dies for .223.

[ChrisO]

I'm looking to reload for my SPR ar build. Never reloaded for a semi auto rifle. Is the crimp die needed? Any recommendations? Obviously I want to make some good rounds for longer distance shooting but I don't feel like spending 150 for dies.

[bohoki]

the lee rgb work fine for me

gonna need some lube as usual though

i havent needed to crimp just make sure after sizing they are 1.760 (i suggest buying a harbor freight digital caliper) or shorter if not you must trim

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=554943

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=645558

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=482023

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=476992

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=107333

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=389104

ive used these items to load a couple thousand 223 so far

my cutter is dull and annoying now but i'm a cheap skate

these items are enough to find out if you think its better to reload or pay $6.50 a box for pmc bronze

i'm not sure its as economical as you think

i pay about 7 cents a bullet 8 cents for powder and 2.5 cents for the primer so thats like 18 cents each

at $7 a box thats 35 cents each
at $6 thats 30 cents
at 5 its 25 cents

so wolf or other cheap russian steel is comparable in cost when you consider the labor

[ireload]

I use RCBS small base die even a full lenght die is sufficient. Never have any problem with RCBS. I do emphasize to you to purchase a case gauge along with the die set. The case gauge comes in very handy in setting the sizing die.

I regards to crimp die, I apply a light crimp on my loaded rounds whether there's a cannelure or not. Not only on the possibility of bullet set back but also more uniform ignition of the powder. There are others who do not crimp but it's a matter of preference.

Keep in mind with crimping that trim lenght of the brass is critical. In other word, uniformed. Also too much crimp can cause case buckling.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Check out my RELOADING .223 tutorial below my signature.

In Christ: Raymond

[Boots]

As of now, I use a full size die... but I myself don't crimp. Again... it's a matter of preference (and type of bullet you are using)

[Mrskylinetou]

I use redding dies. If u want the best use redding. There kinda basic ones are 50 for a set of three

[xfer42]

I have a del-ton m4 upper that is very picky. It likes to jam even with factory loads. I use a RCBS small base sizer die and Mobile 1 10w30 motor oil. The regular RCBS .223 sizing die caused about %50 of the cases to stick in the chamber.

Crimping is not necessary, but I do put a light crimp on mine just to tamper down any residual lip that might be there from the trimming process.