Question on loading for 223 ...

[dogtag]

I've been loading for more years than I care to think about, but never for the 223.
So, my question is whether I need small base dies [RCBS]. If so, why ?
I have an early AR [12 twist] and an early Mini 14 [10 twist]
I'll be shooting both jacket and cast.

Thanks !

[joem]

I use standard dies and haven't had any problems. I don't shoot cast in .223 as FPS is around 2800. I guess if you dropped the speed you could use cast with gas checks.

[jbntx]

I've always used small base dies (RCBS) for semi auto rifles.
I've never had any problems.

They're not really needed if you fire the brass in only one rifle, but to ensure reliable chambering
and feeding in more than one rifle (especially semi auto), they should be used.

Each rifle's chamber is different and small base dies resize the brass back to the original dimensions
so it should function in all chambers of that same caliber.

If you had only two Colt AR-15s, you probably wouldn't need small base dies because both chambers
would be basically the same.

But if you had seven different manufacturers of ARs, plus a Mini 14, an HK93 and a couple bolt guns,
then you'd probably be better off using small base dies to ensure reliable chambering and feeding in all
those different chambers.

[dogtag]

You say that small base dies size back to original dimensions - which begs the question:
What do regular dies size back to if not original dimensions ?
I have a hazy memory about tight chambers in non-military rifles having to do with small base dies,
but age had dimmed my memory, amongst other things !
Thanks for the answers anyway

[joem]

Have to disagree jbntx. I use regular dies to reload for 2 colts, 3 RRA, a bushmaster and a ruger. Haven't had any feed problems or FTF.

[Liam]

Reload for a CZ bolt rifle and a Rock River in .223. All dies are regular Lee dies. Only difference is I neck-size only for the CZ fodder, but full-length size EVERY time for the AR. No problems as yet. I merely expect a longer brass life from the CZ.

[us019255]

The only time I have found an advantage to small base dies is the first sizing of "once fired brass". Some of the military stuff is really bulged. Now I don't buy it and find reloading much easier, and brass life much better.

[dogtag]

I think that does it. Thanks to all.

[rider]

Kinda late to the party here but I use Wilson Case Gages from Sinclair Int'l to check FL sized cases, and have never needed to use a small-base FL die to get a case back to SAAMI spec.