Best Dies for Gas Gun?

[Phil3]

I am just starting reloading, and need some guidance on proper dies to be used for an AR15, chambered in 223 Remington on the tight side of SAAMI specs. I am looking for top accuracy and will be using Lapua or other high quality brass.

I understand it is advisable to use full length sizing dies in a gas gun. I am considering the Forster full length sizing die and micrometer bullet seating die set. Would these dies be the best choice for obtaining top accuracy? Do I need to look for "small base" dies? Other suggestions?

- Phil

 

[duaneb]

Re: Best Dies for Gas Gun?

This was all just covered in a previous thread. Do a search and you will find all the information you can handle.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Best Dies for Gas Gun?

Small Base Dies

 

[4Rail_Gunner]

Re: Best Dies for Gas Gun?

Use a Small Base Body die for a tight chamber.

I probably wouldn't waste my money on Lapua Brass for a Gas gun.
They tend to be hard on cases vs a bolt gun and you will have a decreased powder capacity from the thicker brass sidewalls.
Do your brass work to a standard case and shoot it.

Would suggest if you are going to go with high quality brass or segregate cases by neck thickness. Then buy a body die with a neck size bushing. Redding Type S dies work well.
I would follow up your final stage of loading with a Lee Factory Crimp die since you are loading from a magazine.

I would lean more towards a Redding Competition Bullet seater.
I have a forester and a Redding seater and get less bullet run out with the Redding.
My .02 cents

 

[Phil3]

Re: Best Dies for Gas Gun?

Since Krieger made the barrel, I asked them. They generally agreed that Redding is best, but it may be overkill for an AR. But, since I will be using for a bolt gun as wel, it makes sense to use these. - Phil

 

[straycat40]

Re: Best Dies for Gas Gun?

You don't need small base dies for an AR as long as you have them adjusted properly and a good case/headspace gauge. You may even want to see if Krieger has a gauge cut with the same reamer they used for your barrel.

I have been using Dillon .223 dies with a Redding Competition Seating die for my AR and have go through about 12k+ rounds of reloads with no issues. All reloaded on a Dillon 1050.

Just make sure you use LOTS of case lube or else you will end up with a stuck case.

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Best Dies for Gas Gun?

"Do I need to look for "small base" dies? Other suggestions?"

Agree with Chris.

A sloppy chamber fit can be achieved in more than one way! IF you need a SB die to insure chambering use it. But, if not, following "conventional wisdom" by using a SB sizer sorta negates some of the advantages of your pricey barrel and especially its "tight" chamber.

 

[Phil3]

Re: Best Dies for Gas Gun?

I contacted Redding and stated this AR is built for top accuracy, with Krieger barrel, good brass (used solely for this gun), etc. They recommended their standard 223 Remington full length resizing die and the Competition seating die (micrometer on top). Krieger also said they did not think a small base die was needed. The Krieger rep I talked to did say he did have to use a small base die in his barrel, but later found out that the standard die he was using was out of spec. A properly dimensioned regular die would have probably been fine.

Given the cheap price of a regular sizing die from Redding, their recommendations seems like a good bet for a new reloader such as me. I can later try bushing dies and the like later on. Does this make sense for someone new to reloading and the AR? I don't like to buy twice, but maybe going simpler to start is wise. ???

- Phil

 

[Downzero]

Re: Best Dies for Gas Gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chris S.</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">You don't need small base dies for an AR</span> as long as you have them adjusted properly and a good case/headspace gauge.

<span style="font-weight: bold">I have been using Dillon .223 dies</span> with a Redding Competition Seating die...
</div></div>

FYI, Dillon dies are small base dies.