.223 Die Recommendations

[NorCalNative]

[Exodus343]

can't go wrong with Lee Pacesetter Dies
you get full length sizing die, bullet seating die, and factory crimp die, a shell holder, and a scooper along with load data!

[GeoffLinder]

I prefer Dillon die sets, they work with any press. Most any are good, just make sure the size die is a "small base" type. You do not need Carbide dies as you always lube the cases for rifle, in fact they are sometimes a bad idea if you use much "cam over" as they will crack if too much pressure against shell plate is used.

[bryant]

rcbs small base die, regarding 77 gr bullet do some research on that one i think i will not fit on ar magazine but you can used it a single load.

[EL_NinO619]

RCBS Small base, Dillon, Lee 3 Deluxe.

RCBS you will only have to trim once after the initial removal of 0.020 and its less stressful on the brass for semi-auto's

Dillons are great, easy to clean, great crimp die and just quality, but pricey.

Lee's are cheap, very good quality for price, have had a set and loaded thousands with them. Some people crimp some don't all depends on what your loading and what your preference is. LFCD does a good job of crimping, if you don't over do it.

77gr is a bit heavy and long for a semi. What is your twist rate?

[Stoopy]

For match grade ammo I use redding type s fl die and seater die. They have bushings to control neck tension. They are probably overkill for an ar unless your ar is built to shoot sub moa groups.

[wild_weasel]

My RCBS AR 223/5.56 dies should be in the mailbox tonight when I get home. I have x50 223 cases ready to try them out with. will let you know.

Cheers,
W-W

[roc_my_tims]

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[roc_my_tims]

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[NorCalNative]

Well, I'm hoping that the 77gr option will work in the AR. According to a number of reviews of SMK bullets, they're GTG. I'd use the 77gr in a 1:7.

[NorCalNative]

RCBS you will only have to trim once after the initial removal of 0.020 and its less stressful on the brass for semi-auto's

What is it about the RCBS dies that make them less stressful on the brass and minimize trimming?

[farnorcal]

77 grains are good to go

[NorCalNative]

Only one recommendations for Redding dies? None for Hornady?

I've only used RCBS for single stage work, with no problems. They're all 15 years old now...

[NorCalNative]

Only one recommendations for Redding dies? None for Hornady?

I've only used RCBS for single stage work, with no problems. They're all 15 years old now...

[morrow]

RCBS Small base, Dillon, Lee 3 Deluxe.

RCBS you will only have to trim once after the initial removal of 0.020 and its less stressful on the brass for semi-auto's

Dillons are great, easy to clean, great crimp die and just quality, but pricey.

Lee's are cheap, very good quality for price, have had a set and loaded thousands with them. Some people crimp some don't all depends on what your loading and what your preference is. LFCD does a good job of crimping, if you don't over do it.

77gr is a bit heavy and long for a semi. What is your twist rate?

I think you meant to say the RCBS X-die
I don't see how it's less stress, though.