Any of you reload the FN-5.7 x 28, from limited research, it appears the challenges are many
Thanks
Ken
I haven't loaded for it, but get you some good glasses and a powder funnel to fit! ::)
Isn't there some sort of coating on the brass that is integral to the cycling of that cartridge?
I think your right, it sure sounds like the lacquer coating is pretty important for overall reliability. I might have to pass on reloading this one unless I can figure something out
Ken, you might want to read an article posted by Mr Revolver Guy over at Day at the Range. I think his information is pretty much dead on. I tried to reload this bugger for my nephew. I gave up in the resizing part of the process. Crushed necks were the biggest issue. In regards to the special coating, you can, as a reloader, tumble the finished ammo in Mo2 which is a dry powder lube. The material is an extreme pressure lube with specs exceeding 3,500,000 kPas or 500,000 psi which far beyond anything this little critter can achieve. But put me in line with those that just say no to reloading it.
http://www.dayattherange.com/?page_id=3297
Thanks man!
I have a good amount of experience reloading this caliber. Happy to help anyone who needs help with it.
The coating on the case needs to be retained. I decap the cases and then clean them in an ultrasonic with no heat and no chemical additives. (Many use some simple green but I havent found that to be necessary) After that I hand lube prior to sizing. Getting the headspace correct can be a challenge with most available dies. The shoulder gets blown so far forward that half of the neck is gone once fired. There are only 2 sizing dies worth using. Hornady and CH4D. The CH4D havent been produced in several years so they are very scarce. While Redding, RCBS etc make a lot of good dies they dont in this caliber.
I use the Hornady sizing die which works great (out of 50+ die sets it is actually the only Hornady I own). If Im going to be using 40gr vmax boat tail bullets then I will use a mandrel to expand the neck to .222 ID. These are the same bullets used in FNs blue box offering and are also the easiest to load and duplicate factory velocities. If I want to get functional ammo done on the cheap my favorite bullet is a Midway product 34gr HP. Its made by Nosler but it has a flat base which presents challenges with seating and concentricity. I have found that using a stepped expander plug .226x.222 from NOE inside of a Lee universal expanding die works perfect. It keeps everything lined up well and retains a nice neck tension. A lot of times these bullets are significantly less than half of the price of vmax. Several times I have sourced them in bulk by the thousand from RMR bullets for $115 shipped. Barnes 36gr Varmint Grenade is also a great bullet for this round.
Suitable powers are True Blue, Long Shot, Blue Dot, AA7 and AA9. Its best to use small rifle primers. I have always used CCI 400s.
The only way that I have found to trim these little guys with decent speed and accuracy is the Little Crow Gunworks drill mounted trimmer. Then hand bevel and chamfer.
Sheridan Engineering makes a very nice slotted case gauge machined to min CIP chamber spec. I think its helpful to see the shoulder engagement with the case gauge while dialing in headspace.
Im sure I forgot somethings so please ask if there is anything else you might want to know. Be careful developing loads for this caliber. Work up in tenth grain increments! Also, be very careful with adjustments to OAL/seating depths.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/939598511?pid=932314
https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets/rifle/224-5-56mm/224-34-gr-nosler-flat-base-hollow-point-new/
You can just make your own headspace gauge with a piece of bar stock and a 1/4" and 5/16" drill bit.
5.7x28 is extremely unique in that it has a 1/4" neck and a 5/16" body. I don't think there is any other cartridge that can be chambered with two standard size drill bits.
Just make your gauge so a factory round sits flush with the top of the gauge, then size your cases to match.
Tony
I'm convinced... To not buy a gun in this caliber or reload it :-)
Too bad this guy couldn't "kill" some pine boards with a 9x25!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=390rkvxhpXw
a good friend has a FN Five-seveN and loves it. If ammo availability and cost per rd weren?t so troubling, I?d for sure put it on my (gotta get me one of them thangs : ) list