[magstang1]

I am fairly well experienced with loading pistols. I load multiple calibers on a Hornady lnl ap. I would like to get started on 5.56. What dies do I need? I would like to keep it to RCBS. I seem to have good luck with their dies. What trimmer, reamer, and any other goodies do I need? I already have a tumbler, caliper, scale and the press.

Thanks

[JimKirk]

RCBS Full Length sizing die set.

Trimmers run from the less than $10 Lee to the high priced machines, they all do the same thing, depends on how fast you want to do.

Reamers are the same, from a simple hand held Lee to the High $$ all in one deals, speed means $$.

Primer pocket crimp remover, again from the Lee reamer to the Dillon $$, depends on speed again.

Reloading Manual or three.

Looks like you have all the rest.

Jimmy K

[Ala Dan]

RCBS deburring/chamfering tool~! :uhoh:

And oh yes, Cases, Small Rifle Primers, Powder, and Bullets. ;) :D

[magstang1]

Thanks guys. I'm just trying to weed through which brands and models work and which ones to avoid.

[Ala Dan]

You're kind'a in the same boat as I am; after a lengthy absence from loading
rifle claibers, I have decided too try my hand at loading for my AR-15's in
5.56/.223. I bought RCBS [full length] sizing set of dies, CCI #400 primers,
RCBS #10 shell holder, Ramshot X-Terminator powder (for its clean burning
traits), 50 grain Nosler ballistic tip (#39522) bullets, and virgin Winchester
brass.

However, I got a bit tired of throwing charges with my RCBS Uniflow powder
measure, and RCBS 5-0-5 scale; so I spent some cash, and added an RCBS
1500 Chargemaster AC/DC combo. I've had it for over a year, and have not
even broke it out for use, yet; as I've been loading ONLY handgun calibers.
I'm gett'in all my ducks in a row, chamfering and deburring the new brass;
possibly, I will get a'round to loading them the 2nd week of May. I will keep
you abreast of how things turn out.

*An old friend and co-worker (who is an avid praire dog shooter) highly
recommends the Ramshot powders, from Western Powder Company. As
a matter of fact, he's headed to Wyoming in a couple of weeks too
engage in his favorite past-time~! ;) :D

[JimKirk]

Ala
Why did you get tried of of the Uniflow? Once you have it set, it is much faster than the Chargemaster.

I'm not sure how well Xterminater meters, but you should be able to set the Uniflow and check every 15th or 20th charge to make sure you're still on weight.

I'm using Reloder 10X, thrown out of a Uniflow, weighing like above and having no issues at all.

I'm using Sierra's 55 SP over that Reloder 10X for very good accuracy.

MAG
Here's my Equipment list for the .223 Rem:

Forster(Bonanza) Coax Press(1970)
Lyman Dies FL(used)
RCBS Trimmer(1969)
RCBS Uniflow(1969)
RCBS Scale(1969)
RCBS Reamer/crimp remover/chamfer Hand tool (1969)
RCBS Powder Funnel(1969)
RCBS case neck brush(1969)
RCBS Reloading Trays
RCBS Primer Flipper(1969)
Lyman Calipers
Lee Primer Pocket Tool

RCBS tools have worked well for me, would have had RCBS .223 dies, but I found the Lyman at a steal. My stuff is all old(Dates) and may have been made better than the new stuff, but I think RCBS still makes good tools.

Jimmy K

[Ala Dan]

Hello Jim My Friend-

I guess my stamia got the best of me, having too pull the handle every
time~? Oh, I still use the Uniflow for handgun applications; and like you
I weigh 'bout every 10th charge, and really have had NO issues at all.
Some persons say that the Uniflow if hard to adjust, for it too have
any accuracy at all; but I haven't found that to be true. They said,
that the powder hopper allowed too much inconsitency, by dumping
variable charges even when set. Case in point, their theory is that
the dumping of the hopper should be more contolled; and have a
smaller opening. An easy fix, is too find a washer with a hole in the
center; and that controls the flow easily. I have done just that, and
it works great on handgun ammo~! ;) :D

[243winxb]

RCBS case neck brush(1969) used to lube the inside of the neck or try a dry lube. Lube for the body of the case. If you own a 223/5.56 good info here on the 223 info page > http://www.6mmbr.com/index.html

[JimKirk]

243
I've always lubed my neck brush by rolling the brush across a pad and brushing the case neck with it. It may not be the best way, but I never had any problems doing so. The brush has very little lube on it. The link....I've printed that out and have it with my reloading books, found it right after I got my .233, good info.

I've tried the dry neck lube too, messy and not any better for me.

Jimmy K

[W.E.G.]

Whatever you do, get a CASE GAGE.

You'll whip up a big ol' batch of really crappy ammo in no time without one.