Reloading for an AR

I use lee dies, including the factory crimp on all semi auto loads.
I have never "bumped" the shoulder back on any loads, and have not had issues.
 
When I refer to "bumping the shoulder", it is not an extra step in the process, just means setting sizing die to restore case back to spec. I kept an extra sizing die for 30-06 and .308 set to push shoulder back an extra .001 or so for my gas guns. Didn't shoot a .223 bolt gun, so die was set for the AR.
 
If you set up most FL sizing die by the factory instructions with the same brand shell holder you will be sizing to SAAMI headspace tolerance. With Redding if you read carefully, you are sizing to minimum SAAMI length. Which for most factory chambers is not needed. You want to set sizing die using fully formed LUBED brass. Using several cases that chamber with some extra bolt closing effort(bolt action). Than for hunting rounds you screw the die towards the shell holder in small increments(1/16 or less) of a turn of the die until the sized lube FREE brass chamber properly. I strip the bolt(bolt guns) to test brass to chamber fit. Hunting ammo, the stripped bolt must fall closed by itself, no additional effort.
AR's are different because chambering to set up sizing die can result in the brass shoulder moving(sizing down ) from the spring pressure of the action closing. The easy route to properly sizing AR brass is an ammo checking tool, like the Lyman ammo checkers. You can verify brass is sized to SAAMI spec and check finished ammo, so no surprise hard to chamber(forward assist needed to go into battery) and no mortor extraction to remove a stuck live round( not safe).
 
spotstalkshoot said:
AR's are different because chambering to set up sizing die can result in the brass shoulder moving(sizing down ) from the spring pressure of the action closing.
Click to expand...
Tru dat!
I experienced an interesting example of "chamber sizing" with a super light load suggested by a Sierra tech for 30-06.
While chatting ballistics with him I bragged on the Sierra 190 gr Match Kings for longer range match shooting,
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and he asked if I ever shot100 yard reduced matches. I did and he suggested a very reduced load of Unique behind that bullet, claiming outstanding short range groups. Of course I had to give it a try, and sure enough......groups were outstanding......as long as there were no wind shifts. You wouldn't believe what a wind switch can do to that lumbering 190 in the extended amount of time it takes to travel 100 yards at a snail's pace. :ROFLMAO:
Back to the epiphany of chamber sizing. During my trials w/this load, I learned the just the repeated force of the Mod. 70 firing pin striking the loaded round drives the cartridge forward w/sufficient force to push the shoulder back enough to increase headspace and the reduced load does not stretch brass back to chamber length, requiring either fire forming or replacing brass after only a few cycles.
That reduced loading was a tack driver, but didn't work well in our S. TX winds.
 
spotstalkshoot said:
If you set up most FL sizing die by the factory instructions with the same brand shell holder you will be sizing to SAAMI headspace tolerance. With Redding if you read carefully, you are sizing to minimum SAAMI length. Which for most factory chambers is not needed. You want to set sizing die using fully formed LUBED brass. Using several cases that chamber with some extra bolt closing effort(bolt action). Than for hunting rounds you screw the die towards the shell holder in small increments(1/16 or less) of a turn of the die until the sized lube FREE brass chamber properly. I strip the bolt(bolt guns) to test brass to chamber fit. Hunting ammo, the stripped bolt must fall closed by itself, no additional effort.
AR's are different because chambering to set up sizing die can result in the brass shoulder moving(sizing down ) from the spring pressure of the action closing. The easy route to properly sizing AR brass is an ammo checking tool, like the Lyman ammo checkers. You can verify brass is sized to SAAMI spec and check finished ammo, so no surprise hard to chamber(forward assist needed to go into battery) and no mortor extraction to remove a stuck live round( not safe).
Click to expand...
I'm liking the idea of the "ammo checkers"...(y)(y)
 
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