Dies for 223

[Bayou1535]

Hello everyone, I've been looking at geetting dies for 223 and also 308. I've searched here and elsewhere and am torn between the micrometer seating dies from Redding and Forster. The graduations are easier to read on the Redding rather than the forster, I will be using them for multiple loads for each caliber and thats the reason I want to try the micrometer seater. I thought I've read that the Redding is not recommended for compressed loads inwhich I believe the 308 would, not quite sure if they would be or not. I've also read that the Redding seater leaves marks on the bullet and that the forster does not. I see that Redding has the 3 die NM set, thats the one I'm looking at from them and the Fl sizer, seater from Forster. With the Forster I would have to add a crimp die, not sure on which one. Does Forster make a 3 die set with a micrometer seater? I'm not made out of money but the price difference between the two is of no concern. The following is what I'm looking at, please excuse the lack of hot link since I don't know how to do that, thanks.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/246918/redding-national-match-3-die-set-223-remington

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/246918/redding-national-match-3-die-set-223-remington

 

[Walkalong]

Both fine dies. Ever so slightly round and then polish the edge of the Redding seater plug and it won't mar bullets, plus it hurts nothing anyway.

 

[rcmodel]

I will be using them for multiple loads for each caliber and thats the reason

You do realize that every time you change the load and bullet, it will require you to sight in the rifle with it again don't you?

The micrometer seater die seems like a great idea at first glance.

But in practical terms, I find a bullet & load my rifle likes, sight it in, and stay with it.
I haven't changed my .223 seating die adjustment in years!

rc

 

[P-32]

I

haven't changed my .223 seating die adjustment in years!

I have a Redding seating die in 308. Works great but then I started loading 223 for shooting matches with a AR. It is well documented in High Power circles the Redding won't take seating repeated compressed loads. If you shoot a 77 Gr. SMK with powders like Reloder 15 and Varget, and seat to magazine length, you are loading compressed loads. If you load 80 gr. SMK’s, unless the lands in your barrel are far back into the barrel, you are loading compressed loads. 80 gr. SMK’s are loaded one at a time so there is no need to fit the magazine but depending on your barrel, you will need some distance from the lands. Mine is.15 off. The 80’s won’t be compressed as much as the 77’s but many are still a compressed load. For an 88 shot match, most load a 100 rounds. This gives you a few extra rounds in case you have to fire a alibi round.

So RC I do move my seating die settings and my rifle likes them both. The reason as I understand it is the Redding has a plastic part between the Micro dial the seating sleeve while the same piece in the Forester is metal. I must admit I have not taken either the Redding or Forester apart to find out. The 223 Forester seems more robust than the Redding 308 seating die. I went ahead and have the Forester Ultra in 30-06 and now in 30-30. (Don't ask)

RC I do have to make sight adjustments between the 77's and 80's as the 77's go till 300 yards while the 80's start at 600 yards.

 

[Bayou1535]

RC, I do realize that if I change the load or bullet that I would have to sight in again. I was thinking more along the lines of my SPR and SBR. Different loads for them and it appears it would be easier to use the micrometer.

 

[cfullgraf]

You do realize that every time you change the load and bullet, it will require you to sight in the rifle with it again don't you?

The micrometer seater die seems like a great idea at first glance.

But in practical terms, I find a bullet & load my rifle likes, sight it in, and stay with it.
I haven't changed my .223 seating die adjustment in years!

rc

I have multiple rifles in the same cartridge, 223 Remington, 221 Remington and 17 Remington to name a few. Each has different bullet preferences. The micrometer setting die is nice for switching between loads and bullets for particular rifles.

My Service rifle match loads never changed. I use a conventional seater here and like RC says, it never gets changed.

Same for cartridges where I only have one rifle. Standard seater is just fine.

 

[helotaxi]

You can save the expense of the micrometer seater by simply making a dummy round and using that to set the die for each different rifle/bullet.

 

[TwoEyedJack]

Helotaxi, that is exactly what I do. I put the dummy round in the press and screw down the seating die until it hits the shoulder then back it off 1/8 turn, then screw the seating plug in until it hits the nose, and it is good to go. Then you can check the first round with a caliper to make sure the OAL is what you are expecting. I have used this method with Hornady New Dimension and RCBS dies.

 

[FROGO207]

I also make a dummy round for each bullet/load that I use. When it is done I use an electric engraver to put particulars on the brass. If all the info will not fit I put a number on it and reference to this in the reloading log for each dummy round. My system works really well for me and I hope you find this useful.

 

[Bayou1535]

Thanks for the suggestions, I think I gonna try the forster's out for rifle. Never loaded rifle before so might as well start.

 

[helotaxi]

I pretty much don't buy anything but Forster dies anymore.

 

[Bush Pilot]

I also make a dummy round for each bullet/load that I use. When it is done I use an electric engraver to put particulars on the brass. If all the info will not fit I put a number on it and reference to this in the reloading log for each dummy round. My system works really well for me and I hope you find this useful.

I do something similar. I use old prescription tubes and write the particulars on the outside.

 

[Bayou1535]

I also have a question about the powder funnel in the caliber conversion for a 550. Will it bell the mouth (proper terms?) like it does for pistol. Or does the rifle rounds need belling. Pistol is the only thing I've loaded so far, thanks.

 

[helotaxi]

It will not bell the case mouth and belling isn't needed. Especially with the Forster dies. It holds everything nice and straight and lines the bullet up right so it slide right in the case, whether it be a boat-tail or a flat base.

You do need to trim rifle cases and the need to have the burr on the inside and outside of the case mouth broken when you're done.