Hey folks, I've really appreciated the knowledgeable advice I always receive from you all here on the Hide, so here goes...
New to reloading - started with my precision loads for my .308; now I want to move on to my AR-15. I actually have two ARs:
1st:
- Sig 516 10"BBL pistol (https://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogPro...istol-with-sb15-pistol-stabilizing-brace.aspx)
- Gas piston, 5.56x45, 1:7twist, 6 grooves
- I run it suppressed
2nd:
- Sig M400 Enhanced 16" rifle (https://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/sigm400-enhanced.aspx)
- Direct impingement, 5.56x45, 1:7twist, 6 grooves
- not suppressed
OK - so here's my questions:
Question 1:
- What is the best die set to use (and unless there's a big problem, can it be RCBS)
- I'm leaning RCBS, but is there a difference between the AR-15 black die set, the normal, and the x-sizer? (or more specifically, how should I regard the differences?)
- Crimp, or not crimp? Why, why not? Does this have to do with whether a bullet can be unloaded from chamber once loaded without getting stuck in barrel?
- is the full length or the small base the one I want? Why?
Question 2:
- Good step-by-step for reloading?
Question 3:
- what grain bullet and load recipe should I be targeting as a starting point
Context:
- Rounds would be for the following purposes:
- engaging targets out to 300 yards, mostly between 25 and 150 yards
- home defense and range
- does not need to be "super precise"
- functions reliably
Thanks for reading to this point despite what I'm sure must be some of the ignorance I've displayed - and I appreciate your thoughtful responses in advance!
New to reloading - started with my precision loads for my .308; now I want to move on to my AR-15. I actually have two ARs:
1st:
- Sig 516 10"BBL pistol (https://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogPro...istol-with-sb15-pistol-stabilizing-brace.aspx)
- Gas piston, 5.56x45, 1:7twist, 6 grooves
- I run it suppressed
2nd:
- Sig M400 Enhanced 16" rifle (https://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/sigm400-enhanced.aspx)
- Direct impingement, 5.56x45, 1:7twist, 6 grooves
- not suppressed
OK - so here's my questions:
Question 1:
- What is the best die set to use (and unless there's a big problem, can it be RCBS)
- I'm leaning RCBS, but is there a difference between the AR-15 black die set, the normal, and the x-sizer? (or more specifically, how should I regard the differences?)
- Crimp, or not crimp? Why, why not? Does this have to do with whether a bullet can be unloaded from chamber once loaded without getting stuck in barrel?
- is the full length or the small base the one I want? Why?
Question 2:
- Good step-by-step for reloading?
Question 3:
- what grain bullet and load recipe should I be targeting as a starting point
Context:
- Rounds would be for the following purposes:
- engaging targets out to 300 yards, mostly between 25 and 150 yards
- home defense and range
- does not need to be "super precise"
- functions reliably
Thanks for reading to this point despite what I'm sure must be some of the ignorance I've displayed - and I appreciate your thoughtful responses in advance!