Reloading for AR15, single feed

[Fast14riot]

I'm curious if reloading rounds that must be single fed in an AR15 (way beyond magazine length) would it be worth it to neck size only? These would be for one rifle only, and only for the long line at matches. Considering going to a collet die, body die and Wilson seating die. Body die I could hone out to minimum sizing if need be.

Again, this is for single fed rounds only and not magazine fed, during slow fire stages (10 shots/10 minutes).

Thoughts? Will I gain the same benefits?

 

[JAlfred]

There is real chance you would have problems chambering rounds just neck sizing. IIRC 0.003 setback is recommended as a minimum. I hnormal f and allow ave seen rounds with inadequate sizing stick up the works. Slightly oversize, BC momentum might drive them home, but they may be the devil to try and get out if things don't go your way

 

[Taildrag15X]

I think it will depend on your chamber, I've done it for XTC/Service Rifle with my Compass Lake feed off a Bob Sled.

 

[Fast14riot]

I'll still be shoulder bumping, my chamber seems to do well with .002" right now. It's primarily body sizing further down the case I'm going to reduce frequency on. Not eliminate that step entirely, but try to not work the brass so much like a SB die does.

 

[Rsadams]

I'll still be shoulder bumping, my chamber seems to do well with .002" right now. It's primarily body sizing further down the case I'm going to reduce frequency on. Not eliminate that step entirely, but try to not work the brass so much like a SB die does.

Just my 2 cents here but the AR platform is normally really harsh on brass and that seems as detrimental as anything, so I really wouldn't worry about useing SB dies.. A LOT of people get away with just useing a FL die. But the only way to tell is by doing it. That will help a little, are you useing expensive brass or something? With the small shoulder bump the brass seems to live as long as the primer pocket holds up...

 

[Fast14riot]

Feeding from the magazine in mostly overgassed guns is hard on brass. I will be single feeding, pushing the round into the chamber by hand, then closing the bolt. I also have an adjustable gas system that is turned down pretty far and I don't even get dented necks as it lobs the brass barely 3 feet away into a tiny little pile at 4 o'clock.

Brass isn't cheap (not really expensive either though), about $0.40/per for 1x fired. I can't buy new brass from the brand I use either.

More curious if there are the normal benefits to be seen by these methods in my particular case, which is pretty gentle on the brass.

 

[Shynloco]

I shoot a custom AR15 that is made up of mostly JP Precision parts. I single feed my rounds, especially when load testing. But I still FL resize all my brass. Whether that's been ingrained in me through training and readings, my casings still get beat up mostly from being tossed about when ejected, as well as markings left by the ejector/extractor. That means I don't use Lapua brass or any other "soft brass." Rather I've found Lake City brass works the best and last the longest. And cost of brass isn't a concern, nearly as much as the accuracy I get by FL resizing reliable brass. I've testing neck sizing as suggested and found it doesn't improve my score any better than does FL resizing. Additionally, I don't crimp any of my brass, especially when hand feeding as it is not necessary and won't work anyway as my OAL (for best accuracy) exceeds the allowable magazine length.

Alex

 

[Fast14riot]

Alex, we've spoken before about AR15s, I believe we are mostly on the same page for reloading, but this is also not for a 5.56. This is specifically for my 6.8 match rifle. I use S&B brass as I have found it to be excellent quality with about the most capacity as well. I quit crimping long ago as well. I only do it for stockpile 5.56 ammo.

My gun runs very smoothly, and rather gentle on brass as I do not get ejector marks (swipes) and have not seen any extractor marks either, even when running max pressure tests after I rechambered.

I think that the concerns being expressed have given me enough to go forward with my little experiment as the typical concerns about brass condition and longevity are largely not present for my particular rifle. If not, I'll just go back to my normal dies, but I think it is an avenue worth exploring to help improve cartridge concentricity.

 

[Rsadams]

Feeding from the magazine in mostly overgassed guns is hard on brass. I will be single feeding, pushing the round into the chamber by hand, then closing the bolt. I also have an adjustable gas system that is turned down pretty far and I don't even get dented necks as it lobs the brass barely 3 feet away into a tiny little pile at 4 o'clock.

Brass isn't cheap (not really expensive either though), about $0.40/per for 1x fired. I can't buy new brass from the brand I use either.

More curious if there are the normal benefits to be seen by these methods in my particular case, which is pretty gentle on the brass.

Ahh I see.. Your right in that case, 0.40 is not throw away to me either. Try a few useing your F/L dies instead of S/B. I know a lot of people that only F/L resize and don't have problems. Most of the problems I find with mine are scratching the shoulders on the feed ramps. Of course mag feeding not single feeding the rifle.. Also I just made a brass catcher for about 6 bucks that really helps.. Out of some fabric an old metal hoop I found and a peice of 4×4 I had.. Its a brass catcher I do not feel the need to spend 60 bucks on one.. That keeps them from getting dinged up a lot..

 

[Fast14riot]

Ahh I see.. Your right in that case, 0.40 is not throw away to me either. Try a few useing your F/L dies instead of S/B. I know a lot of people that only F/L resize and don't have problems. Most of the problems I find with mine are scratching the shoulders on the feed ramps. Of course mag feeding not single feeding the rifle.. Also I just made a brass catcher for about 6 bucks that really helps.. Out of some fabric an old metal hoop I found and a peice of 4×4 I had.. Its a brass catcher I do not feel the need to spend 60 bucks on one.. That keeps them from getting dinged up a lot..

I have a brass catcher I use on the rifle, just during matches I often don't put it on as I'm single feeding. One of the ranges I shoot has brass catchers available for use as well. Usually the worst damage is from someone stepping on cases!

This is not a new gun, I've about 1k rounds through it now, just looking to change things up a little bit in search of higher precision. I get much more time at the loading bench than I do at the range, plus I enjoy it.

 

[Rsadams]

I have a brass catcher I use on the rifle, just during matches I often don't put it on as I'm single feeding. One of the ranges I shoot has brass catchers available for use as well. Usually the worst damage is from someone stepping on cases!

This is not a new gun, I've about 1k rounds through it now, just looking to change things up a little bit in search of higher precision. I get much more time at the loading bench than I do at the range, plus I enjoy it.

That's really what its all about..enjoy your time at the range and on the bench.. I don't have a problem with people stepping on my brass as much as it flying out and hitting the concrete. They really do come in handy..