Reloading BS thread

Ok, I'll make sure I
Using AR data, I am gonna have to clean and sort my brass first, so it may be a while before I start loadin

 

Hornady is one of the few the publishes 5.56 specific loads. If you AR is stamped to run .223/5.56 than you can run either but you need to make sure you are using a .223 load in your .223 brass and 5.56 load in your 5.56 brass. If the .556 is mil surplus brass you will have to remove the crimp in the primer pocket before seating the new primer.

You can use the .223 dies for loading 5.56 since the outside case dimensions and bullet dimensions are the same. The difference as stated before is that 5.56 brass has thicker case walls.

 

I tried the "flipping the bullet seat die over" method and don't see how that could work. I put it back together and decided to get a separate die to crimp. I have the Hornady Lock-n-Load system, so I don't want to adjust every time.

I finally got my crimp die for the .44. It's amazing what .002" difference makes. The cases all fit flawlessly now.

Now I just gotta get to the range and test .

Thanks to all who provided advice!

 

Yeah its not the bullet seating stem, its the expander that you flip over to be used as a crimp. That is my fault, I think I said it was the seating die that does dual purpose. My mistake, its the expander die. If u take it apart u will see immediatly. Good luck, stay safe.

 

Oh well, that's alright. The instructions that came with them didn't say anything about the expander being used as a crimp. I now have the new die and don't have to worry about readjusting each time.

 

Ugh - can I pay you to come over and set mine up? I've had the AP progressive for months and haven't opened the box.

 

A strait wall cartridge die should be easy. The 44 mag, just lower the press arm all the way and turn the die down till it touches ur shell holder plus another 1/8th turn. You want to feel a little cam over with a case in.

 

Cowboy, did you get a carbide die set or just plain steel? I know you "don't" have to use lube on straight wall pistol cases but when you get into 44-50 caliber the resistance can add up over time. I discovered with my 45 Colt cases that if I take the case and hold it at an angle and just roll it over my lube pad to place maybe 1/16" worth of lube at the top it makes the sizing pressure drop to almost nothing! The phrase hot butter comes to mind....It doesn't take very long to wipe that little bit of lube off and to me it is worth it because it lowers the sizing pressure on the handle dramatically.

 

Has anyone every reloaded Berlin primed brass with berdan primers?

I just got ahold of a Swiss k31 straight pull rifle in 7.5x55. I can get really good ammo for around 50-60 cents per round but they are brass cased berdan primed (good quality brass and not corrosive just berdan primed) and I think I have found a source for berdan primers for like 160 for 5000. I can get an rcbs berdan decapper

 

Google it up. I always thought berdan primed ammo was not reloadable.

 

x2

 

I have been, that is why I asked. It is seeming like once you get them decapped and have berdan primers it seems like you run it the same, I'm just not certain and figured I'd ask

 

Luckily everything I have is boxer primed.

let us know if you are able to successfully do it.

 

If anyone is in the DFW area and is interested in the Hornady Lock-n-Load conversion piece, I have two of them. I'm keeping the bushings, but you can have the adapter pieces for free.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/858110/hornady-lock-n-load-press-and-die-conversion-bushing-kit

Or if not local, you pay shipping.

 

Dont berdan primed cases have 2 flash holes? How do uou align the primer to the holes?

 

They also have the anvil built into the casing, nothing to align

 

Sorry I missed this before. I have the single stage press. I actually waited a few months before setting mine up too. I don't know why I was intimidated by it. Just get it out and you'll be surprised at how simple everything is to setup.

 

I thought you had to drill them to be able to reload?

 

I know decapppers are available, but I don't know how to reload them. Considering the number of cheapskate reloaders out there, I'd think that if it was easy or economical, more would be doing it.