Dies for .223 AR

[joed]

What dies are you using?

For the past couple years I've been trying a set of RCBS dies that I purchased. They work fine on bolt action rifles but give me fits for AR loading. For Some reason they aren't being sized correctly for an AR chamber and stick without chambering. I've tried everything but I think something is off in the shoulder area.

After a few tries I'm throwing in the towel and trying another set just don't know which one to go with. I'll send these back to RCBS but I'm definately going with something else.

 

[Nickb45]

I use Dillon carbide dies. I haven't had any issues, they have fed 5 different ARs.

 

[carbine85]

I use the RCBS. They are as good if not better then the others. I'll bet you are pulling the neck upwards with the expander ball and not lubing the neck properly. Are you crimping as a separate step?

 

[rcmodel]

Standard RCBS dies is all I have used for 40 years.

Make sure the sizing die is adjusted down against the shell holder.
Then lower the ram and screw it in another 1/8 to 1/4 turn.
(You want a positive 'bump' feeling at full ram extension.)

That will make up for press frame flex and linkage stretch when you are actually sizing a case.

Then, Run a sized case up in the seating die with it backed out 2 turns or so.
Then with the ram up, screw the seating die down until you feel the crimp shoulder in the die contact the case mouth, then back it out 1/8 turn.

If you Want to Crimp with the seating die?

All cases MUST be trimmed to the same length or long ones will buckle the shoulder so slight you can't see it.

But they will lock up an AR tighter then the north end of a southbound gnat!

rc

 

[Crocboy]

RCBS Dies

I was using RCBS small base dies for my AR, and they worked fine. Except, they set back the shoulders farther than necessary and they unnecessarily sized the brass smaller. I read on another forum about the Hornady Headspace Gauge which allows you to measure cases fired in your chamber so you can set your die to set back shoulders the exact amount necessary. I also switched to Hornady Custom Grade dies and have had great results. You might try adjusting your RCBS sizing die by turning it down 1/8 turn at a time. Try the sized brass in your chamber each time until it fits. Take the upper off and use your fingers to seat the case by pushing the bolt forward briskly and then pulling it out. If you get one stuck just push it out with a dowel from the muzzle. You will probably need to set your die lower, enough that the press arm "cams over" at the bottom of the stroke. The headspace gauge lets you adjust your die without the trial and error.

 

[carbine85]

If they are FL dies the instructions will tell you to lower the die 1/8" until the lever cams over.

 

[243winxb]

RCBS

 

[Rico567]

I started loading for the AR using standard FL RCBS dies. Then I bought an X-die. Then I needed more production and decided to get a Dillon carbide die set. They all work.

 

[joed]

Standard RCBS dies is all I have used for 40 years.

Make sure the sizing die is adjusted down against the shell holder.
Then lower the ram and screw it in another 1/8 to 1/4 turn.
(You want a positive 'bump' feeling at full ram extension.)

That will make up for press frame flex and linkage stretch when you are actually sizing a case.

Then, Run a sized case up in the seating die with it backed out 2 turns or so.
Then with the ram up, screw the seating die down until you feel the crimp shoulder in the die contact the case mouth, then back it out 1/8 turn.

If you Want to Crimp with the seating die?

All cases MUST be trimmed to the same length or long ones will buckle the shoulder so slight you can't see it.

But they will lock up an AR tighter then the north end of a southbound gnat!

rc

That's almost word for word how I set it up.

I'm doing the crimp when I seat the bullet. Even tried it without a crimp thinking that could be the problem.

 

[carbine85]

I found that using a case gauge helps a lot. If you compare your cases to a new round I will bet you find the neck is been pulled upwards making the case to long in the neck area. It sound like you eliminated crimping as the problem.

 

[Gadawg88]

I use the Lee 3 die set. Never had any issues in my AR.

 

[cfullgraf]

What dies are you using?

For the past couple years I've been trying a set of RCBS dies that I purchased. They work fine on bolt action rifles but give me fits for AR loading. For Some reason they aren't being sized correctly for an AR chamber and stick without chambering. I've tried everything but I think something is off in the shoulder area.

After a few tries I'm throwing in the towel and trying another set just don't know which one to go with. I'll send these back to RCBS but I'm definately going with something else.

Shoot some factory ammunition in your AR, resize it with your die and then see if it chambers in your AR.

If it does, you will need small base sizing die to resize cases fired in your bolt rifle and have them fit in your AR.

Or, segregate cases by rifle.

With your AR, you can have similar problems with range pick ups as well.

Hope this helps.

 

[Walkalong]

Sounds like you're not setting the sizer up correctly. You can get away with more in a bolt gun. Not so in an auto.

I have a Redding and an RCBS sizer for .223. Both were set up using a Wilson case gauge. I still get 8 to 12 firings before the primer pockets get too losse, with zero signs of incipient case head separation.

 

[poco loco]

RCBS small base, might not absolutely need the small base but mine run through a mini and an ar so I want to be sure they work. And 5.56 brass is still plentiful for me at least so I don't mind the extra brass working for perfect function.

 

[joed]

One other thing is all these cases have been fired in the AR and than resized. I know the problem is the shoulder but I can only guess the expander is causing it.

I've loaded a lot of different cartridges for a long time and have never experienced anything like this.

 

[chris in va]

Zero problems with my three die Lee set. It has a full length sizing die, and I suspect your RCBS set is a neck sizing die only, meant for bolt actions.

 

[BYJO4]

I recently asked for advice on the forum as to whether get standard or small base RCBS dies for my AR. The majority of responses indicated they used standard dies so that is what I bought. They work fine and have no problems with rounds chambering.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

One other thing is all these cases have been fired in the AR and than resized. I know the problem is the shoulder but I can only guess the expander is causing it.

I've loaded a lot of different cartridges for a long time and have never experienced anything like this.

Color in the shoulder of the case with a magic marker so you can see if you are bumping the shoulder back or not when you resize. It sounds like you are not resizing correctly like said above in several posts. No need to spend extra money on new dies unless you really want to.

 

[Walkalong]

I am using a carbide expander ball in my RCBS FL sizer, and still very lightly lubing. A dry steel expander ball can pull the shoulder forward sometimes. My Redding is a FL bushing style sizer.

Sizing with and without the expander rod assembly and then checking shoulder position can tell you if the expander ball is the culprit.

 

[joed]

I am using a carbide expander ball in my RCBS FL sizer, and still very lightly lubing. A dry steel expander ball can pull the shoulder forward sometimes. My Redding is a FL bushing style sizer.

Sizing with and without the expander rod assembly and then checking shoulder position can tell you if the expander ball is the culprit.

You hit it! Tried it without the expander and worked fine. With the expander they don't chamber.

So, now what do I do? Call RCBS and get another expander? Cases were lubed too.

 

[243winxb]

How do you lube the inside of the neck, and with what? Could it be a lube problem? RCBS Lube & brush work for me.

 

[matrem]

I'll second the too much friction on inside of case neck.
Lube, mica, spray, anything to minimize friction, seems right up your alley.

 

[carbine85]

I recently bought a expander ball for my .223 from RCBS and they sent me one that is .254 is diameter. They haven't sent the replacement yet. I should have it in the next few days. I wonder if RCBS is having a problem? What's the diameter of the expander ball?

 

[joed]

Measured .221. I did lube the cases and inside necks with lube. Owned these dies for about 10 years and am not happy at this point.

Last couple years I've been getting away from RCBS dies as I have had problems on the progressives with them. I'll admit RCBS always fixed the problem but not of my other make dies have had problems.

 

[atblis]

Redding full length S die with an 0.244" bushing.