[IDriveB5]

1. When loading exclusively for the AR-15, should you use the small base or regular?

2. Also, can the seating die perform seating only, and no crimp?

Was planning on using the RCBS X-die, LEE Charge, RCBS Bullet seat and finally the LEE FCD on my LEE Classic cast.

RCBS X-Die 2 Die set:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=807582

Thanks,

[amlevin]

I considered the X-Die but opted to just buy the power case trimmer for my Dillon press instead. Using the X-Die requires a MAJOR trim initially (IIRC about .020 under minimum) and then no further trimming required.

For me, I now trim every time using the power trimmer and keep my case lengths right at 1.755". Places the case mouth right in the middle of the cannelure on the bullet rather than just below it as it does with the short cases.

The power trimmer definitely costs more but considering I just finished a 2,000 round run this evening before logging on it was definitely worth it. I have 1,500 more to do tomorrow before I have to order another case of bullets.

On Seating dies, yes they can seat only. Just back it off about one turn and re-adjust the seating rod for proper depth. Again, my personal preference is to finish my rounds with a medium crimp using a LEE Factory Crimp Die. At that settin it just presses the case mouth against the cannelure without deforming the bullet.

[WmCC]

I have used the X-die for several years now with no issues. With respect to AR's, I feed both a NATO chamber and a Wilde chamber with the 5.56/223 ammo produced.

Be sure to follow the instructions to the letter. I trim .020 under to 1.740"after 'resizing' my Lake City or Win. virgin brass. Over the course of 15-20 reloads I've seen maybe .005 growth and then it stops. I wouldn't use any other die for any of my 8 rifle cartridges. They work as advertised.

Yes, you can seat w/o crimping using most seater dies...again, follow the instructions.

Hope this info is of assistance.

[Canuck-IL]

No good reason for the small base unless you're resizing cases that went through a machine gun (loose chamber specs).

I agree w WmCC re the x-die's utility.
/Bryan

[IDriveB5]

Thanks for the info.

I dont understand why it says to trim 20 mils if the brass only grows 5 mils over its lifetime?

[WmCC]

Never worried too much about the .020 trim recommendation over the more common .010 recommendation found in many reloading manuals. It certainly doesn't hurt anything. My best guess is that it accomodates a margin of error due to variations in trimming, chamber specs, et. al. I use a Wilson case trimmer and every case is 1.740 + or - .001 which works well.