.223/5.56 die choices for AR Guns

[RussellC]

Just started in with reloading .223 for my recently completed AR 15 build. Thus far, I have only fired factory ammo through it, and it runs fine. Now added the Lee 3 die rifle set in .223. I am a Lee fan, but am not locked in.

So far with pistol reloading, Lee has done me VERY well. ( 4 die deluxe carbide 9mm ). Naturally, I got some Lee 223 stuff to start. Having read up on reloading for AR when I started this build, this is what I have gleaned thus far, please correct as needed!

It seems if I am only using once fired brass that was fired from MY gun, Lee contends that the neck sizer is sufficient, without the need for the full length die. Well, this is fine and all but I have been reading about those shooters reloading range brass or other brass that WAS NOT fired through the weapon being loaded for. I have every intention of buying "once fired brass" in .223 once I get going, so this was interesting to me.

One read concerned a guy who was experiencing problems with his rounds properly cycling in his AR, who had been using the Lee Full length die. When the bullet was placed in a L.E. Wilson sizing thing, it didnt seat just quite perfectly. I do not know if it the brass was fired through his weapon or what, but he felt the Lee unit wasnt resizing sufficiently and got a small base RCBS unit, that according to him, cured the problem.

I have looked at various RCBS and Redding dies, mostly their expensive ones wondering if I am going to end up needing something like this as I buy up once fired brass, and add other guns (both AR platform and bolt action) with different chambers and so forth to the mix.

No need to bash this or that, just wanting feedback from those successfully reloading AR platform .223/5.56 ammo ( in terms of ammo function in weapon ) and what dies are being used.

Other questions concern the need for not only Full length resizing but also the need for "small base" dies.

Thanks in advance,

Russellc

 

[steve4102]

All neck sizing dies including the Lee Collet die are for use in bolt action rifle. Neck sizing is not an option in an AR or any other semi-auto, Full Length sizing is the only way to go for your AR.

From your first paragraph it sounds like you already purchased the Lee die. If so, go for it, the will work just fine and make quality ammo for your AR.

Here is a good read.

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm

 

[Walkalong]

Some people swear by small base, and some say there is no need. IMO, it's gonna depend on whether you have a real tight chamber, or might run into one.

The new RCBS "AR" dies use a small base sizer. Can't hurt, and might help. What is not in question, is it does need to be full length sized.

I really like RCBS rifle dies, and if I was new into reloading for autos in .223, that is what I might be drawn to.

My RCBS .223 sizer is a standard die. But heck, all the die sets will work, and if they don't, the maker will make it good.

 

[heavydluxe]

I'm a new reloader who got into handloading mainly so I could keep shooting my AR15.

I have the basic Lee two die set. They work fine. And you have to FL resize each reload for semi-autos. If you only neck size, you might not get reliable feeding.

 

[SuedePflow]

I only shoot .223 through the AR platform, and I prep my brass with the RCBS small base die set. I'm new to loading .223 and have only done ~500 rounds so far. But so far, so good.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/62...base-2-die-set-with-taper-crimp-223-remington

 

[Gadawg88]

I use the Lee 3 die set for .223 and full length size. Just follow the set-up instructions and you shouldn't have a problem. On the sizing die, I just kept turning it down small amounts and checking with the Wilson case gauge till it was just right. I have put about 400 of my reloads through my AR without one hiccup. Mixed head stamp brass. Good luck.

 

[cfullgraf]

Full length resizing for an AR is a must.

I recommend for those that do not have 223 Remington dies and plan to load for an AR, get a small base resizer. A bit of insurance against chambering problems if you get cases not fired in your rifle.

The RCBS AR set is a good one.

If you already have a standard full length sizer, you do not necessarily have to run out and get a new die, just be aware of that you could have chambering problems after resizing cases fired in another rifle. A very low chance, but a chance.

 

[SpentCasing]

While many recommend RCBS ,and its a great choice, I'll go against the grain and recommend Hornady FL. Its what I use and and very happy with the results. IMO, the "floating" seater die they use is second to none and my preference.

 

[RussellC]

Ok, thanks, this is just what I was looking for. I plan to get either RCBS or Redding small base sizing die just in case.

Now, let me make sure, but sounds like what I did with the collett die I used wasnt enough, even though firesd through my gun, as I need to ALSO full length resize? If the rounds will manually cycle through, (or should this not be attempted?) will they work? What should I do with these rounds? only 20...

Thanks for the info!

 

[TexasShooter59]

I use a Lee 3 die set for my ARs with mostly range brass. I don't even use the third die (factory crimp in my case). A few thousand rounds so far and no die related problems. I check every round in the L.E. Wilson case gage.

And as Walkalong said, it does need to be full-length resized for ARs.

 

[steve4102]

Put the collet die in the drawer. Yu don't need it or want to use it for your AR. Just use the Lee Full Length die. It does all the sizing needed.

 

[W.E.G.]

Use a standard full-length sizing die for your AR.
All brands are good enough.

You must full-length resize EVERY case that you put in your AR.

Small-base is unnecessary for 99.9999% of the AR's you will encounter.

Do NOT crimp your case necks.
If the bullet is so loose that it needs a crimp, your expander ball needs to be smaller.

Use a proper case gage to be sure you set the shoulder dimension to the correct position.

 

[KansasPaul]

This may go without saying, but be sure to trim your cases. I reload a lot of .223 for both a bolt gun and AR. Your collet re-sized cases might chamber okay but may not extract. I have run into issues with brass that was mixed from other sources, Fl re-sized and still had issues with stuck cases. I first started with a Lee die set, which I use for the bolt gun, but all my AR cases are resized using a small base RCBS die. That fixed the extraction and chambering issues.

Blessings

 

[gahunter12]

First, no need to have a Neck sizer for your AR. Do you have a case gage like the LE Wilson, or Dillon? A case gage is a must for proper, and safe .223 resizing. If you are resizing per the Lee, or RCBS instructions by running the die down to the shell holder, chances are you are bumping the shoulder back too far. I only bump my shoulders back about .003". This keeps me from over working my brass too much. Remember bottle neck cases head space off the shoulder.

You are good to go with Lee dies. My .223 dies are Lee also. My Belted Magnum dies are RCBS, and I use Dillon dies for pistol, but I can't complain about my Lee .223 dies. I have never seen a reason to own a small base die yet.

 

[Ifishsum]

Use the Lee FL sizing die that came with your set, even with brass fired in your own rifle. No reason to assume it won't work for you unless you experience chambering problems - when sizing just make sure it touches the shellholder WITH a case in it. Occasionally you might find a die or a shellholder combination that is out of spec or just doesn't size brass quite enough for your rifle's chamber, but it's not really common. If you do have problems chambering loaded rounds in your rifle, then maybe look at a small base die.

Don't even use the collet neck sizing die unless you get a bolt action .223 to complement the collection.