I hope you got a trimmer that is powered or can be powered. Man, trimming cases sucks. When I did it, I had some sort of trimming attachment meant to be used with a drill. I chucked it up in my lathe and did my trimming that way. You wouldn't believe how long it takes to do 1000 cases. Good luck man.
223 powder recommendations
- Thread starter Waterboy3313
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I hope you got a trimmer that is powered or can be powered. Man, trimming cases sucks. When I did it, I had some sort of trimming attachment meant to be used with a drill. I chucked it up in my lathe and did my trimming that way. You wouldn't believe how long it takes to do 1000 cases. Good luck man.
Amen I hate trimming 223 cases! I use a lee quick trim which is used on the press.. takes for ever and is messy as heck!
I’ve considered buying a Lyman xpress trimmer to speed things up.. but I also want to save for a progressive/turret press
Charlie98
Member
When I was researching powders for 5.56mm I was surprised to see data for IMR4198... I would never consider a powder that fast, particularly for heavier bullets. Now, that isn't to say I don't use it... it's fantastic in the .30's... I use it for cast bullets in .30-30, .308, and .348... and even .45-70, but definitely not 5.56mm.
Dudedog
Contributing Member
I used to as well. Picked up a Worlds Finest Trimmer (WFT), nakes trimming the brass much less of a hassle.
Now that I have it I don't even measure the brass to see if it needs to be trimmed.
I just run it alll through, if it needs to be trimmed it gets trimmed, if not it doesn't.
(I do measure every now and then when trimming to make sure I am getting the length expected.)
alsaqr
Member
Since 1968 i've used IMR 3031 for my .223/5.56mm reloads with bullets of 55 grains and lighter. This group measures about 1 1/4 inches, it was fired at 125 yards with a 10 mph wind at my back.
Bullet is the 53 grain Barnes TSX.
Powder is 24.5 grains of IMR 3031.
Rifle is my CZ 527.
Bullet is the 53 grain Barnes TSX.
Powder is 24.5 grains of IMR 3031.
Rifle is my CZ 527.
Wildbillz
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While I have not loaded a lot of it. I have use in the following order, Win748, AA2230 and WC846, I just did some testing with the AA and WC846 trying to work up loads. The AA at the published start put me right where I wanted to be. The WC846 is pull down powder that is said to be similar to BL-C(2) so I should be able to use it in 308Win also.
WB
WB
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OP
Waterboy3313
Member
I just wanted to say thanks for all of the recommendations. Working a little bit here and there I finally finished resizing all of my brass. Getting ready to run it through the trimmer tomorrow and ultrasonic cleaner again. I picked up some Hornady 55 gr bullets, primers and some TAC today after work. Hoping to load a small workup by Sunday. Not supposed to go anywhere "non essential" and it's supposed be a $h!tstorm all weekend. Sounds like I should have plenty of time on my hands to get something done. Thanks again for all of your suggestions and tips I really appreciate it.
That is a combo to start off with , I like TAC a lot with Benchmark in second for 223
Skeptic13
Member
I am a huge Varget fan and also load a lot with TAC. It provides the most consistent accuracy in both .223 and .308. At least for me.
OP
OP
Waterboy3313
Member
There was a very informative link that was sent to me in a private conversation. I haven't had a chance to read the whole thing yet but it was very interesting and full of info that helped me to make my decision regarding the components I purchased. That and what was on the available on the shelf.
Once the world returns to normal I will be trying some different powders and bullets for sure. I also have several different uppers with different barrel specs. I would like to get each one dialed in for best accuracy especially my 24" inch heavy stainless in 223 Wylde.
Once the world returns to normal I will be trying some different powders and bullets for sure. I also have several different uppers with different barrel specs. I would like to get each one dialed in for best accuracy especially my 24" inch heavy stainless in 223 Wylde.
earplug
Member
Don't pass up H 4895. Don't get hung up if the internet says a powder meters well or not. Research which powders were developed for the military and feel confident that your gas gun will be happier. Some very fine powders generate a lot of carbon on gas guns.
Ironicaintit
Member
the 223 and the AR15 itself were built around IMR4198, and 3031.
Those are the only two powders in 223 I have any experience with, and they do work great!
My most accurate was with 21.5gr (twenty one point five) and a 55gr jacketed soft point.
Those are the only two powders in 223 I have any experience with, and they do work great!
My most accurate was with 21.5gr (twenty one point five) and a 55gr jacketed soft point.
FROGO207
Member
Tac and quality 55 grain projectiles go together like bread and butter IMHO. I have several firearms that use 223/5.56 ammo and they all do well with this combo with loads worked up individually. Some AR's, some Mini 14's, and a couple NEF Handi Rifles.
Obviously these days there are tons of good powders for .223, more than I knew about, clearly I need to spend more time in Thehighroad and get myself up to speed
. Having reloaded since the early 80's though I've stuck with the ones I knew about at the time which were, W748, BLC-2, H335, H322.
. Having reloaded since the early 80's though I've stuck with the ones I knew about at the time which were, W748, BLC-2, H335, H322.Obviously these days there are tons of good powders for .223, more than I knew about, clearly I need to spend more time in Thehighroad and get myself up to speed
Yep, it's funny how things change. I'm so far behind it isn't funny. I really need to subscribe to a gun mag or two.
In any case, I mentioned TAC because I found it to be easy and at the time when it first came out it was CHEAP. I use either that or the Accurate powder. I think it's called 2230.
I use the frankford trimer set it up and go very easy
jhansman
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The OP has gotten just about every recommendation that caliber can get, but just one more: for my Howa 1500 target bolt rifle, I only use H322, with outstanding results. In my EBR, which I treat as a 5.56 and shoot mostly LC brass, I use H335 exclusively. So, it kinda depends on the rifle, at least in my case. Have fun!
OP
OP
Waterboy3313
Member
Everyone that has said case trimming is not fun must be doing it the same way I am. I did almost 150 yesterday by hand with a Lyman trimmer. I have a blister on my thumb this morning. It came with a drill attachment I tried that for a while but seemed to make a really bad burr on the outside of the case. I found I spent more time cleaning up the outside of the case neck after using the drill attachment than by doing the trimming and deburring by hand. Live and learn I guess. If I keep this up I see a much better trimmer in my future.
Hoping to finish the few cases I have left today and actually load a small workup. The weather was supposed to be nasty today but when I got up looked outside and pulled the weather up I see I missed a good morning to go to the range. I guess everything will be ready to go next weekend if the weather is decent.
Hoping to finish the few cases I have left today and actually load a small workup. The weather was supposed to be nasty today but when I got up looked outside and pulled the weather up I see I missed a good morning to go to the range. I guess everything will be ready to go next weekend if the weather is decent.
Charlie98
Member
Same here... I use the palm of my hand to crank my Hornady trimmer. I've gone to using bowler's grip 'adjustment' tape... sort of like grippy athletic tape. I did the other half of my 140 .30-06 cases last night and I didn't get a blister!
Ironicaintit
Member
I have an old Lyman trimmer, and I don't mind it. If I'm not working on something that needs real fine dexterity, I'm usually wearing "Mechanix" gloves, so that helps.
Turn on some classic country or a podcast or whatever, and go to town
Turn on some classic country or a podcast or whatever, and go to town
entropy
Member
I use an RCBS trim die. Run the case up into the die, file off anything that sticks up, and ream and chamfer slightly to smooth it. Short of buying one of the 'case prep centers', I find it a decent method.
I run some of my You Tube playlists through a Bluetooth speaker when working in my shop. I set the phone so I can't see it; visual distractions I do not need.
OP
OP
Waterboy3313
Member
I spent all day yesterday listening to Pandora while trimming cases. Usually when I'm making my regular weekly range trips I'm only working on straight wall pistol cases. Come home Sunday morning and start the process. While old brass is cleaning I'm loading up the weeks before cases. I spend a lot of time reloading. I actually enjoy doing it. Especially on a rainy day.
I am trimming these 223-556 cases all to 1.750. I'm really hoping to get a reuse or 2 out of them before having to trim them again. Up until now it's all been straight wall pistol cases so this will be interesting to see how it works out. I'm using the Lyman ezee trim. The two parts that hold the cutter and shell holder are knurled steel. I will have to see what I might have in the tool box to make things a little more comfortable on the hands.
I am trimming these 223-556 cases all to 1.750. I'm really hoping to get a reuse or 2 out of them before having to trim them again. Up until now it's all been straight wall pistol cases so this will be interesting to see how it works out. I'm using the Lyman ezee trim. The two parts that hold the cutter and shell holder are knurled steel. I will have to see what I might have in the tool box to make things a little more comfortable on the hands.
748
member
I have always used winchester 748.
Chuck R.
Member
For trimming I use a Trimmit 2, chucked in a drill press.
I normally process a couple 1000 rds during the post hunting season getting ready for 3Gun match season. FL sizing and running every case through the Trimmit is faster than measuring and just trimming those that need it.
I normally process a couple 1000 rds during the post hunting season getting ready for 3Gun match season. FL sizing and running every case through the Trimmit is faster than measuring and just trimming those that need it.
irishlad
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