Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles 223 loads and Primers for AR-15

I didn't want to hijack the other primer thread. I stocked up big time in 2008 with small rifle primers like Federal 205 and Remington 6 1/2. Can I use either or both in my AR loads? I have not loaded yet but need to hit the bench. I have a 1:7 twist with actual barrel length of 14.5" (the permanent flash suppresor makes it a legal 16")
I have Winchester 64 gr PP, Nosler 60 gr partitions and Speer 70 gr RN to try. Any pet loads would be great to know.
Intended quarry would be small whitetails and coyotes.

You should not use Rem 6 1/2 primers in the AR. They are subject to piercing and might not stand full pressure loads. They are recommended for the 22 Hornet or pressure loads less than 40,000 psi.

I find it useful to distinguish between 5.56 and .223. For 5.56 I use the CCI mil spec primers exclusively. Many people use whatever is on hand and some choose to use match loads that work for them with a variety of primers. Some like Federal for accuracy and others find them soft.