Could you guys recommend me a die set for making just general range ammo on my Hornady progressive? I will only be loading ammo for my ar-15, I don't have or plan to get a 223 bolt gun. Are small base dies preferred for my application? Thanks!
- Thread starter marc308
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Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
I use the Hornady FL die set and it works awesome.
here is a link as to what is in the set.
.223 Die Set
As for small base v. FL in a semi, it has to do with your rifle's chamber. Some will do well with fl sized stuff and other guns have to have small based cases.... so if you don't want to have to buy twice go Small base since you don't have a bolt gun...
I know RCBS makes this set just for AR's
Ar Die Set
I am not sure about other manufacturers. I use both Hornady and RCBS more because I got them cheap used and not because I have a brand loyalty. I hope this helps..
I use the Hornady FL die set and it works awesome.
here is a link as to what is in the set.
.223 Die Set
As for small base v. FL in a semi, it has to do with your rifle's chamber. Some will do well with fl sized stuff and other guns have to have small based cases.... so if you don't want to have to buy twice go Small base since you don't have a bolt gun...
I know RCBS makes this set just for AR's
Ar Die Set
I am not sure about other manufacturers. I use both Hornady and RCBS more because I got them cheap used and not because I have a brand loyalty. I hope this helps..
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
I would stick with Lee, I've had great success across many calibers.
I would stick with Lee, I've had great success across many calibers.
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
I am partial to Hornady's bullet seating stem. Saves some pinched fingers.
I am partial to Hornady's bullet seating stem. Saves some pinched fingers.
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
Lee
Lee
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rebel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would stick with Lee, I've had great success across many calibers. </div></div>
+1 Lee has been good for me
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rebel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would stick with Lee, I've had great success across many calibers. </div></div>
+1 Lee has been good for me
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
regarless of what kind of ammo I reload, I always get the best I can. Don't go cheap on dies. If you don't know your chamber. There are two options you can go. Either by a small base and it will guaranty chamber. Or by a regular fl die frist, if it doesn't chamber right, then get small base. (small base may shorten your case life)
I like redding and forster the best, Hornady, Dillon and RCBS. Lee.....they make good dies but their QC is not consistent, I have really good lee dies but I also have junk. If you want buy right the first time, avoid lee.
regarless of what kind of ammo I reload, I always get the best I can. Don't go cheap on dies. If you don't know your chamber. There are two options you can go. Either by a small base and it will guaranty chamber. Or by a regular fl die frist, if it doesn't chamber right, then get small base. (small base may shorten your case life)
I like redding and forster the best, Hornady, Dillon and RCBS. Lee.....they make good dies but their QC is not consistent, I have really good lee dies but I also have junk. If you want buy right the first time, avoid lee.
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
victorz: <span style="font-style: italic">"I have really good lee dies but I also have junk."</span>
"Junk"? Interesting comment. I've not found any to be so and I've owned or used a couple dozen Lee sets over the last 40+ years, nor have I heard that from any of my reloading friends! Would you care to defend that observation with concrete information that would have some meaning?
victorz: <span style="font-style: italic">"I have really good lee dies but I also have junk."</span>
"Junk"? Interesting comment. I've not found any to be so and I've owned or used a couple dozen Lee sets over the last 40+ years, nor have I heard that from any of my reloading friends! Would you care to defend that observation with concrete information that would have some meaning?
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
Go Lee you will be just fine with them.They will and do load up some great ammo,have many targets to prove it.My little 223 will shoot a dime size hole or smaller useing the Lee die set I own for reloading.
go with the 4 die set then you can neck size many times till needing to full length resize your brass.
Go Lee you will be just fine with them.They will and do load up some great ammo,have many targets to prove it.My little 223 will shoot a dime size hole or smaller useing the Lee die set I own for reloading.
go with the 4 die set then you can neck size many times till needing to full length resize your brass.
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 5R milspec</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go Lee you will be just fine with them.They will and do load up some great ammo,have many targets to prove it.My little 223 will shoot a dime size hole or smaller useing the Lee die set I own for reloading.
go with the 4 die set then you can neck size many times till needing to full length resize your brass. </div></div>
The OP is shooting these out of an AR rifle. He should FL size every time to be on the safe/reliable side.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 5R milspec</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go Lee you will be just fine with them.They will and do load up some great ammo,have many targets to prove it.My little 223 will shoot a dime size hole or smaller useing the Lee die set I own for reloading.
go with the 4 die set then you can neck size many times till needing to full length resize your brass. </div></div>
The OP is shooting these out of an AR rifle. He should FL size every time to be on the safe/reliable side.
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
My Lee Pacesetter 223 dies work fine in my AR. Prep brass, FL size, CCI-400, 24.0-24.5gr Varget, 75gr HPBT @ 2.255", go shoot.
I don't crimp and haven't had a problem yet.
The Lee Collet die works great for 223 bolt guns too; I use mine for my 223AI and it works great.
My Lee Pacesetter 223 dies work fine in my AR. Prep brass, FL size, CCI-400, 24.0-24.5gr Varget, 75gr HPBT @ 2.255", go shoot.
I don't crimp and haven't had a problem yet.
The Lee Collet die works great for 223 bolt guns too; I use mine for my 223AI and it works great.
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">victorz: <span style="font-style: italic">"I have really good lee dies but I also have junk."</span>
"Junk"? Interesting comment. I've not found any to be so and I've owned or used a couple dozen Lee sets over the last 40+ years, nor have I heard that from any of my reloading friends! Would you care to defend that observation with concrete information that would have some meaning? </div></div>
Fuzzball,
I am not saying lee dies are bad. But their QC is not consistent compare to others like redding and forster, plus their finish is rough. I started my reloading with Lee. Latter, I moved to redding and forster for my rifle loads, because I notice the quality difference. But I still use Lee universal decapeer and collect die. And all my pistol calibers are still lee.
If you just started reloading and couldn't find out what's wrong with your reloads and later on find out it's the die. It's a painful thing for a starter. Somehow my .223 carbide die just can't do it right. That's the one die I have problem with and it's a really bad experience for starter. That's why I started to invest on quality dies.
Maybe the word I used is not appropriate but it's what it is. Like I said Lee make good dies but they lack QC.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">victorz: <span style="font-style: italic">"I have really good lee dies but I also have junk."</span>
"Junk"? Interesting comment. I've not found any to be so and I've owned or used a couple dozen Lee sets over the last 40+ years, nor have I heard that from any of my reloading friends! Would you care to defend that observation with concrete information that would have some meaning? </div></div>
Fuzzball,
I am not saying lee dies are bad. But their QC is not consistent compare to others like redding and forster, plus their finish is rough. I started my reloading with Lee. Latter, I moved to redding and forster for my rifle loads, because I notice the quality difference. But I still use Lee universal decapeer and collect die. And all my pistol calibers are still lee.
If you just started reloading and couldn't find out what's wrong with your reloads and later on find out it's the die. It's a painful thing for a starter. Somehow my .223 carbide die just can't do it right. That's the one die I have problem with and it's a really bad experience for starter. That's why I started to invest on quality dies.
Maybe the word I used is not appropriate but it's what it is. Like I said Lee make good dies but they lack QC.
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
I would stay away from LEE...had a customer service issue 15 years ago with them and they didn't back up their warranty.
At that point I vowed I would never do business with them again. 17 years of previous experience with their equipment and only 1 real problem isn't that bad and its a nice touch that they include a shell holder.
Small base sizer isn't needed unless you plan on buying 1X fired brass that was run through a hot M249.
I have two dies sets for .223 both FL once RCBS and one Redding. Both work equally well but the RCBS was more affordable.
You certainly need to FL size if you load from the magazine.
I would stay away from LEE...had a customer service issue 15 years ago with them and they didn't back up their warranty.
At that point I vowed I would never do business with them again. 17 years of previous experience with their equipment and only 1 real problem isn't that bad and its a nice touch that they include a shell holder.
Small base sizer isn't needed unless you plan on buying 1X fired brass that was run through a hot M249.
I have two dies sets for .223 both FL once RCBS and one Redding. Both work equally well but the RCBS was more affordable.
You certainly need to FL size if you load from the magazine.
Re: Which 223 die set for "plinking" ammo
If you Small Base you don't need to FL size.
A Small Base sets most of the cases deminision back a bit futher than FL dies. That is why you use it to size Auto and Lever Action cases sense you don't have the camming action of the bolt to really cram the case in the Chamber if it is a big tight..
From the RCBS FAQ's
Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ?
A. The Small Base Die set is intended for use for ammunition to be used in auto, semi-auto, and lever action rifles so that the loaded round chambers and extracts easily. <span style="color: #FF0000">The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die.</span> The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily.
FL sizing and then Small Bases sizing is a waste of time and over working the brass....
If you Small Base you don't need to FL size.
A Small Base sets most of the cases deminision back a bit futher than FL dies. That is why you use it to size Auto and Lever Action cases sense you don't have the camming action of the bolt to really cram the case in the Chamber if it is a big tight..
From the RCBS FAQ's
Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ?
A. The Small Base Die set is intended for use for ammunition to be used in auto, semi-auto, and lever action rifles so that the loaded round chambers and extracts easily. <span style="color: #FF0000">The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die.</span> The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily.
FL sizing and then Small Bases sizing is a waste of time and over working the brass....
