Which die set?

[NativeCraft]

So, Midway keeps not having the Lee Pacesetter 3-die set that I ordered in Feb. of this year, so perhaps I should look into another mfrs. die set.
What do y'all recommend?
BTW, I'll be loading for .223 in an AR.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Which die set?

For .223/AR usage, a basic 2 die set, I'd suggest RCBS, is quite adequate. The more elegant refinements of handloading could be more or less wasted when crafting AR fodder.

Greg

 

[Rafael]

Re: Which die set?

My favorite is the Redding "S" F/L bushing die and the standard Redding seater. That is what I use to load for my AR, along with a crimp die like the Redding or the Lee FC.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Which die set?

Oh, yes; the Lee FC might have a valid use for AR fodder. If extraction issues are involved, consider a small base f/l resizer die, but such a refinement might not be wise unless it is really needed. Simple is best.

 

[NativeCraft]

Re: Which die set?

Under what circumstances would I need a crimp die? I don't recall seeing a crimp on any of the club ammo I've "borrowed" recently for Service Rifle matches - though, the crimp may not really be visible?

 

[Rafael]

Re: Which die set?

I run my AR ammo through a progressive press.
Because of this there is no added effort to crimp.
I do it becuase I can, easily.
Do I need it?
I have not observed bullets moving so I cannot answer that.

As to the small base die....my Redding "S" is a small base.
I have loaded and fired about 1000 reloads through my AR without a single failure of any kind.....NONE. My brass seems to be lasting very well. I have no complaints with it.

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Which die set?

"What do y'all recommend?"

Waiting. And getting the Delux set instead. You can easily add the crimper later, if you really want one.

 

[Outsydlooknin75]

Re: Which die set?

I have a set of brand new RCBS dies in 223 ..... if you are interested let me know. I have never used them to load or size a single round.

 

[NativeCraft]

Re: Which die set?

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