Ok you talked me into it. I am going to try PC some 223's

[A pause for the COZ]

I have been kind of interested in trying this with some 223 boolits.
Most of the posts I have read pertain to powder coating pistol bullets.
Since I have many ways of lubing sizing pistol and 30 cal rifle bullets.
That work well with no leading. That has not really caught my interest.

223/5.56 out of my AR, thats a different story. I only have one way to lube/size them, and I feel there is room for improvement on a load.
I am curious to see if I can get a better plinking load for my AR.
Will See.

Yesterday Jan 1st I noticed that Harbor Freight had a 25% off coupon running that day. So I took the plunge and ordered the Powder coat machine and a bottle of the red powder coat paint.

Now I just need to figure out a way to coat the boolets with out messing them up, or dumping a tray full on the floor.
I am going to try and solve that problem while I wait for my machine to show up.
I noticed some guys were having luck with trays and non stick aluminum foil.
Thats what I will try.

1st I need a tray. Since I have more than a couple old computers taking up space in the basement. I decide to make one from a old computer case.
Waste not want not.

Angle grinders are the best tool ever invented.


I cut out a section sized to fit my toaster oven. ( I already had that for pan lubing)
I bent the ends to make a raised pan.



Then I marked and drilled a whole bunch of holes to seat the boolets into at the gas check base. 7/32 is the perfect size drill bit for this.



I dont have the nonstick foil yet but a standard sheet fills in nicely to test the concept. Just push the base through the foil into the hole.



As you can see they wont fall over. They get held nicely.



Proof of concept!!! Now I am ready for the machine to show up.
I plan on coating them. Then placing a gas check and sizing with a LEE .225 push through sizing die.
Wish me luck... If you see any thing that looks like I made a mistake and wont work. let me know.

[el34]

Impressed!! I hope your tray works well so I can copy it. Nice pics.

[Beagle333]

I like it! Good luck with it and I look forward to seeing the finished product!

[TreeKiller]

I did the same thing with AL signs but am using non stick foil. I have some rings of coat where they set in the trays. Using .009 litho plate both the Lee .224 and .225 dies leave a small ring from the push punch (part in ram). I think I need to use a thicker check or polish the start of the die some. Sometimes it tears the check. The ring of PC is gone when they go through the die.

[cstrickland]

nice job. I am just starting to get set up for 223 and 300 blk to cast, and I definitely want to powder coat as well. Can I ask that you share the following with us, as it seems to come up in about every thread ?
1- bullet mold
2- rifle specs
3- are you planning on chronographs or just shooting for accuracy.

thank you very much for doing this as I try to learn from every cast powder coat 223 thread, so that when I am able to start casting I can hopefully go in a little different direction, and add to the data base versus just duplicating.
once again thanks

[ostrick]

I am also taking on this task of loading for the 223. Purchased a NOE plain base 70 gr mold. PCed using the shake & bake method on non stick foil with great success. Full coverage even on the base. Have about 50 loaded to test but weather and a cold has slowed things.

[cstrickland]

I am also taking on this task of loading for the 223. Purchased a NOE plain base 70 gr mold. PCed using the shake & bake method on non stick foil with great success. Full coverage even on the base. Have about 50 loaded to test but weather and a cold has slowed things.

ostrick wow that just looks familiar can I ask how that tag was derived ? is that the 225-70RN-4GC 70 grain round nose NOE, as I have not seen a plain base only GC, did you modify or have it modified ??

thanks Charlie

[A pause for the COZ]

I am casting HM 223-62 mold.
For a AR15 16 inch ( Carbine gas port) 1-9 twist M4 feed ramp.
If I get a load I like I will Chrono it.

[ostrick]

Charlie,
I'm pretty sure we have the same last. My 225-70-3GC was modified by NOE at my request to a plain base.

[NewbieDave007]

Can't wait to see the progress. Good luck.

[Rainier]

For what's it worth practice/experiment a bit with the ES gun before you launch into your boolits - too much HF red is a royal pain - don't ask me how I know

You'll love the results and be glad you started down this path!

[popper]

Yes, PC buildup on the nose is a problem. Get it cut a couple thou. undersized.
Pause - hope that is a convection oven.

[Maximumbob54]

That might be an even better tray idea than the fender washer method. I can't wait to hear about results.

[A pause for the COZ]

Yes, PC buildup on the nose is a problem. Get it cut a couple thou. undersized.
Pause - hope that is a convection oven.

Hmmm I dont think it is. heating elements are on the bottom. Hope it works or I may be buying another oven.
I want my $1.50 oven to work though.

[xacex]

Mine is a standard toaster oven, and it works fine. Check the temperature with an oven thermometer before you stick lead in is or you might end up with lead puddles.

[ostrick]

Have three toaster ovens. Checked them with an oven thermometer and they average 100 degrees hot. The area is so small the thermostat doesn't work very well. The kitchen oven is right on... but don't use that one.

[oldpapps]

I'm cheap and bought the cheapest one Chinamart had along with an oven thermometer that sets or hangs.

The scale on the knob set to 400 and the thermometer came up to 325 to 330 degrees. Granted the wind was blowing 15 to 25 MPH and it was 8 or 10 degrees cold, but it proves that the knob isn't going to be correct next summer when it is 105 degrees outside and the sun is baking everything.

I wanted to try it inside but the daughter said no. I don't know that anything would smell but with a just turned 1 in the house... My out building's power has been cut pending the poring of some concrete if the snow melts. Life is just tedious some times.

Enjoy,.

OSOK