The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Reloading .223

PCJim · September 3, 2009, 01:06 AM

Welcome to TFL!

Since you are "green" as a reloader, the answer to using those magnum primers will be a conditional "no". Unless the reloading recipe you are using calls for a magnum primer, stay with the standard primer or one specifically designated for .223.

As to the powder to use with those bullets you have on hand, you can use a recipe for a different manufacture bullet of the same composition, weight and bullet design to begin working up a load, beginning with the stated starting powder load and COL. As an example, a 55gr FMJBT made by Hornady, Speer, Sierra, Zero, Winchester, etc would all be so similar in composition and design that they can be interchanged when working up a load. Notice I said working up a load -if you change any components, you should start back at a reduced charge and work up. Remember also that jacketed load recipes are not interchangable with lead bullets (which I know you don't have at present).

It's always good to ask questions when starting reloading, and you're approaching it correctly. There's a wealth of information to be gained from members here.

September 3, 2009, 01:06 AM	#2
PCJim Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 570	Welcome to TFL! Since you are "green" as a reloader, the answer to using those magnum primers will be a conditional "no". Unless the reloading recipe you are using calls for a magnum primer, stay with the standard primer or one specifically designated for .223. As to the powder to use with those bullets you have on hand, you can use a recipe for a different manufacture bullet of the same composition, weight and bullet design to begin working up a load, beginning with the stated starting powder load and COL. As an example, a 55gr FMJBT made by Hornady, Speer, Sierra, Zero, Winchester, etc would all be so similar in composition and design that they can be interchanged when working up a load. Notice I said working up a load -if you change any components, you should start back at a reduced charge and work up. Remember also that jacketed load recipes are not interchangable with lead bullets (which I know you don't have at present). It's always good to ask questions when starting reloading, and you're approaching it correctly. There's a wealth of information to be gained from members here.