Reloading 556 brass to use in a 223 bolt action?

[Squatchy]

Anything I should know beforehand? Im planning on starting at the lower end of the spectrum and working my way up while watching for pressure signs.

[Lycanthrope]

The brass is externally the same, but the 5.56 brass may be thicker near the base and, therefore, may have less case volume.

A lot depends on your powder. As you said, start low and watch for pressure.


Lycanvargetissafethrope

[Twoboxer]

Assuming the brass is once-fired, the only other difference you are likely to encounter is the brass is more likely to have a crimped primer. The crimp must be reamed or swaged out before re-priming.

[JenniferG]

With a bolt action you will be able neck size rather than full length resize for better accuracy.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/neck_vs_full_resizing.htm

[plinKing]

You should full length size and trim on your first loading, then neck size after they become fire formed to your chamber. Personally if extreme accuracy is the goal, pick up a box of New Lapua brass and call it a day

[WVBob]

Primer crimp, case trim, and thick brass will be the main issues. As said, you do need to do a full resize for the first load. You should also do a dummy round for fit, just to make sure your dies are set for the gun.

[markshere2]

What they all said...^^^^^^^^

[usmc21]

if you have a chronograph what would be a nice tool to have, it will tell you what bullet velocity's you are getting and also looking at the case for overpressure signs while working up from load minimums as stated in reloading manuals. i use 25.5 grains of h335 on 5.56 brass for by ar15's, however on my bolt guns i stay around 23 grains using 5.56 brass

[Bang]

After quite a few years of reloading, last summer I discovered the benefits of a Wilson case gauge. Look into it. They are worth their weight in gold.

[JenniferG]

After quite a few years of reloading, last summer I discovered the benefits of a Wilson case gauge. Look into it. They are worth their weight in gold.

You're right, I have them for all my popular calibre's. The pistol gauges work a bit differently.