.223 die set question help!

[TaticalTater]

I own a lee press. I load already a hand full set of calibers already.
I want to start loading .223 for my AR-15
A few people had told me I need to get a set of "short dies"
Only if im loading .223 for an AR-15

Now the dies im looking at are the Lee deluxe #90604
But the dont specify nor others?
Is this " short die" true?


Thanks so much!
Also I have a 16" barrel at 1:7 twist. I want to load a 55 grain
Bullet.

Any suggestions on powders for barrel/bullet ratio?

[J-cat]

I think you mean small base dies.

They size the base an additional .001" and improve reliability in semi-auto rifles.

[ocabj]

You should get a small base resizing die, but in addition to the standard resizing die.

Small base sizes the body closest to the base more than a regular resizing die. These are handy when you get your hands on brass that was fired in a gun whose chamber is looser than yours. It's not *required*. But sometimes it's necessary. Most commercially available chamberings will work fine with a standard full length resizer as long as you thread the die down in your press appropriately.

[EL_NinO619]

You don't need small base unless your rifle ask for them. Many people use standard full length sizer, some have smaller chambers and require. You can kill to birds with one stone by buying Dillon .223 dies.

[EL_NinO619]

With a 1/7 twist anything from 55-62gr will work great. It may like the heavier side.

[TaticalTater]

You don't need small base unless your rifle ask for them. Many people use standard full length sizer, some have smaller chambers and require. You can kill to birds with one stone by buying Dillon .223 dies.

How would I know if my rifle calls for a small base die?
I built my rifle from scratch

16 inch fnh barrel 1:7 twist.
Pal metto upper
Standard a2 feed ramp
Colt full auto bcg

[mark501w]

I've found that small base sizing is more accurate than f/l sizing it helps in reliability for your auto loader. The twist on your rifle will 50gr on up with out any problem.

[mark501w]

Oh,ya I like H335 for standard at bullets& H322 for 68&69gr bullets.

[TaticalTater]

Any body have a suggestion on a set of dies with a small base die?

Thank you everyone all have been much help!

[milotrain]

I reload a lot of .223, and I've used a lot of .223 dies. I also reload on a 550b and I reload for an AR. I use the dillon resizing die, and I've tossed every other resizing die I've tried. (Lee, Forester, RCBS full length)

Ocabj's point is very sound, especially if you are feeding into a tight chamber like .223 or .223CLE. A bunch of highpower shooters run their brass through a small base, or though a full length then a small base. If I want the case to fit reliably in my lyman .223 case gauge then I have to size first in a Dillon die, then in the Forester full length. However, I don't find that I need to with my Wylde chamber AR but I haven't done any load development. I don't have feeding problems but there may be an accuracy bump to fitting the chamber better than I am doing.

Your upper has some chamber in it, that will really define what dies you need. Call palmetto see what chamber pattern they ream with. If it's 5.56 (or .223 Wylde) then you don't need to small base size and the dillon die is a good choice. If it's .223 or one of the tighter .223 varients then you might want a small base.

[bryant]

you need lee pacesetter die , lee deluxe is for .223 bolt action rifle. regarding small die set that's RCBS die.

[TaticalTater]

My rifle is a 5.56 so I dont technically need a small base die.
I will look into the pacesetter dies.

[milotrain]

I wouldn't say "technically you don't need a small base die." I'd say "you likely don't need a small base die." Trust me though, the dillon die is really worth it. Especially if you are messing about with mixed range brass and not just reloading one headstamp. The depriming system alone is worth it's cost.

[TaticalTater]

Anyone really has a preference on dies that are steel or graphite?
I dont believe the pacesetter dies graphite. Can your brass get stuck easy in your steel die set up?

[damndave]

You don't necessarily need a small base die. You only do if your rifle calls for it. I have loaded for an AR15 for some time and my Forster FL resizing die has been perfectly fine.

For lighter weight bullets, I like H335. For the heavier bullets nothing has been better for me than Varget, too bad it meters like poopoo.