.223 w/Dillon 550B?

[twoclones]

I've been loading handgun rounds for about a year and want to start loading for .223 / 5.56. Other than the same caliber conversion 'kit' I'd need for a new handgun caliber, what new equipment might be required?

Am I going to need to trim brass?

 

[rfwobbly]

Glad to help...
• Caliber conversion kit
• 223 dies
• Dillon powder dispenser changed over to the BIG powder bar (most people simply buy a second dispenser)
• Case trimmer (to trim brass)
• 6 inch caliper (to measure case lengths)

- Of course you'll need bullets, powder, and small rifle primers
- Make sure your reloading manual differentiates between 223 bolt rifle and 223 AR
- If you're using military cases, then you'll need a way to re-shape your primer pockets

Hope this helps!

 

[EddieNFL]

Case lube. Deburring tool.

 

[atblis]

Might need the large to small primer conversion kit supposing you only have the large primer setup. Does Dillon give you both with the press?

 

[average_shooter]

Might need the large to small primer conversion kit supposing you only have the large primer setup. Does Dillon give you both with the press?

Got both large and small primer setups with my 550.

 

[243winxb]

To setup your FlRS die correctly, Dillion suggests you buy a case gauge. http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/25547/catid/3/Dillon_Rifle_Case_Gages

 

[alfack]

To setup your FlRS die correctly, Dillion suggests you buy a case gauge. http://www.dillonprecision.com/conte...fle_Case_Gages

This is good advice, if you are loading for a semi-auto. Reduces your chance of feed problems. I've found that I have to lower the die so it will touch the shell plate, when the ram is raised all the way, in some cases.

 

[twoclones]

I think I can get set up with this info. Thanks.

Today I loaded my first batch or .38 special using 'once fired' brass I bought from a THR member. Most of it was good, a few pieces of .357 snuck in, but there were a couple of pieces with .32 brass inside of .38s. I imagine that would make for a weird load.