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223 dies

Jcalder

Jcalder

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Any reason to get small base dies or even the rcbs x dieset for 223 in an AR. I will most likely eventually get whatever once fired brass I can find and I know some brass has trouble loading depending on what it was fired in. What's y'all's thoughts on what dies to get
 
I bought small based dies only because my PSA had a tight chamber and I was sizing brass from once fired range stock that obviously came from guns with larger chambers. If you are shooting new brass, or resizing brass fired in your gun, then small base dies are not needed. If you are using brass fired in another chamber then it may be needed for that first firing (can continue to use afterwards as well, if you want).

X-dies, if setup correctly, will keep brass length from growing. That is your call. I bought one for 30-06, but never set it up for use with that feature
 
So far, I have not had the need for SB dies, when I run into brass that was fired from a SAW, or other large chambered weapon, I just size, turn, size, and it chambers just fine in my rifles.
 
I put a slight crimp on mine, first I used the Lee dies with it's built in crimp, but have switched to an FCD with the RCBS dies. I shoot both AR and bolt, so I just crimp all my ammo as I don't separate my ammo. I develop loads so that both have an acceptable performance level, so one load seems to be working so far.
 
Huntaholic said:
Ok, Ive got to ask, timinTN, whats the difference in SB dies and regular dies?
Click to expand...
A standard die doesn't take brass to minimum spec. A small base die does. At least that's how I've had it explained. I've only ran into one batch that I had to use a SB die on. And it was 308. Bought at reloader's bench in Mt Juliet. Generally it comes from a machine gun or sloppy chambered semi auto. At least that's what I've read.
 
Midsouth has once fired 223 in stock 500 pcs for $60.

Far as the sb dies, I don't know. Several years ago I had some pickups from a bump stock my wifes uncle ran. He dumped at least 10 mags and just left the brass. I picked up quite a bit of it, some was dented but a lot of it was ok. I cleaned it and reloaded it with no issues using standard rcbs 223 dies.
 
backyardtndeer said:
Midsouth has once fired 223 in stock 500 pcs for $60.

Far as the sb dies, I don't know. Several years ago I had some pickups from a bump stock my wifes uncle ran. He dumped at least 10 mags and just left the brass. I picked up quite a bit of it, some was dented but a lot of it was ok. I cleaned it and reloaded it with no issues using standard rcbs 223 dies.
Click to expand...
The dents from the dust cover are good to go, in case you or anyone else wasn't aware. I've got a lead on some brass. I appreciate the heads up. The primers are gonna be my hold up I'm afraid.
 
Huntaholic said:
Ok, Ive got to ask, timinTN, whats the difference in SB dies and regular dies?
Click to expand...
They are made specifically for autoloaders. The base in Small Base is the area above the rim, approximately .200" gets reduced in diameter moreso than if sized with a FL die. Makes feeding from magazine to chamber, then bolt lock up much more reliable.
 

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