Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

[Tactical30]

I just got into reloading a couple months ago and only shoot Target. Mainly with .223 and 6.5 Grendel AR-platforms.

When I got started into it I just do the "regular" case prep.
i.e. Deprime, Tumble, Resize, Trim, Chamfer/Deburr, Measure Case Length, Throw Powder, Seat Bullet, Measure OAL, Done.

Im wondering if things such as eliminating bullet runout and trimming the meplats to straighten everything. Will it help in a big difference in accuracy with a .223 or 6.5 Grendel AR setup?

Im sure none of that could hurt any by doing it but would it be worth it?

Im getting far better accuracy reloading than I evder did with factory ammo. MOA to 1/2 MOA groups, sometimes better.
Adding a couple more steps such as these be worth it? Will it help in such a big difference?

Any tips?

THANKS.

 

[TresMon]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?


What range are we talking about? I have shot three perfect scores at 1000 yards with a .223 AR. I don't believe the rifle would have done it, nor would I have the confidence to do it had I not prepped and loaded my ammo as if i was headed for the benchrest nationals with a $10,000 set up.

 

[308sako]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

Deleted in protest!

 

[MJC]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TresMon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What range are we talking about? I have shot three perfect scores at 1000 yards with a .223 AR. I don't believe the rifle would have done it, nor would I have the confidence to do it had I not prepped and loaded my ammo as if i was headed for the benchrest nationals with a $10,000 set up. </div></div>

Outstanding! What range(s) and when did you shoot the cleans at 1000? Service or match? Sling or F-class? Palma or 20 shot strings?

 

[DocB]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

lr30,

I've found small differences in the small cases lead to big differences on the target. Getting rid of the differences helps the whole system, but how far you want to go depends upon how much time you're willing to put into case/bullet prep. Sorting cases by weight, sorting bullets by ogive length, uniforming neck thickness, primer pockets, meplats and flash holes all help. Otherwise, pretty much agree with 308sako.

HTH,
DocB

 

[Clark]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

Between 1994 and 2000, I bought lots of guns, turned necks, de burred flash holes, bought rifles that cost over $1,000, and never could get a 1" group 5 shot group at 100 yards.

In 2000 I started building rifles and loading ammo that would shoot .5" groups with minimum case prep.

In ~ 2007, I put a rough looking 22LR barrel [1 turn in 16" twist] onto a Mauser action with solder [instead of threading the barrel].
I reamed a .223 chamber.
I made a crude extractor modification TIG welding onto the original extractor.
I did not true the action or glass the action.
I never shot it with anything other than 15 gr Blue Dot, 33 gr Vmax, mixed brands of 223 range brass.
The only prep the brass gets is the inside of the mouth gets chamfered.
This rifle has always averaged smaller than 1" 5 shot groups at 100 yards.

What does it all mean?
Getting below 1" requires a number of things, but does not require case prep or fancy rifles.
Getting down to .1" is going to take some great case prep and some great rifles.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

If you're banging a steel plate at 100 yards, no it isn't worth it. However if you are shooting for group or one shot hits at 300 yards and farther, yes it will work out for you.

Some things like uniforming the primer pocket and deburring the flash hole are just one time in the life of the brass.

But really it's up to you to decide if it's worth your time.

 

[tarzan]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

winning is always worth the extra time

 

[TresMon]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

MJC,

I had done some very refined load work up for my 20" AR (loaded HOT!!!) and was invited to come try shooting my local 1000 yard weekly practice. I was shooting F-class style off a Harris BP and a rear bean bag. They put up a 1000 yard NRA prone target for me as I was new, and yes the rings are a little bigger. I shot a 10 shot string all x and 10's. i took a break to let the barrel and me cool. I came back and shot another string a little while later and it too was all x & 10. I got graduated to a f-class target in short order.

Being hooked, I pulled the 20" barrel and sold it to buy a 26" AR barrel. After I got the load work partially done for the new barrel I started trying 10 shot strings of different loads that showed potential @ 1000 on a regulation f-class target. One of those loads and it's 10 shot string were all x & 10's (but only like 2 x's!)

[not a hijack, rather supporting evidence that the extra load work is worth it.]

 

[5R Milspec]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?

hey I would agree with the rest of the guys here.just resizeing and loading the brass with a choice of bullet and powder can give good ammo.even sometimes it can give out great ammo.

so yes doing the extra's to your brass and bullets will help out alot.but the main thing to ask your self is this.just how much do you want you and your rifel to do?do you want to just give out better hunt'n ammo or target ammo?or do you want to really see one ragged hole with 5 shoots out to 100.

 

[TresMon]

Re: Extra reload work for the .223? Worth it?


Hey- however a man chooses to go about his love of this pursuit, i'm all for him.

My business is done here.
T