I want to start reloading .223 and need some basics

[kwg020]

Because all auto loading rifles should always have the brass full length sized, you will be buying a neck sizing die you should not be using. Unless you also have a bolt action rifle the 3 die set would be better/ less $.

I full length resize all of my brass and then run the brass through a neck sizer. I reload for 7 rifles including a bolt action. I have found this eliminates any mistakes and I can run the ammo through any of the 7 rifles without issues. I use a Lee 4 hole turret press

kwg

 

[thomas15]

So to boil down the several answers into one concise statement, we could say the following: Lee dies work but are not as robust or precise than the other suppliers. The supplied lock rings are substandard and are often replaced. And some don't care for the packaging.

Why is it that I see recommendations all the time for this material but never any cautions that the discriminating handloader might not be totally satisfied with the decision to purchase them? Someone might recommend powder X for a certain application and another poster might strongly disagree. But never with these dies. Why?

Best post of this thread:

hdwhit said:

Also, I would suggest that you look at all the manufacturers' dies before you make a final choice. The difference in price between manufacturers is likely to be around $20 or $30 and when you consider you'll own your dies for the rest of your life, that's a small price to pay for something that really works for you.

For example, Lyman makes a .223 Remington die set with a carbide expander ball that eliminates the need to lubricate the inside of the case neck. Even though I mostly have RCBS equipment, that's a convenience I found worth a few extra dollars. Lyman makes conventional dies sets as well, so make sure you're buying the set with the carbide expander ball

 

[hdwhit]

Lee doesn't make SB dies. (at least not that I'm aware of)

I believe you are correct, entropy.

 

[Schwing]

Thanks for all of the info guys! I think I have just about everything ordered that I will need. I ordered my caliber conversion kit, case gauge and case feed plate from Brian Enos. I was a little sad to see that he is closing down his Dillon store at the end of the month. He has always been great to buy from.

I found PMC once fired brass from LEObrass.com. I purchased 1700 for $137 shipped. I have had good luck with PMC before and they should not have military crimps. I have read a lot about lake city being about the best out there but I just couldn't swallow the prices I was finding.

I stuck with the Hornady 55 grain FMJ bullets. They seem to get almost perfect reviews. Since I have no preconceived notions I guess I will find out. Powder caused a little more indecision but I went with H335 from Powder valley and tossed in cci small rifle primers.

I know the Lee dies seem to raise a lot of debate but I bought the Lee 3 die set. I have a lot of non Lee dies and a lot of Lee dies. Granted, they are all for handgun calibers but frankly they have always worked as well as my other dies but for a whole lot less.

Hopefully things will begin to show up in the next few days and I can get started.