Thread: Reloading military brass

We have a Dillon 600 swager but just have put in order for the CH4D kit.You should be aware some mil brass are different [dimensions]and you need at times to adjust your arm when swaging on the Dillon for perfect results.

I've got a heap of mil 30 06 brass. I've used for 8 06 30 06 and 6.5 06 and never had any problems.

Originally Posted by Mauser308

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Never had any issue working with the milspec brass that way, get about 1-1.5" groups with most rifles with a basic workup depending on the state of the firearm.

I do the same with 303 brass. Usually out of 100 you will get most inside of 2gr, usually any outside of that I put aside for other uses like plinking or keep for when "desperate" for brass and select the closest in the pile.

I am using LC and RG mil brass in a .223AI and a 300BLK bolt guns with very good accuracy. Just weight each case in batch's and once the primer crimp has been removed its easy as to reload and don't need as much powder with the thicker case walls.

Just finished depriving about 360 rounds of various mil brass for a mate. Found we had to run it twice thru the swage to remove the crimp. Man it was tight.

What would be everyones recommendation for this then for someone who hasn't done any .223 reloading yet at all, gear to get etc... while keeping costs to a minimum but maintaining consistent enough results for hunting ammo.

I was thinking Lee Deluxe .223 dies and maybe the RCBS primer pocket swager tool.

Also, how are people cleaning this stuff up? I was thinking of getting the universal decapping die, pop the primers out and then clean them in a solution of citric acid as I don't have access to a tumbler.

Originally Posted by sparky1000

What would be everyones recommendation for this then for someone who hasn't done any .223 reloading yet at all, gear to get etc... while keeping costs to a minimum but maintaining consistent enough results for hunting ammo.

I was thinking Lee Deluxe .223 dies and maybe the RCBS primer pocket swager tool.

Also, how are people cleaning this stuff up? I was thinking of getting the universal decapping die, pop the primers out and then clean them in a solution of citric acid as I don't have access to a tumbler.

I assume a bolt action? in which case great, just neck size using Lee's die. If this is new to you and its for a semi-auto Im not so sure starting reloading on semi-auto ammo is a great idea without an experienced AR15 handloader by your side.

Lee dies, yes without hesitation.

For 303brit de-crimping I use the RCBS tool at $39,

Gunworks Ltd - RCBS Military Crimp Remover

I have not tried the same thing in the small primer size yet though but I am about to.

I shove it in my battery drill, quick spin and it is done.

"I was thinking of getting the [LEE] universal decapping die" I use this, I like it.

I hardly clean my cases. An ultra-sonic is on my shopping list however, imported as they are a lot cheaper. If you are only doing a few cases like say 50 then $100NZ will get you a small unit here in NZ.

Lee do a basic press kit which is a good start,

Lee 50th Anniversary Kit - Presses - Reloading - Reloaders Supplies Ltd

For a one stop (almost) case prep I love this,

Lee Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer

Yeah sorry I should have said I have the press and everything currently loading for 6.5x55 and 7mm-08 both bolt action rifles. I am looking at getting a .223 bolt action and my friend is getting an ar15.

I hadn't seen that crimp remover tool, thats cheaper than the one I was looking at. Good to hear you like the universal decapping die as well.