Advice for reloading .223AI

[bundyloco]

First off, thanks for all the great info on this site...TresMon and Doc, I have been reading through your tutorials over and over.

I currently reload, but mostly pistol. I would like to build a 223AI for something to build my skills on the cheap and still have fun. Range will mostly be <600yrds. I plan on using the 15 or 80 gr AMAX. I don't have a SS press, but probably going to pick up the Lee Classic Cast based on the positive reviews I've read.

These will be shot out of a Savage bolt gun.

What dies do you suggest to reload this round?

So far I there are a lot of different opinions:

Hornady Match Resizer
Lee Collet Neck
Lee Collet FL
Redding FL

I hear a lot of good things about the LEE dies, but are people using their seating dies as well?

 

[jcwarrior87]

Re: Advice for reloading .223AI

I would stay away from hornady resizing dies, I LOVE my hornady stuff, almost all my reloading gear is red, but I hate there resizing dies, I get cases stuck all the time, ended up with LEE dies for my bulk FL resizing on 223. I use hornady seating dies for my bulk stuff. One my non bulk stuff IMHO you can't beat Redding comp dies

 

[CS223]

Re: Advice for reloading .223AI

I use both Redding and Lee dies. I like the Lee collet die, a lot. I've checked loaded ammo on my Neco and the run out is on par with what I get from my Redding dies. One downside with the Lee collet dies is you can't easily alter neck tension. I don't like the Lee seater for two reasons, first there is no way to lock it once your seating depth is set, secondly there is no scale or index to gauge your adjustments like a micrometer die. I think the AI dies are a special order from Lee which is no big deal $59 and two pieces of your fired brass. The Redding dies are top notch as reflected in the price you have the asst'd bushings to deal with, plus side is you can fine tune your neck tension and if you're turning your case necks a bushing die is a requirement.

As for SS presses, the Forster Co-ax is hard to beat for versatility. Check it out before you commit to a press.

--C

 

[cav has been]

Re: Advice for reloading .223AI

Cant go wrong with the Co-ax press, you will never out grow it and they are a pleasure to use. Also a Plus 1 on the Redding dies, and they are off the shelf at Midway.