Help! I have been reloading 9mm for a few years, but things are changing. My son just bought a new bolt action in .223 and wants me to order dies to size and reload ammo for him. Starting out, I will be only reloading cartridges that have been fired thru his rifle. Was thinking about buying just a two die set with neck sizer in one die and bullet seating and crimping in the other. On the other hand, should I buy a three die set which will full length size. If I am confused on the die functions let me know. Anyways, any advice on what kind of dies(function) and brands would be helpful. I am also used to using carbide dies and no case lube, but from what I see available, that will have to change.
223 die advice
- Thread starter offtarget
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45lcshooter
Member
I full length size everything. If it was fired from me or not. I don't crimp for 223 because neck tentsion is good, the ones that neck tentsion isn't good then I crimp and watch for split throats. I use Redding for 223.
Grumulkin
Member
1. I would get the 3 die set because eventually you'll have to full length size something. Also, many times accuracy is as good or better out of full length sized cases as out of neck sized cases and full length sized cases feed easier.
2. I don't particularly like Hornady dies since Hornady uses a once size fits all philosophy and their dies are big and clunky as are their boxes. If you don't mind the clunky issue, they're fine. Redding dies don't have a relief hole so it's easy to collapse case shoulders if you use just a little too much lube; not that the shoulder wrinkles hurt anything. My preference is RCBS dies. Lee dies by and large are fine but not first on my list. Hornady does make the best lock rings for dies so if I buy RCBS or Redding dies, I throw away the lock rings and instead use Hornady lock rings.
3. I would recommend Imperial Sizing wax for lube. If you want some cases stuck in your die, try Hornady One Shot.
2. I don't particularly like Hornady dies since Hornady uses a once size fits all philosophy and their dies are big and clunky as are their boxes. If you don't mind the clunky issue, they're fine. Redding dies don't have a relief hole so it's easy to collapse case shoulders if you use just a little too much lube; not that the shoulder wrinkles hurt anything. My preference is RCBS dies. Lee dies by and large are fine but not first on my list. Hornady does make the best lock rings for dies so if I buy RCBS or Redding dies, I throw away the lock rings and instead use Hornady lock rings.
3. I would recommend Imperial Sizing wax for lube. If you want some cases stuck in your die, try Hornady One Shot.
rikman
Member
Redding with comp seater
kimbernut
Member
.223 Rem.
I like the RCBS dies but they are all good. Get the FL die set(2 PC). You can neck size only with the full length die by just not screwing it down too far. Instructions for this procedure are in the RCBS die instruction sheet.
I like the RCBS dies but they are all good. Get the FL die set(2 PC). You can neck size only with the full length die by just not screwing it down too far. Instructions for this procedure are in the RCBS die instruction sheet.
Thanks for the input. Kind of a rush to place order for dies. My son made it home and is going to pay for the dies and supplies himself if I order before he has to leave. The next best thing to seeing him, and him paying for his own dies, bullets, and primers is he is going to leave the rifle with me until he can get home again. Looks like I can put my big bores away and concentrate on developing a good load for him in the small bore. Thanks again for the help. I did not realize you could neck size only with the full length dies. Hope everyone has a merry Christmas.
Carbide dies for bottle neck cases like 223 Remington are expen$ive. Also, you will still have to use lubricant with carbide 223 Remington dies. So, no benefit there.
The carbide dies for bottle neck rifle cases are only for high volume loaders that will wear out a steel resizer die.
So, do not bother looking for them. But if you must, Dillon makes a carbide die for 223 Remington.
Even if you plan to only neck size, I would recommend getting a full length die as well. There are usually instances where you might want/need to full length size.
Any of the manufacturer's dies will serve you well.
My favorites are Redding then RCBS.
You can not neck size only with a full length die. It is called that because it size the whole body. All you can do is run the die up so it doesn't shove the shoulder as much.
I use The Lee Deluxe set. I FL size all new to me brass. Neck sizing takes no lube & my brass last forever. I've lost a few FC brass & a Hornady to neck splits around 20 loadings. I've lost FC on the first shoot tho.
I use The Lee Deluxe set. I FL size all new to me brass. Neck sizing takes no lube & my brass last forever. I've lost a few FC brass & a Hornady to neck splits around 20 loadings. I've lost FC on the first shoot tho.
Right, I meant to say get a full length die in addition to a neck sizer.
It is a mad house here getting ready for the holidays with a house full of family and dogs.
fehhkk
Member
I started off with the Lee 223 dies, and just recently upgraded to the Dillon carbide die. Man, what a difference a more expensive die makes! The lee sucks and gets dirty quite quickly, and starts bulging the necks. Plus, the Dillon is much easier to clean.
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