Thoughts on my loading sequence for .223

[amlevin]

For some reason my AR has developed a major appetite for fresh ammo. I guess it's because I shoot it at least once a week and it is so darn much fun. In order to keep it fed I have been trying to find ways to load more efficiently (less wasted or duplicate steps). In order to speed the process I also bought a Dillon RT1200 Case Trimmer.

Here is my old proceedure using XL650 with Case Feeder:

Sort Cases for split case mouths or missing primers
Clean in tumbler

Lube
De-Prime and Size using toolhead with only Sizing die installed
Trim
Swage Mil Crimps as necessary
Change Toolhead and load
Final Clean (about 10 min's in clean media)

The new proceedure, with the power trimmer is:

Sort
Clean
Lube
De-prime with universal depriming die and trim
Re-clean briefly to remove lube
Swage as necessary
Change toolhead and reload with sizing die removed from toolhead (Just use Seating and LEE FCD dies)

I am loading a 55gr FMJ-BT bullet and even though the trimmer die does not expand I am having no issues. The bullet seems to slip right into place and the finished rounds are nice and concentric.

Any thoughts on this method? My latest batch of 3500 rounds took a whole lot less time than it did under the old method. I also drop a finished round that has no lube remaining on it so it can go directly to a storage box after inspection.

 

[eng23ine]

Sort
Clean
Lube
De-prime with universal depriming die and trim
Re-clean briefly to remove lube
Swage as necessary
Change toolhead and reload with sizing die removed from toolhead (Just use Seating and LEE FCD dies)

Where does "size" fit in there?

Here's my method:

Sort
Tumble
Lube
Size/deprime -single stage press
Trim/ remove Mil crimps
Tumble to remove lube
Hand prime
Throw powder charge
Load bullet - turret press
FCD crimp- turret press


Boy do i miss the good old days when i only loaded .38/.357

 

[Canuck-IL]

Maybe I'm getting tired but other than the missing sizing step, what's the difference? The only ways to shortcut any of the steps and still get quality rounds is either use Scharch prepped brass all the time (a little spendy!!) or perhaps use an X-die and save most of the trims after the first.
/Bryan

 

[Walkalong]

Tumble. Sort/cull. Swage or ream PP if needed. Size. Tumble. Trim if needed. Tumble. Prime. Load.