Hand loading for AR-15 223

Hawkshaw

July 12, 2011 11:27

I'm just noticing that the manufacturers of AR's state that shooting handloads will void the warranty. First of all how would they know. Secondly, (since I'm going to do it anyway), Should I just stick with a middle-of-the-road load, and be happy. Or can you push them some, as in a bolt gun. THX HAWKSHAW

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  rufe-snow

  July 12, 2011 11:42

  Because they are gas operated and are meant to reliably function with a specific pressure, you don't have the latitude that .223 fired in bolt actions have. There is quite a lot of information available on reloading for AR 15's both in books and on-line. I would use the loads specifically given for 5.56 X 45mm in military brass, rather then use .223 loads for bolt action rifles.

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  Mobuck

  July 12, 2011 13:27

  I use loads at the upper end of the manuals but stick with the faster powders similar to what the military specification loads(WCC844,AA2230,RS Xterminator).
  While I may lose just a tad bit of top end velocity with some bullets, I feel these loads are easier on the mechanism and usually require less powder making each load a little cheaper.
  In case you doubt my experience, I'll just say I normally buy 223 powder by the case of 4X 8# jugs.

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  tsr1965

  July 12, 2011 14:32

  Hawkshaw,
  
  Most all manufacturers say that very same thing, about ANY of their firearms...Handloads void the warranty. This includes bolt, slide, lever, semi-auto, single shot, and revolver actions. It is not just specific to the DPMS AR-15.
  
  I use near or maximum doses of W-W 748 powder for most ll of my 223 loads. Some of the Barnes 62 grain TSX bullets, I use Reloader 15. A full length die will definately be needed, and a small base die would be a good idea. Because of using these dies, ALWAYS check the case length after sizing, and trim as needed. Th last thing you really want is a case that is stuck in the chamber.
  
  Best

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  BUCKAWHO

  July 12, 2011 15:13

  Also, be sure to get a Wilson Cartridge Case Gage, to make sure your reloads properly fit the 223 chamber in an AR. BT

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  v35

  July 12, 2011 15:22

  I've reloaded for 223 and 6mmx45 in the AR 15 and once made the mistake of loading soft points in the 6mm.
  It may be the same for 223 that soft points jam.
  Hollow points and FMJs feed well.
  My uppers don't have the extra wide throating in the barrel nuts.
  I wouldn't worry about using any published 223 or 5.56 loads in the AR15.

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  drygulchdan

  July 12, 2011 15:58

  Make sure you get the small base dies, especially if your reloading once fired military brass.

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