17-223

[DonT]

Anyone had experience with this round on an AR15 platform.  Looking at a used barrel and loading dies someone has for sale.  This individual has not shot the barrel or used the dies, it is a two die set, and I am trying to figure out if there are any inherent problems with this caliber on the AR platform.

I have shot some wildcats over the years and currently have a 300/221 on an AR platform and know they all have their little quirks.  Just trying to move the learning curve a little in my favor before jumping in....

Thanks in advance...
DonT

[Catfish]

Don,
   I`m not an expret on the AR`s. I do have one but I`m really a bolt gun man. As far as I can see there would be no reason the the .17-223 would not work well in an AR. I almost bought one in .17 Rem once. There is no problem loading ammo for it eather. I load on the 550 Dillon and stick in a .223 case and it comes out .17-223. Like you I found a .17-223 with dies cheap and it followed me home. I also own a .17 Rem and the blistics of it and the .17-223 are almost identical. If you deside you don`t want it and your close to Oh I might be. It will be alot harder to sell than a .17 Rem, but if you keep it and shot it it will be cheaper.

[DonT]

Catfish,

Thanks for the reply.  I am gonna mull it over and see, it might just come to live at my house like yours did.

I really like "unusual" calibers and currently load for .300/.221 (300 whisper).   I just missed a M1 carbine in 22 spitfire I think it was.  You take 30 carbine rounds and neck em down to .22 caliber.  But I pondered too long and it sold...

Currently I have an MGI upper which has a quick change barrel system.  You throw 2 levers, pull the barrel and gas tube as a unit, slide in another barrel and gas tube, flip the leavers back and you are up and runnin.. Takes all of about 3 minutes.  I currently have it set up to shoot .223/.300 whisper/7.62 X 39.  The last caliber requires a bolt/carrier change so add another minute!  The scope stays on the upper so you just use the .223 setting as a base and dial in the clicks for the different calibers and your ready to go with no wasted ammo.  If I switched the barrels it returns to within 1 MOA which is very acceptable..

Anywho I decide to pass on it I will get you the contact info.

Take care..
DonT

[Catfish]

Don,
   Checked your profile and your alittle to far for me to want to drive and pick up a barrel. If it were closer I really would be interested since I already load for that cal. and it would make and ideal varment rifle, especially for running coyotes.

[DonT]

Catfish,

Well the guy accepted my offer so it will be headed my way in a week or so.  Should be fun a nice addition to my growing collection of barrels for my upper.

Wouldn't want to share some of your loading data would ya?  I know each barrel is different but that would give me a starting point anyhow...    Also what length are you trimming cases too???

Boy I am glad he had the dies to go with the barrel.  Couldn't believe it when I checked Midway, they want $130 for a 2 die set like the one that is coming with it..

Is there anything in particular I need to watch out for in resizing or just lube the .223 case well and run it into the full length resizer???

Thanks..
DonT