Why Reload Your 5.56 Ammunition?
The reasons for embracing the art of reloading are numerous and compelling. At the forefront is the potential for significant cost savings. Commercial ammunition prices fluctuate, and often, they can be surprisingly steep. Reloading, while involving an initial investment in equipment, allows you to significantly reduce the per-round cost. By sourcing components like bullets, primers, powder, and cases separately, the cost per round drops substantially over time.
Beyond mere economics, reloading unlocks the door to customization. You gain the ability to tailor your ammunition to your specific rifle and shooting preferences. This means experimenting with different bullet weights, powder types, and charge weights to optimize accuracy and performance. Want a lighter load for target practice? Reloading gives you that control. Need a heavy bullet for hunting? The same principle applies. The factory loads, while reliable, are often designed to be a “one size fits most” approach. Reloading allows you to fine-tune your ammunition.
Finally, reloading is often touted as a source of immense satisfaction for many firearm enthusiasts. It allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of your firearms and the science of ballistics. The act of crafting your own ammunition, meticulously assembling each component, and then witnessing its performance on the range is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Safety First: The Foundation of Reloading
The world of reloading demands a paramount commitment to safety. It’s not a hobby to be taken lightly, as errors can have serious consequences. Before embarking on this journey, it’s crucial to understand the inherent risks involved and to approach every step with meticulous attention to detail.
When working with reloading, eye protection should always be worn. This protects your eyes from the small flying debris that can easily occur in the reloading process. Ear protection is also essential, shielding your hearing from the potentially damaging noise produced by the primers and the subsequent firing of your rounds. Work in a well-ventilated area. Primers and powder can produce fumes, so ensure adequate airflow to minimize any risks of inhaling these substances.
Never, under any circumstances, exceed the maximum load data specified in your reloading manual. Overcharging a cartridge can lead to catastrophic failures, resulting in serious injury to yourself and damage to your firearms. Start with the minimum suggested loads and gradually work your way up, always observing for signs of pressure issues.
Thoroughly inspect every component before use. Brass casings should be checked for cracks, dents, or any signs of wear. Bullets must be in good condition without imperfections. Primers must be handled with care. Always maintain a clean and organized workspace to prevent mistakes.
Reloading is a process that demands focus. Approach it one task at a time. Avoid distractions. Follow established reloading procedures. If you’re unsure of any step, consult your reloading manual or seek guidance from experienced reloaders.
Essential Reloading Equipment
Reloading requires a specific set of tools and equipment, forming the foundation for creating safe and accurate ammunition. A reloading press is the cornerstone, providing the mechanical force needed for various operations like resizing, de-priming, priming, and seating bullets. Hornady dies, known for their precision and durability, are often a popular choice and the type of die you select makes a big impact. Ensure that you choose the appropriate die set for the specific 5.56 bullets you intend to load.
A reliable scale is essential for measuring powder charges with accuracy. A digital scale offers convenience and often provides greater precision, allowing you to measure and weigh your powder charges precisely. A case trimmer is crucial for ensuring that your cases are trimmed to the proper length, a critical factor in consistent performance. Cleaning primers from the primer pockets is important, and the case has to be cleaned. The primer pocket cleaner, whether manual or powered, helps to remove carbon, old primer residue, and debris, which makes the seating of the new primers much easier.
Calipers allow you to measure the overall length of your loaded cartridges, ensuring they fit in your rifle’s magazine and chamber correctly. Case lube facilitates the resizing process, preventing cases from sticking in the dies and potentially causing damage. A loading block holds the cases upright during the loading process, keeping everything organized and easy to manage. A priming tool, whether integral to the reloading press or a separate hand-held device, seats the primers into the primer pockets. A powder measure dispenses the precise amount of powder into each case.
Understanding Hornady 5.56 Bullet Choices
Hornady offers a diverse range of bullets suitable for 5.56 reloading, each designed for specific purposes and rifle configurations. Selecting the right bullet is crucial for achieving the desired accuracy and performance.
The V-MAX bullet, a favorite among varmint hunters and target shooters, is engineered for rapid fragmentation upon impact. Its thin jacket and polymer tip contribute to exceptional accuracy and devastating terminal performance.
The FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullet is a classic choice for general target shooting and training exercises. Its robust construction and simple design make it a reliable and cost-effective option.
Soft point bullets are often favored for hunting applications, providing controlled expansion and deeper penetration.
Hollow point bullets, known for their controlled expansion and terminal performance, are commonly used in self-defense and hunting situations.
The GMX (Gilding Metal eXpanding) bullet is a lead-free option, designed for hunters in areas where lead-free bullets are mandated. It offers excellent weight retention and penetration.
Beyond these core bullet types, Hornady provides several other options. The ELD-Match bullets, designed for competitive shooting, offer exceptional ballistic coefficients and superior long-range performance.
When choosing a bullet, consider the intended use. Are you primarily targeting paper targets, or do you intend to hunt varmints or medium-sized game? Match the bullet type to your application. Also, consider the twist rate of your rifle’s barrel. Rifles with faster twist rates (e.g., 1:7 or 1:8) often stabilize heavier bullets more effectively. Finally, think about the ballistic performance you desire. Consider the bullet’s sectional density, ballistic coefficient, and terminal performance characteristics.
Hornady 5.56 Reloading Data Examples
*Disclaimer: The following data is for informational purposes only. Always consult a current and reliable reloading manual (such as the Hornady reloading manual) and exercise extreme caution when reloading. The author is not responsible for any damages or injury resulting from the use of this data. Always start with the minimum recommended load and work up gradually while monitoring for pressure signs.*
To illustrate reloading with Hornady bullets, let’s look at some specific examples using commonly available powders.
Example 1: Hornady V-MAX 55gr Bullet
- Powder Options: Varget, Reloder 15, Hodgdon H335
- Primer: Small Rifle (e.g., CCI 400, Federal 205)
- Case: Properly prepared 5.56 brass (trimmed to 1.750″)
- Starting Load (Varget): 24.0 grains, approximately 3000 fps
- Maximum Load (Varget): 26.0 grains, approximately 3300 fps (Consult your manual – *always start lower and work up*)
- Overall Length (OAL): 2.250″
- Notes: Always begin with the starting load and carefully observe for pressure signs. Be cautious of temperature sensitivity when using H335.
Example 2: Hornady FMJ 62gr Bullet
- Powder Options: BL-C(2), IMR 4895
- Primer: Small Rifle
- Case: Properly prepared 5.56 brass (trimmed to 1.750″)
- Starting Load (BL-C(2)): 23.5 grains, approximately 2750 fps
- Maximum Load (BL-C(2)): 25.5 grains, approximately 3000 fps (Consult your manual – *always start lower and work up*)
- Overall Length (OAL): 2.250″
- Notes: OAL is critical for function and accuracy. Consult your reloading manual for specific recommendations for each powder.
Example 3: Hornady GMX 60gr Bullet
- Powder Options: Varget, CFE223
- Primer: Small Rifle
- Case: Properly prepared 5.56 brass (trimmed to 1.750″)
- Starting Load (Varget): 25.0 grains, approximately 3100 fps
- Maximum Load (Varget): 27.0 grains, approximately 3400 fps (Consult your manual – *always start lower and work up*)
- Overall Length (OAL): 2.250″
- Notes: Lead-free bullets generally require slightly higher pressure than lead-core bullets to achieve optimal performance.
Selecting Your Powders
The choice of powder plays a critical role in the performance of your reloads. Consider burn rate. Faster-burning powders are generally suited for lighter bullets, while slower-burning powders are often preferred for heavier bullets. Availability is another factor. Select powders that you can readily obtain. Accuracy potential is a key consideration. Research which powders are known to deliver the best accuracy with the specific bullet you are using. Temperature sensitivity is important if you plan to shoot in varying weather conditions. Some powders are more susceptible to changes in temperature than others.
Preparing Your Cases
Preparing your brass casings is a crucial step in the reloading process. Begin by cleaning your cases, removing any dirt, debris, or residue. Tumbling in a vibratory tumbler with media is a common and effective method. Next, trim the cases to the correct length. 5.56 cases should typically be trimmed to 1.750″. Then, clean and swage or ream the primer pockets, ensuring that the primers seat properly.
The Reloading Process: Step by Step
Once you’ve gathered your equipment and components, it’s time to start the reloading process.
First, start with case preparation by ensuring cases are cleaned, trimmed, and primer pockets are cleaned.
Next, prime the cases, using your priming tool, seating the primer flush with the case head.
Carefully measure and charge each case with the appropriate powder charge. Using a powder measure ensures consistent charges, which is critical for accuracy.
Seat the bullet to the correct overall length (OAL). OAL is a critical dimension that affects both accuracy and function. Consult your reloading manual for the recommended OAL for the bullet you are using.
If required, crimp the bullet. Crimping helps secure the bullet in the case and can improve the consistency of ignition, particularly in semi-automatic rifles. Not all bullets require crimping.
Finally, inspect each loaded round for any defects. Look for any issues with the bullet seating, powder charge, or primer seating.
Troubleshooting and Identifying Problems
Even with careful preparation and execution, reloading can sometimes present challenges. Here are some common troubleshooting steps and how to identify potential problems.
Overpressure can manifest itself in various ways. Flattened primers, primers with cratering around the firing pin indentation, or primers that show a significant amount of flow are all indications of excessive pressure. Also, if the bolt extraction becomes difficult, that may indicate over pressure.
Accuracy issues can stem from several sources. Observe and analyze the group patterns on your target. Ensure proper bullet seating depth. Incorrect seating depth can significantly impact accuracy. Use the correct powder charge. Adjust the powder charge, working your way up from the starting load. Confirm that your rifle’s twist rate is compatible with the bullet you are using.
Conclusion: Reloading Success with Hornady Bullets
Reloading your 5.56 ammunition with Hornady bullets offers a path toward precision, cost savings, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of your firearms. By carefully following these steps, you can create ammunition that meets your exact shooting needs. Always remember that safety is the most important element. Consult and rely on Hornady’s reloading manuals and other reputable sources for the most up-to-date and accurate data.
As you delve into the world of reloading, always treat the process with respect. Take your time, remain focused, and enjoy the rewarding experience of crafting your own ammunition.
