RCBS X Die for 223 -- Worth It?

[Psychbiker]

So I've read that it prevents having to trim EVERY time you reload. But you have to trim initially 20 thousandths below SAMI max length first, then never trim again.

My only concern is getting the brass mixed up. I have about 2500 223 brass. If I range pickup other shooters' brass and go to reload them, I'll have an issue right?

Suppose I can get fancy and sharpie my brass or something.

Anyone recommend the 223 X Die?

[hermosabeach]

You can get an Ink Pad and ink the bottom of the brass after you trim.

It would be a way to identify the trimmed brass

For bolt guns, I do not trim ever time I load. Maybe after 3 loadings

I have not loaded for the .223 so I do not know how much stretch you get.

[swift]

I can't. I followed the directions, trimming to whatever they wrote, but find I still need to trim after 5 loadings or so. Once the brass needs the third trim, they go in the trash.

So I've read that it prevents having to trim EVERY time you reload. But you have to trim initially 20 thousandths below SAMI max length first, then never trim again.

My only concern is getting the brass mixed up. I have about 2500 223 brass. If I range pickup other shooters' brass and go to reload them, I'll have an issue right?

Suppose I can get fancy and sharpie my brass or something.

Anyone recommend the 223 X Die?

[the86d]

The recommended consensus here is that you should not reload .223 brass over 6 times max.

I have reloaded most of my reloaded brass 6-8 times, w/ no issues in my AR so far. I talked to a long-time reloader, and he said that he knows guys that reload their brass up to 24 times if it doesn't show any major signs of incipient case head separation... the only issue would be: Makes sure to have a broken case extractor if you have any issues...

I am no expert, I am just here for the chicks...

[the86d]

The recommended consensus here is that you should not reload .223 brass over 6 times max.

I have reloaded most of my reloaded brass 6-8 times, w/ no issues in my AR so far. I talked to a long-time reloader, and he said that he knows guys that reload their brass up to 24 times if it doesn't show any signs of incipient case head separation... the only issue would be: Makes sure to have a broken case extractor if you have any issues so that rifle is not down-for-the-count during that range-trip if you have any issues.

I don't reload for accuracy (I ususally reload .223 with de-milled bullets, or factory seconds lately), myself, but am pushing around NATO velocities w/ 55, and 62 grain projectiles (still haven't flung any over the chrono at my local range yet, but next reloads I will)... I reload to put them in the black on a 8" target (or in the white: 9" paper plates) at 100yd w/ iron sights, as that is all my range goes out to, and to have a BLAST with the kids and lady.

I am no expert, I am just here for the chicks...

[GeoffLinder]

X-Die is a solution looking for a problem IMHO. If you follow proper procedures you won't have the problems that an X-Die is designed to solve. I am a firm believer in trimming after initial firing and first resizing on any case. Do this once and you will not need to trim again for several firings. But again, I believe trimming after every firing/resizing cycle on cases that are full-length resized is always the best way to go for best results.

Full-length resizing is mandatory for semi-autos and all brass grows after this process.

As far as case life goes, if you resize only enough for YOUR chamber then your brass life will be extended. A specific number for times fired is arbitrary at best and depends entirely on the quality/ductability of the brass in use and how much you set the shoulder back each time.

[OpenSightsOnly]

So I've read that it prevents having to trim EVERY time you reload. But you have to trim initially 20 thousandths below SAMI max length first, then never trim again.

My only concern is getting the brass mixed up. I have about 2500 223 brass. If I range pickup other shooters' brass and go to reload them, I'll have an issue right?

Suppose I can get fancy and sharpie my brass or something.

Anyone recommend the 223 X Die?

I thought about it thinking that will certainly save me time from brass processing.

Well, I ended up buying a Giraud Trimmer

[Breadfan]

Tag.

[GeoffLinder]

I thought about it thinking that will certainly save me time from brass processing.

Well, I ended up buying a Giraud Trimmer

Smartest move you can make :-) Half measures are quite often worse than no measures at all IMHO

[OpenSightsOnly]

Smartest move you can make :-) Half measures are quite often worse than no measures at all IMHO

Indeed!

RCBS Chargemaster is next on the reloader's evolution path.

Actually, my RCBS 1010 with the Omega Trickler is an improvement but I need faster turn around time.

[GeoffLinder]

Indeed!

RCBS Chargemaster is next on the reloader's evolution path.

Actually, my RCBS 1010 with the Omega Trickler is an improvement but I need faster turn around time.

First, get it right, then make it faster, that's the way to go! :-)

BTW, I find trickling a waste of time for all but the most critical accuracy requirements, and even then only for long distance ammo. A properly setup high speed volume measure will get you to sub MOA every time when done right.

10 shot 7/8" group at 200 yards, ammo is SMK 77gr .223 loaded with Varget dropped on a Dillon 550B without trickling.

[OpenSightsOnly]

First, get it right, then make it faster, that's the way to go! :-)

BTW, I find trickling a waste of time for all but the most critical accuracy requirements, and even then only for long distance ammo. A properly setup high speed volume measure will get you to sub MOA every time when done right.

10 shot 7/8" group at 200 yards, ammo is SMK 77gr .223 loaded with Varget dropped on a Dillon 550B without trickling.

Now, that's a nice group at 200 yards!


For the 75 or 77 grainers, I just throw the charge but I trickle the charge for the 80 gr (SMK or AMax) loads, and I use 8208XBR.

I only need 22 rounds for the 80 grainers so its ok. If I need to load 70 rounds of the 80 grainers then that is certainly an eternity.