.223 questions. - The Firearms Forum

ChuckR · 12-04-2011, 03:14 PM

Hi guys,
I have a question on loading .223 soft tip bullets. First, I have reloaded 9mm, 30-06 and .223 FMJ without seeing this problem. But when I am reloading, using a FMJ soft point bullet, I seat the bullet and get a light ring indentation on the bullet where the die presses against the bullet when seating. The bullet does seat properly with no other problems. I can not get rid of this ring. I do not see this if I am using just a FMJ bullet. Both bullets are hornady 55gr, just that one is a soft point. What can I do to get rid of this ring mark or does it matter? I have cleaned the die and readjusted with no luck.

My 2nd question is, do .223 need to be crimped? I do put a very light crimp on my 9mm and have done it on my 30-06, but the more I read, the more it seems that you should not crimp rifle ammo except in certian circumstances such as magnums ect. As usual thanks for any input you can give.

Chuck

JLA · 12-04-2011, 03:59 PM

crimp if its for a semi auto, dont bother if its for a bolt action, lever action, pump action or singleshot. That ring is from the seater stem. you can polish the seater plug with a bullet and some lapping compound and it will minimize the ring, but it doesnt hurt anything. SP bullets will mark near the tip like that because the jacket is really thin to facilitate expansion. FMJs dont because the tip is closed jacket material and very sturdy.

steve4102 · 12-05-2011, 07:49 AM

My 223 is a Semi-Auto and I crimp all it's ammo with the Lee Factory Crimp Die.

cpttango30 · 12-05-2011, 08:42 AM

If your ring is on your ogive then it is the die. My hornady dies do this to the real thin jacket 50gr V-Max bullets. What I do is make sure every round is chamfered and deburred then I go REAL slow when I feel the bullet contact the seating rod part of the die. If I do that it doesn't give me the ring.

ChuckR · 12-05-2011, 07:50 PM

Guys,
THANKS for all your inputs, you guys have helped me immensely over the last few months. This has got to be the best reloading forum I know of.

Chuck

12-04-2011, 03:14 PM	#1
ChuckR Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South East Michigan Posts: 32	.223 questions. Hi guys, I have a question on loading .223 soft tip bullets. First, I have reloaded 9mm, 30-06 and .223 FMJ without seeing this problem. But when I am reloading, using a FMJ soft point bullet, I seat the bullet and get a light ring indentation on the bullet where the die presses against the bullet when seating. The bullet does seat properly with no other problems. I can not get rid of this ring. I do not see this if I am using just a FMJ bullet. Both bullets are hornady 55gr, just that one is a soft point. What can I do to get rid of this ring mark or does it matter? I have cleaned the die and readjusted with no luck. My 2nd question is, do .223 need to be crimped? I do put a very light crimp on my 9mm and have done it on my 30-06, but the more I read, the more it seems that you should not crimp rifle ammo except in certian circumstances such as magnums ect. As usual thanks for any input you can give. Chuck -->

12-04-2011, 03:59 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,327	Re: .223 questions. crimp if its for a semi auto, dont bother if its for a bolt action, lever action, pump action or singleshot. That ring is from the seater stem. you can polish the seater plug with a bullet and some lapping compound and it will minimize the ring, but it doesnt hurt anything. SP bullets will mark near the tip like that because the jacket is really thin to facilitate expansion. FMJs dont because the tip is closed jacket material and very sturdy. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

12-05-2011, 07:49 AM	#3
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: .223 questions. My 223 is a Semi-Auto and I crimp all it's ammo with the Lee Factory Crimp Die.

12-05-2011, 08:42 AM	#4
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: .223 questions. If your ring is on your ogive then it is the die. My hornady dies do this to the real thin jacket 50gr V-Max bullets. What I do is make sure every round is chamfered and deburred then I go REAL slow when I feel the bullet contact the seating rod part of the die. If I do that it doesn't give me the ring.

12-05-2011, 07:50 PM	#5
ChuckR Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South East Michigan Posts: 32	Re: .223 questions. Guys, THANKS for all your inputs, you guys have helped me immensely over the last few months. This has got to be the best reloading forum I know of. Chuck