Thread: Reloading .223/5.56 for an AR15

Originally Posted by dirtyhabit

Does anyone have any tips or helpful info on reloading for an AR?
Have reloaded for many other rifle calibres, .204, 22 Hornet, 7/08, 30-06, 308 etc...but have no experience loading for an auto?
I have some small base dies on my watchlist as this would be the first step...
I was using the Hornady 75g Match ammo but only have a few boxes of this left. This was a great round in my Colt, it was accurate and had enough horsepower to put down reds at sensible distances and found it deadly on pigs so ideally would like to load something similar to this so have been looking over the Sierra 69 & 77g projectiles which look like they might suit?
I have easy access to all ADI powders along with the other usual suspects but what have people had good success with?
Any opinions or info much appreciated!

One of my ARs likes the 75gn HPBT steel cased ammo.
You can get the projectiles and handload them too, otherwise the 65gn Gamekings are good, the Hornady 68gn HPBT and the new Tipped 69gn and 77gn Matchkings, leave the old style HPBT Matchkings for paper or bunnies.

Key things with semis is more headspace by bumping the shoulder back more than what you would have for a bolt action.
Check the primers are seated properly, ie not sticking out.
Hard primers are not a requirement, I used soft Fed Match primers for some of my loads, in fact hard primers with a real light after market trigger will give you ignition issues.
I find the AR feed ramps on the barrel/bolt lugs scratch the case necks and lead to split necks faster than on a bolt.

2208 is a bit bulky for 75-77gn projectiles, you can fit much in the case if loading to fit an AR magazine, so prefer 2206H.

I've never bothered crimping ammo, not even for my semis.