Rookie question, I have a 2 die lee set and I bought an additional factory crimp die. Do I need to seat the bullet and then go back and crimp it with the crimp die, or just use the crimp die in place of the seating die that came with the set?
The FCD is used as a third step. It will not seat a bullet.Rookie question, I have a 2 die lee set and I bought an additional factory crimp die. Do I need to seat the bullet and then go back and crimp it with the crimp die, or just use the crimp die in place of the seating die that came with the set?
The FCD is used as a third step. It will not seat a bullet.
If you are going that route, set your seating die up high so it doesn't crimp at all, just seats the bullet.
The Lee FCD is the only way to go for good quality crimps.
That being said, I do not crimp rifle rounds and have not had any setback issues. The 5.56 doesn't have enough recoil for it to be an issue anyways.
Test crimps on paper. Some guys swear that a crimp helps groups, others say they kill groups. I tend to agree with the latter group but everybody's experience is different.
Yes.Cool, thanks. By testing on paper I assume you mean targets to verify groups correct?
Definitely. Making ammo accurate for your rifle is a process, but definitely worth it to find the correct bullet weight, shape, and powder charge.I need approximately 600 rounds of match grade ammo for a rifle class in November. If I started working up my own loads now, could I reasonably expect to make my own match grade ammo? For instance if I planned on being very methodical and make only 20-30 rounds at a time, in no sort of hurry?
I need approximately 600 rounds of match grade ammo for a rifle class in November. If I started working up my own loads now, could I reasonably expect to make my own match grade ammo? For instance if I planned on being very methodical and make only 20-30 rounds at a time, in no sort of hurry?
Of course you can achieve match grade. Takes study, practice and experience. But I would absolutely not just load up 600 and then go shoot. Much better to figure out you made a mistake in a batch of 5 or 10 than 600. Start slow. Check and optimize accuracy. Learn by making a few mistakes. Don't overpressure rounds. Learn to identify the tells of overpressure when it starts. Respect it. Learning the hard way can cost an eye, hand or even your life...
Read a hand loading manual from a major manufacturer. Reference it as you go. You will get it. But not overnight. It's worth it as it can improve accuracy dramatically.
What class are you taking that uses 600 rounds?
Of course you can achieve match grade. Takes study, practice and experience. But I would absolutely not just load up 600 and then go shoot. Much better to figure out you made a mistake in a batch of 5 or 10 than 600. Start slow. Check and optimize accuracy. Learn by making a few mistakes. Don't overpressure rounds. Learn to identify the tells of overpressure when it starts. Respect it. Learning the hard way can cost an eye, hand or even your life...
Read a hand loading manual from a major manufacturer. Reference it as you go. You will get it. But not overnight. It's worth it as it can improve accuracy dramatically.
What class are you taking that uses 600 rounds?
Well I found some Ramshot Tac at Natchez, ordered the last 2 lbs they had. Of course there was 5/6 lbs at the gun show today, so I picked up another lb.
I also picked up some powder to try out my 208 grn sub sonic 300 blk.
I picked up a lb of CFE 223 which is supposed to clean copper fouling in ARs to try out on some plinking 55grn bullets.
I am all in now, hope to maybe load up a batch this weekend and get to the range over memorial day.
Well I found some Ramshot Tac at Natchez, ordered the last 2 lbs they had. Of course there was 5/6 lbs at the gun show today, so I picked up another lb.
I also picked up some powder to try out my 208 grn sub sonic 300 blk.
I picked up a lb of CFE 223 which is supposed to clean copper fouling in ARs to try out on some plinking 55grn bullets.
I am all in now, hope to maybe load up a batch this weekend and get to the range over memorial day.
My AR loves Varget (26.1 gr.) with a 55 gr. FMJ it will do a 3/8" three shot group if I do my part.
I need approximately 600 rounds of match grade ammo for a rifle class in November. If I started working up my own loads now, could I reasonably expect to make my own match grade ammo? For instance if I planned on being very methodical and make only 20-30 rounds at a time, in no sort of hurry?