More important for precision: Sizing vs Seating?

[vinny_land]

Ok so I've been reloading for almost a year now for 223 and for 40, and I just had my first stuck case when I was trying to deprime and size some 223 rounds. Long story short, I screwed up my Redding Type S Bushing Full Length sizing die when I took a shortcut for attempting to remove the case and I need a replacement. I already have the right bushing to fit my 223 brass and considering buying another Redding die, but what is more important when it comes to precision shooting: sizing or seating? I already have the Redding Competition Seating Die (very nice tool btw) and I was thinking on just buying a standard FL sizing die (like RCBS, or even a Lee die) and focus more on seating and powder combinations.

For what it's worth, I will be shooting 223 out of my 20" RRA Predator Pursuit upper.

Thanks in advance,
Vincent

[CSACANNONEER]

You'll probably get different answers from everyone. I'm going to say seating is more important than sizing based on an article the Lee Rasmensen whote for Very High Power a couple issues ago. He took the worst brass he could find (I handed him 9 rounds of 54 TW with domed case heads for this test), mixed it up and loaded it to the best of his ability. He shot a FCSA match with it and averaged under 6" or 7" groups (at 1000 yards). Also, I've seen another member here shot a 4 1/2" group with mixed headstamp brass. Finally, the only group smaller than my smallest group at the last FCSA match in Coalinga was shot by someone who was fireforming BMG brass to DTC brass and shot a 5 1/4" group! These limited examples indicate that differences in case volumes, differences between case size and chamber size, out of round or bannana shaped brass, etc. can shoot extremely well. Yet, all these examples have a few things in common. They are extremely well metered (all three loaders use Denver Instrument balances and weigh every load) powder charges, precisely seated bullets and exceptional marksmen launching them.

[XDRoX]

I'm also going to say seating because I once read a post by CSA saying that seating was more important

[CSACANNONEER]

I'm also going to say seating because I once read a post by CSA saying that seating was more important

A nice seat is always important.

[vinny_land]

Ok so Im sold on just getting a standard FL sizing die...any recommendations?

[CSACANNONEER]

Dillon dies have built in stuck case removers but, I've also heard that they have a slightly larger base to help with alignment on progressive presses. I've never had a problem with my .223 dies but my .308 Dillon sizing die doesn't always size the bases down enough to be in spec.

Before you order a die, wait for others to explain to you the importance of proper sizing and how precision sizing will give you a more consistant case volume. Which in turn will give you more consistant pressures etc. Who knows, someone may post something to change your mind and mine too.

[vinny_land]

^Ha I'll wait for more feedback. After taking a shortcut trying to remove a stuck case, I'll wait, listen, and learn some more.