223 reloading

Sorry for the double post.

My experience with using small base dies for AR-15 ammunition is the case fails for some other reason, or I lose it before the body fails from small base sizing.

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But that's just seeing the glass half full.

OTOH, one could simply toss cases that would otherwise need a small base die to fix. I use the case gauge to measure my pickup brass before sizing, and I toss the ones that don't pass. (My own fired brass always passes a case gauge). The cases that pass pre-sizing are going to pass after sizing. The ones that don't fit might pass after sizing or they might not, but I wouldn't know, because they are already in the garbage. Those cases are going to be prone to case head separation and borderline sizing anyhow. 95% of my randomly acquired cases will pass a case gauge before sizing. There are a few that are obviously too long, and they are damaged goods, perhaps having been fired out of a machine gun of some kind, or out of a gun with grossly out of spec headspace.

I know some folks' guns have such tight chambers that they might need a small base die. But to me, it's pretty dumb to buy a gun with a tight match chamber, and then need a special undersize die to make ammo for it. Doesn't that just put you back where you started? The point was to have a tighter fit, and then you turn around and make your ammo even smaller, so it's loose again? I haven't, to date, come across a case that is too fat to chamber, but then I don't have a wilde or 223 or match chamber in my rifles. Too long is covered by the case gauge. Saying you ought to get an undersized die, regardless, is akin to suggesting you ought to have your chambers reamed out to be oversized, just so that you can be assured of being able to shoot sloppy seconds damaged brass.

DCraig07 said:

Are the lee ultimate 223 dies small base dies?

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I don't think so.

DCraig07 said:

Sorry for the double post.

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Here is a link check these dies out.
Small Base Taper Crimp Die Set - AR Series

http://shop.rcbs.com/Products/Dies-by-Category/AR/Small-Base-Taper-Crimp-Die-Set-AR-Series.aspx

I suggest get good Stuff Now..... then you wont spend more Money later

I use a Giraud three way Trimmer... Trims, chamfer, deburs all at once... and is very Fast... saves a lot of time... $90 well spent.... I also have a WFT, its good, but only trims

Best suggestion I can give ya


Stav

Have used a Lee Classic press for my 223 reloading with Lee 223/5.56 Dies. After trying to save money a military crimp remover for years took the $100 plunge and ordered a Dillon Super swage. Money well spent and another tool that is worth it weight in gold is my $29.00 223 case trimmer. Check them out before spending the big bucks,
https://www.possumhollowproducts.com/KWICK_CASE_TRIMMERS.html

Yes you will need a case gage.

kostner said:

Have used a Lee Classic press for my 223 reloading with Lee 223/5.56 Dies. After trying to save money a military crimp remover for years took the $100 plunge and ordered a Dillon Super swage. Money well spent and another tool that is worth it weight in gold is my $29.00 223 case trimmer. Check them out before spending the big bucks,
https://www.possumhollowproducts.com/KWICK_CASE_TRIMMERS.html

Yes you will need a case gage.

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I have the Dillon Super swage 600 works great saves time.
The Kwick case trimmers are nice only draw back is if you load a lot of different calibers I would have to buy 4 of them but they are at a good price point.

I use a drill press with the Lee .223 depth gauge and cutter. Trims them as quick as I can pick 'em and toss into a box. Crimps and de-burring is done with a 60 degree counter sink then into the tumbler.