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  1. #1
    Tin Boats Moderator Pokie Pa's Avatar
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    Any one reloading 5.56 NATO?

    Just wondering if any one is reloading their 5.56 ammo.
    My buddy has a progressive loader and thinking of buying
    the dies and what goes with it so he can reload mine.
    If you are, what powder do you use and where do you
    get your bullets. FMJ or lead??

    I buy mine by the 1000 at around 32 cents each. Trying
    to decide if it is worth it to reload or just buy new.

    Thanks
    Tim Messer ~ Lake Ariel, Pa.
    US Army 1968 ~ 1971

    2019 Ranger RT188 ~ Merc PRO XS ~ MK Ultrex

  2. Member
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    #2
    I reload .223 on a lee loadmaster. I currently us accurate 2230 powder and Hornady FMJBT bullets. I'm still experimenting but it is a decent plinker.

  3. Member
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    #3
    Cast bullets would be a PITA for a 22 caliber centerfire.

    There are a lot of powders for that application. If using a progressive press stick with a ball powder.

    You are not really going to save any money but the ammunition will be higher quality if you handload them. Honestly since no money will really be saved I would not put that burden on a friend.

  4. Honda / Raymarine Moderator Hickory Legend's Avatar
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    #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Pokie Pa View Post
    Just wondering if any one is reloading their 5.56 ammo.
    My buddy has a progressive loader and thinking of buying
    the dies and what goes with it so he can reload mine.
    If you are, what powder do you use and where do you
    get your bullets. FMJ or lead??

    I buy mine by the 1000 at around 32 cents each. Trying
    to decide if it is worth it to reload or just buy new.

    Thanks
    What reloader does he have, Not all Progressive will do rifle rounds!!

  5. Tin Boats Moderator Pokie Pa's Avatar
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    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by Hickory Legend View Post
    What reloader does he have, Not all Progressive will do rifle rounds!!
    He now has a Lee but is getting a Dillon in a few weeks
    Tim Messer ~ Lake Ariel, Pa.
    US Army 1968 ~ 1971

    2019 Ranger RT188 ~ Merc PRO XS ~ MK Ultrex

  6. Member 65panhed's Avatar
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    #6
    I load 5.56, using Nosler brass and 77 gr. Nosler custom competition bullets on top of 24 gr reloader 15. The data is readily available on Noslers website.

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    #7

    USA

    Using cheap bullets, using your brass. You can load a 5.56mm round for about $0.22 / round. It all depends on how much your time is worth, after you purchase all your equipment. It used to save money and get better accuracy in the old days, but not so much anymore.

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    #8
    @ $.30 a round that's a tough call when you have to include the time spent doing it. It's one thing if that is all you do is shoot & reload, it's a whole other if you fish a lot & have kids/family to take care of as well.

    Reloading for me has been a down time/winter time thing to do in the past. One reason I'm trying to get back into it. Being engaged is something I like doing, sitting on my azz....not so much. Unless it's playing with my kids

  9. Tin Boats Moderator Pokie Pa's Avatar
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    #9
    Well, my buddy loves to reload. He just bought a new 550C Dillon. BUT, you are right when you say other things will
    come along now that summer is coming. We are both retired and fish alot and shoot a lot. We mainly shoot 9MM,
    .22LR and he has a .45. He reloads for them all. I dont shoot my AR as much as my others.
    I figured if I bought the dyes and the plates with all the other reloading supplies, it is cheaper to but what I normally use.
    AND if I find someone who reloads, I can sell him my 5.56 brass cheap.

    Thanks for all the replies.... here's to ya
    Tim Messer ~ Lake Ariel, Pa.
    US Army 1968 ~ 1971

    2019 Ranger RT188 ~ Merc PRO XS ~ MK Ultrex

  10. Banned
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    #10
    It would be a wash for plinking ammo. Much cheaper for match/specialty ammo that cost over $1 a round.

  11. Member StratDude's Avatar
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    #11
    I load 223 and 5.56 year round. My coyote load is a 55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip on top of 24gr of IMR4895.
    I also load subsonic 223's for when shooting with a suppressor. 77gr Sierra on top of 3.2gr of Universal.
    I use these in 3 different Colt AR's and a Ruger #1 Varmint.
    1999 Ranger R91 / Mercury 200 EFI.

  12. Banned
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    #12
    Quote Originally Posted by StratDude View Post
    I load 223 and 5.56 year round. My coyote load is a 55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip on top of 24gr of IMR4895.
    I also load subsonic 223's for when shooting with a suppressor. 77gr Sierra on top of 3.2gr of Universal.
    I use these in 3 different Colt AR's and a Ruger #1 Varmint.
    I imagine you can't buy those for 30c a round

  13. Member StratDude's Avatar
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    #13
    I've never figured up the cost per round. I get all of my brass for free from work.
    1999 Ranger R91 / Mercury 200 EFI.

  14. Member
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    #14
    Also using a 55 grain Ballistic tip but I use Varget powder. It does a number on coyotes.

    NoCAL
    2004TR-21X/2015 250 ProXS
    2B112175

  15. Member
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    #15
    It's hard to justify reloading plinking ammo, but if you need a premium bullet tailored to your gun, then it can be worth it.

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    #16
    I reload everything except .50BMG. Haven't broke down and bought the press and dies to do it. Don't shoot it enough to warrant the expense.

    Almost everything I load is done on a Dillon 650 for plinking ammo. 9, 45, 5.56, 7.62, .308, .300, 7mm WSM. I have a rock chucker single stage for loading precision and hunting rounds.

  17. Member StratDude's Avatar
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    #17
    Quote Originally Posted by Riccochet View Post
    I reload everything except .50BMG. Haven't broke down and bought the press and dies to do it. Don't shoot it enough to warrant the expense.

    Almost everything I load is done on a Dillon 650 for plinking ammo. 9, 45, 5.56, 7.62, .308, .300, 7mm WSM. I have a rock chucker single stage for loading precision and hunting rounds.
    I sold a Dillon Square Deal last year. Never used it. I still have a couple other Dillons attached to the bench. I use a couple single stage presses for everything.
    1999 Ranger R91 / Mercury 200 EFI.