Dudedog
Contributing Member
I would say load some with it and some with out it and see what shoots best or if there is even a difference.
I’ve done that as well, especially for flat-base bullets.I use the Lee expander die on my .223/5.56mm brass, (really more of a flaring tool), and then the FCD just enough to remove the flare.
I actually got it when I started loading cast bullets in .223, then realized how handy it was.I’ve done that as well, especially for flat-base bullets.
I, too, think that die should be called a flaring die, as it does not expand at all.
I have loaded up to 25.0 gr. of TAC with various 55 gr bullets including the Hornady 55 gr SP (both flat base and the newer slight boat tail) for my .223 rifles (both AR’s and bolts). I have settled on 24.5 gr for a safe, yet reasonably potent load. I use the same powder charge for the Hornady 62 gr BTHP from MidSouth Shooters Supply as my favorite load for AR’s. It also works well for the Hornady 62 gr BTSP from Graf’s Reloading. (Check Western Powders website for .223 Rem. reloading data. They show maximum powder charges from 24.0 gr up to 25.8 gr depending on which bullet is used.)If anyone here loads Hornady 55gr soft ponts and happens to use Ram TAC I would be curious as to how much powder is used. I've tried several different work ups and my best group if you want to call it that is with 23.5 gr. My data says 24gr max but I haven't tried the max load yet. I started a little lower than the minimum and worked up in .5 gr increments.