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Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

BobC

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Minuteman
Jan 27, 2010
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Maine
As the title says. first AR and first .223/5.56 for that matter. Need to get supplies and tools to reload for it.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

I use RCBS FL sizer and seater, and for insurance I slightly crimp with a Lee Factory Crimp Die
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

I use Lee dies and also use the Lee factory crimp die.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

I'd get a standard die set from Lee, Lyman, RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Forster or Dillon.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

I use RCBS short base dies and do a slight crimp with a lee fatory crimp die
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thejim2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use RCBS short base dies and do a slight crimp with a lee fatory crimp die</div></div>


Also, I also have the rcbs swage die, as alot of 223/556 ammo has the crimped primer pocket. the Dillon super swage would be much faster and easier, but for the price difference, the rcvs swage die works fine for me.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

I'm using an RCBS FL die, but I tossed their seater die in favor of a Lee seating die. I'm happy with this setup.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

I like the x-die for sizing, no trimming. I have reg RCBS, and Redding seaters, plus RCBS and Redding comp seaters, and Redding taper crimp die, which I use.
All depends on which press I use, and bullet, as to what combo I use.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

I use a Forster FL sizing die. Works very well and holds the neck run out very low. For seating, a Forster with a micrometer top or a Redding with a micrometer top. The Forster seems to work as well as the Redding and is less expensive.
The seating dies with the micro top is strictly for the ease of convenience.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CEGA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use Lee dies and also use the Lee factory crimp die. </div></div>
Likewise here. Bought a Redding sizing die set one time thinking it would do a better job. It did-----making more dents in the shoulder regardless of how thin I tried to make the lube.

The Lee die has a relief hole that lets any excess lube escape. No dents even if the case is "dripping" with spray lube.

I load a couple thousand rounds per session so I don't have time to rub each case with Imperial or Unique. Bag, Spray, Shake, spread to dry then into the case feeder.

The Lee Die has sized just fine for each of three AR's and the FCD gives nice even crimps without causing case bulges that end up being stuck cartridges that won't fire.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

Depends on where you source your brass. If buying bulk once fired military- I run it through a small base sizing die the first time..

I like Redding dies for sizing and bullet seating. Use the Lee collet die for crimping AR loads.

Dillon dies are very good.
 
Re: Preferred dies foe AR-15 5.56?

I have RCBS dies for .223, but I'll second the suggestion above for a micrometer seater. The regular screw-type seaters work OK for bullets with a cannelure (just screw in until they are seated to the crimp ring), but if you're loading bullets where you care AT ALL how deep they are seated, fucking around with the screw seater trying to make changes of .003" is a giant PITA.

I do love the Lee factory crimp die though.