Reloading for the .223

[JohnMOhio]

I read recently that they suggest small base dies when using an AR type firearm in this caliber. Said to allow the firearm to function better. Any truth in that? Do you fellows use standard dies or the small base dies? Rifle will be used mostly in competition.


Thanks,

John

[PhillipM]

I use standard, John. Never had a problem with my Compass Lake chamber.

[Major Tom]

Use standard dies. I use full lenght dies on brass I pick up at the range and on new brass. Brass that has cycled thru my AR I use neck sizing die. No problems after hundreds of reloads. BTW, I use Lee dies.

[Johnny P]

I don't know how they are classified, but use a Forster bench rest set, and reloads function flawlessly through everything I have in .223.

[Liam]

Been loading .223 in Lee dies for years. Hornady brass reloaded maybe 5 times now. Only have had to trim some that stretched a tad. No problems in a Rock River with Wylde chamber.

[joem]

I use Lee and RCBS. I always measure the length and trim if necessary. All my .223 cases are trimed to 2.550 no matter which rifle I use them in.

[PhillipM]

Actually, I use the RCBS X die. Trim it once and forget about it.

[Jim in Salt Lake]

I load for three ARs now, at one time as many as 7. Get yourself a case gauge (http://www.whiddengunworks.com/product/case-gauge/) and no need for small base dies. Use it to measure fired cases out of all the ARs, set your sizing die to bump the shoulder back .002" from your tightest chamber. Only work the brass the amount needed and your need to trim goes way down and brass life is greatly increased.

[joem]

I have the Dillon power trimmer which speeds up things greatly. A spare press is set up just for .223.

[JohnMOhio]

Thanks to all for your replies. Much appreciated. Now to get to my bench and do something.

John