When reloading 223-5.56

[Dragon]

When reloading 223-5.56 with RCBS dies for an AR ,do you guys use full length resizing dies or small base resizing dies ? I have both sets ,but RCBS recommends small base dies for semi auto rifles.What do you guys think?

Thanks for the help.

[Jicko]

Generally FL size is OK, especially if you tighten it enough...

But, if they recommend that you use SB die, then, sure, it will definitely work.... just a little more stress on the brass... but semi-auto is stressing on the brass anyways...

[Dragon]

If I keep my reloads close to the minimum load of grain ,approximately how many time can I reload 223 for a semi auto ? thanks for the reply.

[C.G.]

If I keep my reloads close to the minimum load of grain ,approximately how many time can I reload 223 for a semi auto ? thanks for the reply.

A lot of it depends on the brass you are using. Thmpr got 20 reloads out of his Lapua brass reloading 6.5 Grendel. You will not get that many out of cheap brass.

As to small base vs. full length, I started out using small base (because I was told one needs to use it for gas guns) and now I use full length without any problems.

[Dragon]

SB resizing ,man my arms get soar, faster than FL sizing!

[Fjold]

I reload for three semis in 5.56 and I don't even own a SB die.

[ocabj]

I use a SB to resize once fired brass from an unknown source.

[bohoki]

i use the lee rgb

works for my mini14 and a-15 with army surplus barrel

[Beelzy]

Small base dies really shorten the usable life of brass. Maybe in a precision
match barrel where you count each round in a log book, but that's a whole
different level of Handloading.

[f4tweet]

I would try the FL first. If that doesn't work, then try SB. Do you have an RCBS micrometer so you can tell how far you are setting the shoulder back?

[Dragon]

I would try the FL first. If that doesn't work, then try SB. Do you have an RCBS micrometer so you can tell how far you are setting the shoulder back?

I'm not sure , what does it look like . I'm using my Dad's reloading stuff ,and he does not remember what he has in his reloading shed ,cause he has not reloaded in 16+ years .He never reloaded for semi auto rifles either, don't know if that matters or not.

I'm new to this relaoding thing ,I thought since my Dad has the stuff I'd use it since he is not .

Thanks fore all the help.

[f4tweet]

http://www.reloadingsupplieshq.com/item/39321_RCBS_Reloading_Equipment_RCBS_88329_PRECISION_MIC_.aspx

[Dragon]

NO , I don't recall seeing any mic like that .If it is a must have piece i will get one.

I did resize some 223 cases FL , SB ,and then I slid in each empty case into the chamber on my AR .the both went in with out any trouble ,and they ejected with out trouble when i pull the charging handle, if that helps any.

[f4tweet]

http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=485

Look at both the tools. Although the OAL is determined by your magazine, the bullet comparator will let you measure OAL from the ogive of the bullet to the base accurately. Measuring from the tip of the bullet is inaccurate because the tips are not precision formed, and can vary greatly. I learned to use these tools to reload .308 last year, thanks to a lot of help from this reloading section. Try the search feature and look for reloading .308 and my name. I'll be the new guy asking all the questions.