Reloading .223 for an AR-15

[Canuck-IL]

Yeah, manufacturer's recommendations are a conspiracy to get you to buy a small base die set instead of a full-length die set.

That's just being deliberately naive. Most everyone starts out w regular FL dies; the vendor would like you to add the [likely unnecessary] SB dies - you know, like "New Improved Tide" and the latest gizmos that absolutely antiquate all your other gizmos!
/B

 

[Waywatcher]

It was deliberately true. I started reloading with a blank slate a few years ago. The first rifle I loaded for was a Mini-14. I followed the manufacturers instructions and purchased a small base die set. (Then I ditched that Mini 14 for an AR.)

 

[BigG]

No need for small base dies on any .223 or 5.56mm I've owned.

 

[jinxer3006]

Like I said before, I am the kind of guy who follows instructions.

Then how would you load for a lever action .30-30?

 

[Waywatcher]

Then how would you load for a lever action .30-30?

I don't reload for .30-30. If there was any doubt in my mind about which dies to use, I would consult the manufacturer of the die about it. (I think that cartridges that headspace on a rim, as opposed to a shoulder, are different when it comes to resizing.)

 

[MEHavey]

If reload military once-fired, you may need/use a small-base die the first time you resize to mitigate the
effects of a (deliberately)
oversize chamber in a machine gun. After than, a regular die is sufficient for continued reloading.

The only rifle bullets I crimp are 375H&H and 458Win (you get the pattern). You do not need to crimp
223/AR with normal neck tension

 

[provoartkaa]

Had to use SB dies when reloading for a Browning BAR in 7mm Rem. Mag.