Reloading 5.56 questions, where to start

[Black-X]

I'm thinking about starting to reload some 5.56 for my AR but I'm not sure what all I will need. I have a TON of brass already (LC, Guat, Prvi, Win, and a couple others). What will I need to start reloading for the AR platform?

-Primer crimp removal tool? What's an effective one that won't break the bank and works fairly quick?

-Dies? I read the X dies from RCBS are great, but doesn't it only come with the resizer die? Standard .223 dies or is there a specific 5.56 die? Crimp?

-Anything else?

Thanks,

-X

 

[Jerry m]

Re: Reloading 5.56 questions, where to start

#1 reloading manual;
#2 read said manual.

 

[TheStewUSMC03]

Re: Reloading 5.56 questions, where to start

I use
RCBS Small Base Dies
RCBS Trim Mate w/ military crimp remover
Lee Factory Crimp Die

 

[jet_lagged]

Re: Reloading 5.56 questions, where to start

-Some type of dedicated decapping die to get rid of the military primers without bending the decapping pin. I use the Lee Universal die for this.

-Dillon swager works for removing the crimp good, but is a bit pricey (close to $100). Sort the brass and see if you can find a bunch without the crimp (Win instead of WCC? or Federal instead of FC?) to get you going for a while......

-Any standard .223 dies. Carbide expander ball on the die is a plus to reduce the force required to size the brass and make the process go smoother. (Standard on Dillon rifle dies, add-on for Redding, etc). 5.56mm is more a throating/lead angle issue and how psi is measured, rather than actual case dimensions, for practical reloading purposes.

-Any type of tapered crimp die. Lee, Redding, (or it is included with Dillon .223 die set, but then Dillon does not give you a shell holder.....)

Some type of case trimmer, as the brass will grow after firing and resizing. Lee system is cheap and simple, but not adjustable.

 

[sawgunner2001]

Re: Reloading 5.56 questions, where to start

I've used regular Lee dies and have since moved to Redding dies. I have not noticed any difference at the target, but the Redding dies are a little "nicer". Personally, I've never had an instance where not having small base dies presented a problem.

As far as removing the crimp, I normally buy my brass with the crimp removed by the vendor. When the occasional piece of brass still needs the crimp removed I use the primer pocket swager from RCBS as seen here;
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?pr...m_campaign=9315 .

Others will mention the Dillon swager ( http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/25263/catid/8/Super_Swage_600 ) which is a very nice piece of equipment, but costs 3x as much. If I were going to swage a bunch of primer pockets I'd get the Dillon, but for the volume that I do, the RCBS is fine.

I also 2nd the recommendation for a Lee Factory Crimp Die.

 

[madd0c]

Re: Reloading 5.56 questions, where to start

I use the RCBS primer pocket swager also for low volume crimp removal. I agree if I had to do more I would get a Dillon.
If you go the RCBS route realize that you don't need to completely cram the swagger into the primer pocket with a full stroke on the press arm. You need to adjust the depth carefully or you will bend the swagger rod. Ask me how I know.

After bending both rods that came with the set, RCBS tech support helped me with the issue, and sent me 2 new rods free. Can;t beat RCBS customer service.

madd0c