3 or 4 Die Set for 223

[oldillini]

I am new to reloading and so far it has been handgun calibers only, but I want to start relaoding for 223 Rem. I have a Lee Classic Turret. Any recommendations on the whether their 4 die set or 3 die set is better? The difference is they add the collet necksizing die.

This beginner is looking for some advice from those with much more experience.

 

[plmitch]

Do you plan to neck size?

 

[steve4102]

Is this for a bolt action or a semi-auto?

If it's a semi-auto, then the neck die will do you no good.

 

[moxie]

For .223 I use a RCBS FL 2-die set. Works perfectly.

No need to crimp either.

 

[Coltdriver]

All depends on your intended use.

If you want total versatility and you have the rifles for it then the four die set is a good idea.

But you will not use all four dies for every rifle load that you create.

For an AR platform I full length size and decap, then seat, then crimp in a separate operation. You can seat and crimp in one step, I have just had better results in a progressive operation doing it separately.

As noted above there is no benefit to using a neck collet on for example a 5.56 chamber.

But if you have a tight target chamber in one of your bolt or single shot rifles and you want to dial in for some very precise loads you may wish to use a die with a neck sizing collet to get exactly where you want.

I have only had a couple of rifles where the chamber dimensions let me use a neck sizing collet for a particular result. Unless you do have this situation just get the three die set. As noted by another poster above you could get by with just a two die set but since you have a turret why not take advantage of the stations?

 

[Gadawg88]

I use the Lee three die set on my LCT for .223 for my AR and it works great.

 

[higgite]

If you aren't going to crimp, get the Lee "Deluxe" 3 die set on clearance at Midway for $22.71. It includes the neck sizing die, not the factory crimp die. If you are going to crimp, you can add the FCD as a separate item for $13.29. Total about $10-20 cheaper than I've seen the 4 die set going for on the web. ymmv

 

[rg1]

I prefer to crimp in a separate step. I have two presses set up with the seater die in one press and a separate seater die set to crimp in the other press. Similar to a turret operation. I like the standard seater die with a roll crimp over the Lee factory crimp die. I like RCBS or Hornady .223 dies and have bought an extra RCBS seating die just to crimp.

 

[oldillini]

Is this for a bolt action or a semi-auto?

If it's a semi-auto, then the neck die will do you no good.

Bolt action.

 

[steve4102]

Bolt action.

Get the four die then.

 

[kwg020]

Hello oldillini
I have the 4 hole Lee press. I would get the 3 hole press if I could do it again. In my 4 holes I have a full length die, neck die and 2 trim dies. One of the trim dies is set at max case length and the other is set at minimum case length. The indexing part of the press is a plastic piece and it has broken so I took it off. I simply rotate the turret to the die I want by hand which is typically the full length and the neck dies. The indexing is the weak link in my 4 holer so it's gone. I might as well have the 3 hole.

I use the neck die because I shoot my reloads out of 6 semi autos and one bolt gun and I want my ammo to be used in any one of them without reloading for any rifle specifically. I can do this if I use the neck die to fit the rifles with tighter chambers. kwg

 

[gamestalker]

Bolt action, then just use the RCBS 2 die FL die set. There is no need to crimp for a bolt gun.

And since you are using a bolt gun you can use a neck die if you so choose. But keep in mind that you'll still need the FL die to bump the shoulders back now and then of you go the neck die route.

GS

 

[silverexpress]

Lee pacesetter 4 die set comes with full sizing die, seating die, factory crimp(MUST HAVE FOR AR15) and rifle charging die which works with .22 to .308.
Those with the Lee Classic 4 turret work like a dream.

 

[silverexpress]

Server for this site isn't working worth a crap can't edit comment.



I think the charging die is separate unless you can find the 4-die set I'm only seeing the 3 die sets.

I got a full 4 die set when I bought my lee classic through Kempf gun shop online, they have their own version of the lee classic kit and get rid of the crappy trimmer, scale and other garbage items and add in free dies of any caliber and the double disk and primer system and more. If you know anyone planning on buying lee classic go through Sue at Kempf's.

 

[silverexpress]

Lee 4-die kit .223 cheap and works!

I reload for service rifle shooting so I want accuracy and the Lee's work great on the lee classic press. Have two sets this one is new. Less than 50 for everything although these were free with new lee classic press kit.