How many dies?

[Gladdis.45]

Im just getting into/learning about reloading and I have a question. Im picking up a Hornady LNL on Friday and am a little confused on the dies? Im going to be reloading 556 primarily and would like to know how many and exactly which dies Im going to need to begin loading? I know I have a lot more reading and understanding that needs to be done, but this is a question that keeps resurfacing for me. Thanks a lot!

[elhefe50ss]

you need a full length sizer and decap and a seater die try redding lee or hornaday they are all excellent products .. just make sure you get a way of lubing them as they will get stuck in your die!!

[spy-d]

If you are loading 223/556 for an AR, Get a Small Base Sizer. Yes, You will need a Lube Pad and lube. Don't try to cut corners on the lube. You can distroy your dies.

[Dark Mod]

you only NEED 2 dies: resizer/decapper and a seating die.

There are lots of other dies that perform different functions that you may want to pick up along the way.

[Whiterabbit]

if your cartridge has a shoulder, you NEED exactly two dies. Size/decap, and seater.

that's it.

[Gladdis.45]

Can you guys recommend a brand name for the dies? And should they be carbide?

[Agustav]

Most likely you don't need a small base die set. No reason to work you brass beyond what is necessary.

Like others have mentioned any 2 die set will work. If you are loading for semi-auto, you will need full length sizing die and not neck sizing die.

[Agustav]

Can you guys recommend a brand name for the dies? And should they be carbide?

Pick a color (I prefer red "Hornady" for plinking and Green "Redding" for precision)...

[cruddymutt]

There is also the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Im not sure its needed though yet. I have one for my 30-06 and 8mm Mauser and I do use it but Im not 100% sure I need to.

[AeroEngi]

If you're interested in crimping your finished rounds, may I suggest the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Some people say that a crimp is not necessary but I like to put a light crimp on all .223 ammo that I load.

[Bill Steele]

If you're interested in crimping your finished rounds, may I suggest the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Some people say that a crimp is not necessary but I like to put a light crimp on all .223 ammo that I load.

I agree with this advice, if you are going to crimp a rifle round, the Lee Factory Crimp Die is the one to use. The collet design is superior.

[Gladdis.45]

Thanks a lot fellas! Im searching now for dies...