2052,8863797
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch26.9MixedF#2052,8554296
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch27.1MixedF#2052,90053129
RMR3GH69Shooters WorldMatch27.1MixedF#2052,8883994
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget24.4MixedF#2052,6042566
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget24.6MixedF#2052,6592665
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget24.8MixedF#2052,697720
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget25.0MixedF#2052,697718
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget25.2MixedF#2052,7362047
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget25.4MixedF#2052,7881644
RMR3GH69HodgdonVarget25.6MixedF#2052,8081232

.223 Wylde - 16" Criterion Core
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing, great info. I use SW Precision and it seems pretty darn close to Varget for my 69gr loads.
 
Claluja said:
77 SMK
23.4 Varget
LC +
BR-4
CLE chamber

SD not good; accuracy is.
Click to expand...
I'm very close to this with the same issue on SD. 77 SMK or OTM with 23.5 Varget in a Lapua case with BR4 in a CLE chamber.
I struggled to get down into a single digit SD with 5 rounds. It always groups in the 0.3s for the 5 shots though.

Did you ever get it resolved?
 
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77 Berger OTM
21.5 Benchmark
8 different types of brass
Fed GM Match Primers
WOA Shilen 20" barrel
pretty lights out AR15 load honestly.
7 shots .59 inches and some other .5 inch groups with other Brass brands. I think the Lapua didn't group super great, and was odd out, because its highest FPS load, since the brass is by far the heaviest. So I bet if I lowered the charge to 21.3 or 21.2 it would be .5 or so as well.
http://natoreloading.com/223brass/
 
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semperfireloading said:
77 Berger OTM
21.5 Benchmark
8 different types of brass
Fed GM Match Primers
WOA Shilen 20" barrel
pretty lights out AR15 load honestly.
7 shots .59 inches and some other .5 inch groups with other Brass brands. I think the Lapua didn't group super great, and was odd out, because its highest FPS load, since the brass is by far the heaviest. So I bet if I lowered the charge to 21.3 or 21.2 it would be .5 or so as well.
http://natoreloading.com/223brass/
Click to expand...
Velocity?
 
Did some more testing today.
LC brass, cci#450, 75ELD bullet, 26.5gr. of TAC, col-2.450 single feed
18" WOA barrel-3040fps
26" WOA barrel-3200fps
no pressure , 90*F Labradar
 
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I see that only a few have listed the chamber [223 Rem. Wylde,or NATO] they have, would the ones that list "hot" loads have the 223 Rem. chamber ?
 
FOHA1 said:
20" 1:7 Ballistic Advantage barrel, Timney trigger, Viper PST II scope, set up for PRS style matches.

77g SMK
24.8g Alliant Power Pro Varmint
Lapua brass
Federal Match AR primers
CBTO 1.866
OAL 2.247
2830 fps
8.3 SD
14 ES
Click to expand...
Been working up 62gr loads with Varmint and it's an outstanding powder. Great numbers all around. Accuracy is there too. Loading 62gr Fusions over 26.0gr of Varmint for 2930fps from a 16" Centurion Arms CHF CL barreled AR. Even more was that there was no signs of over pressure, primers and cases both looked outstanding. I'm really liking this powder. It didnt work out with my 6.8 loads but sure am liking it in 5.56.
My 8208 load with a 77gr SMK IS 23.6gr, excellent load and in my gun, another Centurion Arms barrel( his Mk12 barrel) it is one of my Mk262 clone loads.
 
Anyone have any experience with the CCI no. 41 military primers? Just scored some off midway but I have never used them before. All I know is they have a harder cup to prevent detonation from a floating firing pin?
Just wondering if anyone has been able to work up a precision load using these.
 
jLorenzo said:
Anyone have any experience with the CCI no. 41 military primers? Just scored some off midway but I have never used them before. All I know is they have a harder cup to prevent detonation from a floating firing pin?
Just wondering if anyone has been able to work up a precision load using these.
Click to expand...
I got a pretty decent load in an HCS Mk12 upper with 23.2 grains of 8208 XBR under a 77SMK over a CCi 41. From what I understand they are the milspec (tested) equivalent to a CCi 450. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them in anything that was applicable.
 
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jLorenzo said:
Anyone have any experience with the CCI no. 41 military primers? Just scored some off midway but I have never used them before. All I know is they have a harder cup to prevent detonation from a floating firing pin?
Just wondering if anyone has been able to work up a precision load using these.
Click to expand...
Use standard power hammer springs and you'll be fine.
 
TxWelder35 said:
Only problem I’ve ran into with 2520 is that a load developed in the summer doesn’t shoot near the same in the winter.
Click to expand...
Yeah correct. Being a ball powder, it's temp sensitivity kinda requires 2 different loads where about 65-75⁰ is the delineation between the 2 loads. My IMI RazroCore 77gr shoots awesome out of my Mk12 Mod 0 below 70⁰, above that it opens up.
 
BG94591 said:
New to reloading, bought a bunch of once fire brass that had been processed. I separated them by head stamp and started seating primers with my RCBS universal hand primer. Primers are Fed 205’s and FC brass. Some of the primers seat and some don’t. They’ll crush or won’t seat at all. With the price of primers and they’re hard to find, this is getting spendy. These are being reloaded for an AR.
View attachment 7544079View attachment 7544080View attachment 7544081View attachment 7544082View attachment 7544085View attachment 7544091View attachment 7544092
Click to expand...

...I would suggest this tool kit, economical and has everything you need. As a new reloader, using it in manual mode will ingrain the feel and knowledge you will develop the more you use it. But.....if time is a factor, you can always chuck up the bits in a hand drill/screw driver to speed things up ;) Tool can be purchased practically anywhere, storefront, online, etc.


1634861080840.png
 
How did your IMR4166 load test turn out?

clcustom1911 said:
Doing up IMR 4166, 77 SMK, IMI Brass tomorrow out of my Mk12. 0.2gr increments from 5 each @ 22gr to 23.4gr. IMR said max was 23. There was a bit of crunch at 23.2 and 23.4, so we shall see.

First run with my new AutoTrickler V3. All I can say is WOW how much quicker everything went when the powder throw is automatic and 8-10 seconds each.
Click to expand...
 
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