I'm gonna be building an AR soon and would like to reload for it. I already reload for my handguns in 9mm Luger & Steyr/.40/.380/.38 & .357, but this is my first rifle and first time reloading for a rifle cartridge. I've heard the process is different in a few regards, notablely that I would need to lube the case or just the neck (inside and out), the need to chamfer and debur the head, and case trimming. A questions for the experts here:
I - What method of lubing tends to be the best? I've read of using a pab, spray bottle and a few other one's.
II - What is the deal with case trimming? Why does it need to be done, how do I do it and what tools do I need?
III - Correct me if I'm wrong but 5.56 is a hotter version of .223. Is the case any different, do shooters actually reload 5.56 or just load .223 hotter, and is the primer in fact more difficult to knock out or is that just for military surplus ammo? I don't think I've ever actually seen 5.56 for sale outside of gun shows anyway.
IV - Right now I figure 1k rounds of regular 115gr 9mm ball is about $240 at Walmart. It costs me about $90 to reload 1k rounds of 124gr lead 9mm, so I'm saving a lot and still able to shoot a lot more. Can anybody break down what I could expect to save in terms of reloading .223 instead of buying it (not counting stuff like die's, initial brass etc.)?
V - Handgun brass seems to last forever, I've heard this isn't the case with rifle. How many averagely charged loads can I realistically expect to get out of my brass?
Sorry for the long questions, I like to thoroughly research stuff before I dive in. Thanks for your help.
I - What method of lubing tends to be the best? I've read of using a pab, spray bottle and a few other one's.
II - What is the deal with case trimming? Why does it need to be done, how do I do it and what tools do I need?
III - Correct me if I'm wrong but 5.56 is a hotter version of .223. Is the case any different, do shooters actually reload 5.56 or just load .223 hotter, and is the primer in fact more difficult to knock out or is that just for military surplus ammo? I don't think I've ever actually seen 5.56 for sale outside of gun shows anyway.
IV - Right now I figure 1k rounds of regular 115gr 9mm ball is about $240 at Walmart. It costs me about $90 to reload 1k rounds of 124gr lead 9mm, so I'm saving a lot and still able to shoot a lot more. Can anybody break down what I could expect to save in terms of reloading .223 instead of buying it (not counting stuff like die's, initial brass etc.)?
V - Handgun brass seems to last forever, I've heard this isn't the case with rifle. How many averagely charged loads can I realistically expect to get out of my brass?
Sorry for the long questions, I like to thoroughly research stuff before I dive in. Thanks for your help.