223 Brass

[K22]

If nothing else, spent brass has salvage value.

The main reason I reload today is to have a constant supply of consistent precision ammo that is tuned to my rifle. With the never-ending changing supply chain, one cannot rely on a reliable supply of factory ammo that you found is tuned to your rifle. Also, the finicky world of shooting which is heavily influenced by marketing ploys is constantly changing creating a need where one does not exist. Just look at the proliferation of new cartridges! How does a gun shop begin to stock all those cartridges.

If you are blaster or casual shooter, then this is not an issue. Just about anything will do to play Rambo blasting away. But if you are a precision shooter and / or varmint hunter, reloading can make a significant performance difference.

 

[jelenko]

If I were looking for less than 1 MOA accuracy [or even less than 3/4 MOA accuracy] I would separate them by headstamp because the internal capacity could vary and try them out.

 

[Zonkers]

Great advice here and decided to continue keeping and storing my brass. I thoroughly enjoy accuracy and never satisfied with the current status quo.

I reload shotgun shells, so can relate to reloading being a hobby and understand it’s not for some.

Now, do I buy a kit or purchase equipment individually knowing that I will want to progress using other equipment (powder measuring, scale, etc.).

Thanks everyone for getting me stoked.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Great advice here and decided to continue keeping and storing my brass. I thoroughly enjoy accuracy and never satisfied with the current status quo.

I reload shotgun shells, so can relate to reloading being a hobby and understand it’s not for some.

Now, do I buy a kit or purchase equipment individually knowing that I will want to progress using other equipment (powder measuring, scale, etc.).

Thanks everyone for getting me stoked.

Definitely buy individual pieces, heck ask for opinions on each piece here on this forum.Everyone here loves to share there experiences and it would likely save you some do-overs on your purchases.
Being realistic, you could buy all the good ammo that your rifle likes cheaper than all the goodie’s it takes for this hobby.

 

[vonb]

If you've been shooting long enough, you've seen times where ammo and components are through the roof. Range brass left by someone has intrinsic value whether for reloading (yes, you can produce small groups with it) or salvage value. I'll pick up all the once fired brass that is readily available at my feet.

I use it for p-dog shoots. Much of it was range pickup and was able to make up 629 yard hits with the lowly .223 and 55 grain loads tuned for that rifle. While it's not Lapua, it will put a smile on your face once you find a great load for your gun.

 

[joshb]

Definitely buy individual pieces, heck ask for opinions on each piece here on this forum.Everyone here loves to share there experiences and it would likely save you some do-overs on your purchases.
Being realistic, you could buy all the good ammo that your rifle likes cheaper than all the goodie’s it takes for this hobby.

This may be the first time I think you should be smacked! NEVER pull a guy away from the rabbit hole! A gentle nudge is required here!
Forget all the electronic gadgets.
Buy:
A used Rockchucker press.
A Scott Parker tuned scale.
A used RCBS powder thrower.
A set of RCBS 223 dies and shell holder.
An inside/outside chamfer tool.
A Frankford Arsenal priming tool.
A tin of Imperial sizing wax.
A Little Crow 223 trimmer.
A set of Hornady shoulder and bullet guages.
A good set of calipers.
That should run about $750-800 and allow you to reload your own shells for a long time.
If you stop, you can sell out and get 90% of your investment back if you buy and sell wisely.
Glad to help!
Merry Christmas!

 

[Kracken McGraw]

This may be the first time I think you should be smacked! NEVER pull a guy away from the rabbit hole! A gentle nudge is required here!
Forget all the electronic gadgets.
Buy:
A used Rockchucker press.
A Scott Parker tuned scale.
A used RCBS powder thrower.
A set of RCBS 223 dies and shell holder.
An inside/outside chamfer tool.
A Frankford Arsenal priming tool.
A tin of Imperial sizing wax.
A Little Crow 223 trimmer.
A set of Hornady shoulder and bullet guages.
A good set of calipers.
That should run about $750-800 and allow you to reload your own shells for a long time.
If you stop, you can sell out and get 90% of your investment back if you buy and sell wisely.
Glad to help!
Merry Christmas!

Great recommendations!

 

[joshb]

Great recommendations!

Just to be clear: I don’t think you should be smacked. I was kidding!

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Just to be clear

Yes yes, I had a weak moment about getting too deep in the Rabbit Hole.
This really is a great and enjoyable hobby and you’re efforts are rewarded in accuracy and the pride of building the load yourself.

 

[Cecil S.]

Great advice here and decided to continue keeping and storing my brass. I thoroughly enjoy accuracy and never satisfied with the current status quo.

I reload shotgun shells, so can relate to reloading being a hobby and understand it’s not for some.

Now, do I buy a kit or purchase equipment individually knowing that I will want to progress using other equipment (powder measuring, scale, etc.).

Thanks everyone for getting me stoked.

Keep an eye on the buy/sell on this site very good deals pop up. But buy with your wallet and buy time tested equipment. The addiction is nice.

 

[Jim Crownover]

I've been a chronic brass scrounger and handloader for 60 years. Just today, I stopped on the dirt road near our house and picked up 262 rounds of once-fired PPU headstamp brass, of which 86 percent were not bent up by passing traffic. I guess Santy Claus got someone an AR-15 and a few magazines of ammo for Christmas. Fresh brass is like finding money for me. Our prairie dogs fail to see the difference between once-fired pick up brass and new Lapua brass.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Pmc factory ammo gives some good es\sd in my buddies gun. When I reloaded my fiochi brass it gave terrible numbers like 150 fps es no matter the load.

I suggest learning to load with that pmc brass. You for sure will ruin some brass in the beginning. Once you have it down you can try some lapua or whatever.

 

[searcher]

If you keep your brass segregated and don't load it to the upper reaches in respect to charge weight, your brass will do just fine for the uses you outlined. Don't get caught up with the guys who say cheap brass shoots poorly or that you should expect poor accuracy as compared to the premium brands. There are lots of guys out there that have loads worked up with "cheap brass" that outshine loads some guys use in matches while employing custom rifles and the best brass. It is not to say the cheap brass is just as good - just that it doesn't, on average, shoot as poorly as some might suggest. If you have a great load worked up, it will likely shoot good with more than one brand of brass with minor tweaking. If the past is any indicator, it would be unwise to not keep your fired brass unless you have more than you will ever need. I think these are the "good old days" of the future. Afterall, who really thinks that in 20 years, we will have fewer restrictions and lower cost than today?