Do I have the wrong dies for 223 reloading?

[arslin]

[MIAMIbaseballer]

Here ya go...

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/RM3512.pdf

[rsrocket1]

The collet die is typically used for "neck sizing only". This is best when using a bolt action or single shot rifle where feeding is not important. By neck sizing only, you retain the chamber dimensions of you gun on the rest of the cartridge case since it was fire formed in that chamber.

For AR's and other autoloading guns, you want a "full length" sizer that sizes the case body as well as the neck. This helps ensure smooth feeding into the gun. Good luck finding that these days however.

[XDRoX]

The collet die is typically used for "neck sizing only". This is best when using a bolt action or single shot rifle where feeding is not important. By neck sizing only, you retain the chamber dimensions of you gun on the rest of the cartridge case since it was fire formed in that chamber.

For AR's and other autoloading guns, you want a "full length" sizer that sizes the case body as well as the neck. This helps ensure smooth feeding into the gun. Good luck finding that these days however.

What Rocket said. Unfortunately you have the wrong dies if you're loading for an AR. You need a full length sizer.

[JNunez23]

Or look for some "Small Base" dies.

Last I checked, my RCBS 2 dies set was selling on eBay for over $150!!

[arslin]

great...

[Nodda Duma]

Do I have the wrong dies for 223 reloading?

Your dead length bullet seater is fine. As some have said, neck sizing with the collet die will cause all sorts of feed issues with a semi-auto.

You really just need a full length sizing die but it might be hard to just find the single die. Look on eBay or some such.

You'll have issues reloading primers in used .223 brass because most manufacturers put a crimp on the primer pocket. Primers won't go in very well at all into a crimped pocket so you will need to get a primer pocket reamer or swager.

Not sure what supplies you have, but try 25 gr of H335 under a 55 gr bullet and CCI #41 primer. That's good for pinging steel out to about 600 yds are so.

[GeoffLinder]

I highly recommend the Dillon 3 die sets for .223 reloading. Great dies, best warranty out there. Decapping pin on size die is more robust than others I have used. Also, the included taper crimp die is best way to crimp for rifle cartridges.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/24494/catid/4/Dillon_Rifle_Dies__Three_Die_Sets_

I also highly recommend that you get a case gauge to verify your final product AND to use in setting up proper shoulder setback with the size die. This is a very important step that many folks overlook.

http://www.lewilson.com/casegage.html

There is a set of pdf instructions at that link that explain the process of setting up the size die properly.

Dillon also sells this gauge (in addition to their own version, but I like the LE Wilson one best).

[skibuff]

Or look for some "Small Base" dies.

Last I checked, my RCBS 2 dies set was selling on eBay for over $150!!

Wow that is nuts I've been shopping Ebay for 30-06 dies and they are running about $30

[spy-d]

I don't do ebay on Dies. I just got a set today. RCBS 223 SB for a cost of $42.95 and they tossed in a shell holder.

Also, RCBS has 2 different die sets. One is a small base 223 and the other is a small base 223/5.56. Both different tyoe of dies.

[bill_k_lopez]

Purchased an RCBS 2 die .223 set from Cabela's last week for $36.

You just have to look around and wait (although I just went to Cabela's, put in .223 dies and purchased without any waiting). Now if you're not one without the ability to wait, there are plenty of die sets on ebay for $100+

[bohoki]

ive loaded so much 223 with my lee rgb .223 its great i think they were like $12 and but had to buy a shellholder

the main gripe is trimming the brass i check all mine after sizing and if over 1.760 i trim

[savagemann]

Check titan reloading.
I just picked up a set of .223 lee dies. In stock. About 28bux.

Edit....looks like they sold out quick on the die sets.
Sorry

[arslin]

Your dead length bullet seater is fine. As some have said, neck sizing with the collet die will cause all sorts of feed issues with a semi-auto.

You really just need a full length sizing die but it might be hard to just find the single die. Look on eBay or some such.

You'll have issues reloading primers in used .223 brass because most manufacturers put a crimp on the primer pocket. Primers won't go in very well at all into a crimped pocket so you will need to get a primer pocket reamer or swager.

Not sure what supplies you have, but try 25 gr of H335 under a 55 gr bullet and CCI #41 primer. That's good for pinging steel out to about 600 yds are so.

I have a pocket tool, and it has done a good job up to this point.

[arslin]

I highly recommend the Dillon 3 die sets for .223 reloading. Great dies, best warranty out there. Decapping pin on size die is more robust than others I have used. Also, the included taper crimp die is best way to crimp for rifle cartridges.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/24494/catid/4/Dillon_Rifle_Dies__Three_Die_Sets_

I also highly recommend that you get a case gauge to verify your final product AND to use in setting up proper shoulder setback with the size die. This is a very important step that many folks overlook.

http://www.lewilson.com/casegage.html

There is a set of pdf instructions at that link that explain the process of setting up the size die properly.

Dillon also sells this gauge (in addition to their own version, but I like the LE Wilson one best).

My local EBR shop might have a supply on the Dillon dies...