Howdy guys. I've decided to slowly creep in, out of the woodwork,0000................ after spending over a year lurking.... Let's see if I can do this without upsetting the fine balance here. lol
When I joined the forum I was interested in learning to reload for my 1911. That got put on the back burner due to work. Technically all thoughts of reloading were put aside due to time constraints. Now that I have a bit more free time to consider which egg I want to crack first... I'm leaning towards the .223/5.56 arena- specifically the dreaded AR platform. Now before the groans begin and folks get fired up... I really have tried to read up as much as I could both here and on other forums. In all honestly I have not reloaded a single round so I cannot speak from any kind of experience. But because of that it's why I am here asking questions. From reading over the many threads available with the search function I have not yet arrived at what I consider a good starting point. Mainly being which darned mold to buy. Being a tinkerer and a fairly creative and inquisitive person I have absolutely no problems with starting from scratch and learning the finite details of the mold, the powder charge and all the details while developing a load that works for me. I'm excited about that part.What I am confused on or at least at a stand still on is which mold to pursue first? What do I want?
From the reading I have managed I have figured that most (not all, by any means!) that have switched to powder coating for any given caliber are quite happy with the results. From this I have gathered that gas checks in these situations are not as vital. This may vary per caliber or bullet style. I like the idea of powder coating as a step vs. adding a gas check. Not that one is any easier or faster or vice versa. Apples to oranges. I am looking for a good mold in which to use as a building block for an AR round. Something non gas checked if powder coating really is the way to go. Is the Lee .225 55 the way to go? The RCBS 22 055 sp 22? Some say that a gas checked bullet is fine when it is powder coated, the gas check not added, and loaded as is.
When it comes to powders I have tried to get a variety in brands and varieties while I'm out and about. Some day I would like to reload for all the pistol and rifle calibers I own and use but that's not in the cards as far as time goes at the moment. I have enough of the mainly recommended powders to provide any number of avenues to start from.
My intent is not for competition-worthy grouping. I am simply looking for a round that will be worth taking to the range and practicing drills and punching paper with. Live fire for training in which to build muscle memory and see semi-accurate results without getting too discouraged. I want something that will go down range and hit the target, do its job to protect me and that's it. I don't need sub MOA grouping at 1,300,452,543.55372 yards. I don't need all the frills. I just need something basic, that works. Because I have not reloaded or cast before I know that this post probably blatantly screams my inexperience to the four corners of the earth. But this is the best way I could think of to broach the subject. Everyone has to start somewhere!
So again... I humbly ask... is there a preferred NON gas checked bullet mold/style that can be powder coated in .223/5.56 (maybe close to 62 grain), used in a standard issue 16" AR and function on a basic level with an accuracy suited for live fire drills and for basic protection at 150 yards or less?
Thank you so much for reading through this loooooong Wednesday evening monologue! lol
Scuffy
*plate carrier and flame retardant suit on!*