My question is on the dies, is there a good brand to use that doesn't require lube?? I hate messing with lube so I use neck sizing only on my bolt guns (plus I've found its more accurate for me), but I am not sure if that strategy would work so good on a gas gun... advice please!!
reloading .223 for AR platform
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Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
Dillon make a carbine die, but they say some lube is still required........
http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p...Three_Die_Sets_
Dillon make a carbine die, but they say some lube is still required........
http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p...Three_Die_Sets_
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
I necksize for my AR, and shoot single shot to accommodate the long 80gr bullets. I like it.
I necksize for my AR, and shoot single shot to accommodate the long 80gr bullets. I like it.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
The answer to your question is no you have to use lube of some sort or you will get a stuck case. Honestly, and don't take this wrong, if you don't like to fool with the lube you may want to stick with manufactured ammo. 223 is not too expensive to shoot if you stick with manufactured stuff. When reloading rifle cases it can be a painful process that requires lots of attention especially when trimming is involved as that is my worst part. Good thing 223 doesn't expand too much.
The answer to your question is no you have to use lube of some sort or you will get a stuck case. Honestly, and don't take this wrong, if you don't like to fool with the lube you may want to stick with manufactured ammo. 223 is not too expensive to shoot if you stick with manufactured stuff. When reloading rifle cases it can be a painful process that requires lots of attention especially when trimming is involved as that is my worst part. Good thing 223 doesn't expand too much.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess.
Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess. </div></div>
can you please explain the process or is it just mix the two and go.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess. </div></div>
can you please explain the process or is it just mix the two and go.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
have you considered useing a body die, no lube required but you will still have to neck size. Just another step in the process to avoid the lube.
have you considered useing a body die, no lube required but you will still have to neck size. Just another step in the process to avoid the lube.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
I run the Dillon carbide die for .223 and lube is a MUST unless your looking to rip the rim off of all your cases and spend a lot of time removing the cases from your die .
I run the Dillon carbide die for .223 and lube is a MUST unless your looking to rip the rim off of all your cases and spend a lot of time removing the cases from your die .
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess. </div></div>
Hmmmm...never thought about using this method. Good idea.
I actually like the Lee lube but it can be a pain to lube each case. So what I do is get a large freezer ziplock bag and dump some lube in. Then I spread it out really well. Then dump the brass in and swish it all around. It gets every brass lubed up. Save the bag for future use.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess. </div></div>
Hmmmm...never thought about using this method. Good idea.
I actually like the Lee lube but it can be a pain to lube each case. So what I do is get a large freezer ziplock bag and dump some lube in. Then I spread it out really well. Then dump the brass in and swish it all around. It gets every brass lubed up. Save the bag for future use.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
use tons of lube , its better then a stuck case,no offense to using cheap lube , but i wouldn't , you can still stick a case in a die using cheap lube , i use imperial sizing wax or hornady one shot wax. Never stuck a case with that.
use tons of lube , its better then a stuck case,no offense to using cheap lube , but i wouldn't , you can still stick a case in a die using cheap lube , i use imperial sizing wax or hornady one shot wax. Never stuck a case with that.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">use tons of lube , its better then a stuck case,no offense to using cheap lube , but i wouldn't , you can still stick a case in a die using cheap lube , i use imperial sizing wax or hornady one shot wax. Never stuck a case with that.
</div></div>
Another vote for the Hornady One Shot aerosol lube from me, not that it counts for anything
I haven't had a stuck case since I started using it.
Stay away from the HOS in the pump bottle though. That stuff isn't fit to lube a dry hooker with.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">use tons of lube , its better then a stuck case,no offense to using cheap lube , but i wouldn't , you can still stick a case in a die using cheap lube , i use imperial sizing wax or hornady one shot wax. Never stuck a case with that.
</div></div>
Another vote for the Hornady One Shot aerosol lube from me, not that it counts for anything
Stay away from the HOS in the pump bottle though. That stuff isn't fit to lube a dry hooker with.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
In the grand scheme of things pertaining to reloading, lubing and sizing cases is probably the least tedious of operations.
Like others above, Hornady One Shot aerosol case lube works very well. Bottom line, you will need to lube cases for .223 in an AR platform.
In the grand scheme of things pertaining to reloading, lubing and sizing cases is probably the least tedious of operations.
Like others above, Hornady One Shot aerosol case lube works very well. Bottom line, you will need to lube cases for .223 in an AR platform.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memo43</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess. </div></div>
can you please explain the process or is it just mix the two and go.
</div></div>
Yes i just mix the entire contents of the tube with enough alcohol to fill a 8 to 10 ounce spray bottle, shake well, I lay the empty cases in a box spray them flip them around spray again to get all sides and let dry. alcohol drys fast and the lube is left on the surface, easy as pie.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memo43</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess. </div></div>
can you please explain the process or is it just mix the two and go.
</div></div>
Yes i just mix the entire contents of the tube with enough alcohol to fill a 8 to 10 ounce spray bottle, shake well, I lay the empty cases in a box spray them flip them around spray again to get all sides and let dry. alcohol drys fast and the lube is left on the surface, easy as pie.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
If you use Dillon or Midway spay lube it takes only a few sprays and a few seconds to dry and you are on your way with no mess.
If you use Dillon or Midway spay lube it takes only a few sprays and a few seconds to dry and you are on your way with no mess.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
I use the Dillon carbide dies for .223 with good success. Definitely lube'em up. I use OneShot but just about any of the lanolin/wax ones work (including Dillon's).
Nice thing about the Dillon set for the AR platform is the taper crimp die included as well. It'll probably start a firestorm but I like a very subtle crimp for AR/.223. I've had too many bullets get pushed in with AR's chambering energy. It takes very little crimp to solve this problem in my experience.
My other recently learned tip with .223, measure your headspace (I use the Sinclair tool but there are many others that work as well). Adjusting my FL sizing die by following the die instructions were leading to excessive headspace in my case (.008-.010"). Now I measure and get exactly what I'm looking for (.005"). As a 3gunner, split cases can definitely ruin a match/stage. I've had a few with PMC brass.
And, for the record, I check/trim after every firing.
I use the Dillon carbide dies for .223 with good success. Definitely lube'em up. I use OneShot but just about any of the lanolin/wax ones work (including Dillon's).
Nice thing about the Dillon set for the AR platform is the taper crimp die included as well. It'll probably start a firestorm but I like a very subtle crimp for AR/.223. I've had too many bullets get pushed in with AR's chambering energy. It takes very little crimp to solve this problem in my experience.
My other recently learned tip with .223, measure your headspace (I use the Sinclair tool but there are many others that work as well). Adjusting my FL sizing die by following the die instructions were leading to excessive headspace in my case (.008-.010"). Now I measure and get exactly what I'm looking for (.005"). As a 3gunner, split cases can definitely ruin a match/stage. I've had a few with PMC brass.
And, for the record, I check/trim after every firing.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
k2peaker,
You really have gotten to the real point of the matter. Yes, we all need to FL resize cases for .223 -- which lube to use is up to the end user.
The most important dimension for reliability and safety in reloading for any autoloader is setting the shoulder of the case back. I shoot for .003 to .005in. Let's face it, you can use a small base die to reduce body size to a minimal size but if you do not set the shoulder back enough, the force of chambering will cause the shoulder to be bumped anyway or if to long will not allow full closure of the bolt.
Using your chamber for a sizing die is not healthy.
Having a means to measure setback when adjusting a sizing die is crucial to succesful reloading, and moves away from the overly general instructions provided by the die manufacturers.
k2peaker,
You really have gotten to the real point of the matter. Yes, we all need to FL resize cases for .223 -- which lube to use is up to the end user.
The most important dimension for reliability and safety in reloading for any autoloader is setting the shoulder of the case back. I shoot for .003 to .005in. Let's face it, you can use a small base die to reduce body size to a minimal size but if you do not set the shoulder back enough, the force of chambering will cause the shoulder to be bumped anyway or if to long will not allow full closure of the bolt.
Using your chamber for a sizing die is not healthy.
Having a means to measure setback when adjusting a sizing die is crucial to succesful reloading, and moves away from the overly general instructions provided by the die manufacturers.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memo43</div><div class="ubbcode-body">have you considered useing a body die, no lube required but you will still have to neck size. Just another step in the process to avoid the lube.
</div></div>
You must have a different body die than I do. Using a body die is just like using a FL die in the amount of lube required in my experience.
I personally use Imperial, just wipe it on as you size with your fingers...a little goes a LONG way, and wipe of the case after sizing. yes it adds time, but not nearly as much time a using a case extractor to get out a stuck case.
madd0c
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memo43</div><div class="ubbcode-body">have you considered useing a body die, no lube required but you will still have to neck size. Just another step in the process to avoid the lube.
</div></div>
You must have a different body die than I do. Using a body die is just like using a FL die in the amount of lube required in my experience.
I personally use Imperial, just wipe it on as you size with your fingers...a little goes a LONG way, and wipe of the case after sizing. yes it adds time, but not nearly as much time a using a case extractor to get out a stuck case.
madd0c
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memo43</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess. </div></div>
can you please explain the process or is it just mix the two and go.
</div></div>
I use the homemade lanolin and isopropyl alcohol lube. Get a 4 oz bottle of anhydrous lanolin (no water in it) from your local health food store, or from Amazon.com.
Mix it in a 12:1 ratio with 99% isopropyl alcohol (can use ISO-HEET fuel dryer from Walmart for $2.50 per 4 oz) or from your local pharmacy or IFA type farm store ($25 per gallon).
Do NOT use the normal 70% iso-alcohol. It has too much water to mix properly with the lanolin. 91% iso-alcohol works OK.
Mix it in a small spray bottle from the dollar store, and use as explained above.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memo43</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes i would be echoing what was just said above. I use Lee past lube, mixed in a spray bottle mixed with rubbing alcohol, doesn't take a lot of time, the alcohol evaporates quickly not a big mess. </div></div>
can you please explain the process or is it just mix the two and go.
</div></div>
I use the homemade lanolin and isopropyl alcohol lube. Get a 4 oz bottle of anhydrous lanolin (no water in it) from your local health food store, or from Amazon.com.
Mix it in a 12:1 ratio with 99% isopropyl alcohol (can use ISO-HEET fuel dryer from Walmart for $2.50 per 4 oz) or from your local pharmacy or IFA type farm store ($25 per gallon).
Do NOT use the normal 70% iso-alcohol. It has too much water to mix properly with the lanolin. 91% iso-alcohol works OK.
Mix it in a small spray bottle from the dollar store, and use as explained above.
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
here is the formula for making the best, actually THE VERY BEST case lube on this planet !
http://www.frfrogspad.com/homemade.htm#Sizing
here is the formula for making the best, actually THE VERY BEST case lube on this planet !
http://www.frfrogspad.com/homemade.htm#Sizing
Re: reloading .223 for AR platform
Thanks for the suggestions on using the the bags for lube, and the alt. lubes Pete....
Thanks for the suggestions on using the the bags for lube, and the alt. lubes Pete....
