Dies for 223/5.56: recommendation

[arthury]

In preparing to handload 223/5.56, do you recommend using Dillon's own carbide dies or should I get Redding's competition dies?
I know Redding comp ones are more expensive but, in your experience, which one has a better bang for your bucks?
I have a Dillon 550B.
I'll be using it on my Colt M4-type rifles and have a longing to use it in matches and competition.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

dillon's regular dies will be fine. i wouldn't bother with carbide. they're not worth the extra unless you're a commercial loader. you'll still have to lube either way.

if i were you, i'd just buy some Lee dies

 

[cfullgraf]

Dillon carbide 223 Remington dies are for volume loaders who will wear out a steel die. And, you still need to lubricate the cases.

Unless you are a commercial loader, your volume will not be near enough to justify the cost of the Dillon carbide die.

I am a fan of Redding dies, but about any of the manufacturers' dies will serve you well.

 

[ranger335v]

Redding's comp dies are excellant but expensive, common dies are much less costly and will load better ammo than most users are capabile of assemblying for a very long time; you have a lot to learn before specialty dies would mean a thing. And Dillon's carbide .223 dies won't do a thing for you that other dies won't do just as well for MUCH less cost.

 

[rcmodel]

Dillon carbie dies are $152.95 a set, plus shipping.

If I were you, I would buy a set of RCBS AR dies for $40 bucks!
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/ar_dies.asp

They will work as well, if not better.

rc

 

[dgod]

I currently (Minus the 3rd Depriming rod), have had good luck except with the depriming rod (It also internally sizes the neck upon exit), anyway, it keeps stripping out. The nut is $9.95, the threaded shaft is $14.95, i now have 3 shafts, 4 Depriming tips, and 1 partially functioning nut to connect it all.

I am changing to a set of Lee Dies, the Deprimer is a solid piece of steel, they are the same price as RCBS, and I won't pay someones salary buying replacement depriming tools.

My equipment is a RCBS Rockchucker, I reload 9mm, 38/357, 44Mag, 223, 243, 30-30, 45ACP, the only problem I have with any of it is the 223 deprimer.

Good Luck

Dan

 

[loadedround]

If you're reloading on a Dillon press, I would defintely go for the Dillon dies since they are designed for their presses. As others have said, stay away from the carbide sizing die. Lube is still needed using a rifle carbide sizing die. As an average reloader, you would be throwing your money away.

 

[warhwkbb]

I'll be the lone holdout. I load 223 by the thousands on a progressive and use spray on lube. After sticking several 223 cases in regular dies I purchased the Dillon carbide sizer/decapper die only.

Now I can just use a tiny bit of spray on lube. AND, if I were ever to stick a case, I can screw down the decapper assy and remove the stuck case. This worked perfectly when I tried to see if I could get by w/o lube. This feature on Dillon dies is brilliant. Also, you can clean the dies w/o losing your settings.

I loved the carbide 223 dies so well I purchased 308 and 30-06 dies from Dillon. Too bad these are the only calibers they make carbide dies for.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you were shooting a Benchrest rifle I could see spending the money of dies like the Redding that use a micrometer or if you were loading commercially buying Carbide dies but you really have no need for additional expenses like that. I agree with RC, a set of RCBS AR dies will probably be your best choice. (and plenty of bang for the buck too)

 

[hentown]

I'd use the RCBS X die for sizing and a Lee dead-length seating die (comes with collet die set) for seating. I don't crimp for ARs.