Casting for the 223

[shamanlcs]

Anybody using the lee 225 molds? I just picked up one and cast a few round nose ..Not sure haow they will run in an ar. Shorter than a sierra 50 grain 224 .Any OAL advice?

[Garyshome]

Not yet, but real soon [in the next couple of weeks].

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

is your AR a 1:7 ?

[shamanlcs]

Colt m4 le6920 ? 1 in 10 I think

[shamanlcs]

Correction 1:7

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Bottom line:
I think the Bator is a poor choice for AR, mostly I believe the short design doesn't stabilize well in the typical fast twists barrels.

I had a AR with a 1:9 and had poor results with the Lee Bator, I assume that it was, what I just stated. But others here have reported the Lee Bator does OK in a 1:9 ...so maybe it was me and/or my reloading practices? BUT, I did have great success with the 22 Bator in slower twist 22 hornets and also a 222rem.

I've never owned a 1:7
But I read plenty here and I haven't read that anyone (that I know well enough to trust) have success with a 1:7 AR with the Lee Bator.

[upnorthwis]

I use the RCBS 55 grain RN. As far as OAL is concerned, no matter what boolit you use, it absolutely must be crimped or you will have feeding issues. My load is 21.5 gr. AA2520. Gives me 2500 fps. in 1:9" twist. Boolit is GC and PC. Sized .226 Shoots 2-1/2" at 100 yd. Good enough for 3-Gun.

[runfiverun]

Bator is a poor choice for the ar rifles the nose and bearing length will kill you.

[trixter]

There are better choices for the AR. But just so you know I shoot them in my Mossberg MVP Bolt gun with great success.

[tbierley]

I saw this thread I have been casting the Lee Bator bullet for my AR. I powder coat them and gas check them. I set the bullet to between the first and second lube groove. My loads are 20grs of H4895 and 21grs of BLC2. They work the action and no lead. These targets are set at 50yds.

[bangerjim]

There are better choices for the AR. But just so you know I shoot them in my Mossberg MVP Bolt gun with great success.


Likewise......excelent success and accuracy in my Mossy. Don't have or want an AR.

Those little Bator pills are a PITA to cast (6 banger mold only!), coat (PC/lube), GC, and load. I PC them using the BBDT & dump on hardware cloth method. NO GC's below ~1400. CU GC' above.

Have read numerous times the Bator is NOT suited for good success in the AR as mentioned above.

But for full factory loads I still use FMJ BT's for speed and accuracy. And those WILL shoot in any 223/5.56!

bangerjim