223 reloading process

[moranna]

I mostly reload pistol but dabble in rifle (223, 308, 300 BLK and 6.5 CM) and enjoy the technical aspects of reloading rifle calibers.

What I don't like is the case prep phase and am looking for ways to make it easier and more consistent.

Had a few of stuck cases, mostly with the expander ball, using a Lee F/L die on a LCT press plus somewhat inconsistent shoulder setbacks.

My question is, for 223, could you full length resize on a single stage (Rockchucker) without the expander ball, trim & clean brass and do the final neck sizing using the Lee collett die as the first die in the LCT?

Thanks

 

[dgod]

Yes, that’s what I do

 

[Blue68f100]

Remover the expander and chuck it up to a drill to remove any brass that may be stuck to it. Polish it out using 320-1200 grip paper. With out the mandrel the necks will be greatly reduced.

I use a dry lube on the necks, Mica or graphite powder in micro beads. Just dip and turn. Keeps it from sticking. Another option is to use some sizing wax on every 3-5 cases to lube the necks.

If your wet cleaning, it removes all traces of powder residue causing the problem.

 

[bullseye308]

I put a tiny dab of Imperial on a few case necks before I start and just grab one that is lubed about every 5 cases. That worked for years, but now I make my own spray lube and life is better.

 

[film495]

I put a dab of case lube on a case neck brush and put in in and out of the neck of 10 or 15 cases, as I lube the cases on a pad.