Loading options for .223 Rem

[GLOCK45GUY]

Good day all:

I recently finished an AR-15 build, and after taking it to the range for the first time and blowing through 100 rnds I learned I need to set up a rifle reloading bench.

I currently reload .45ACP on a Dillion Square Deal, but need something capable of loading rifle rounds. I don't need anything excessive, but something to get me up and running that doesn't cost so much.

Any suggestions on a single stage or turret press?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Conqueror]

If you won't be loading gobs of ammo, a single stage is perfectly suitable. IMO all single stage presses are created equal, so a cheaper Lee is just fine. No need to drop $200+ on a rock chucker.

 

[rbernie]

I've loaded on a number of single-stage presses, and now use a Lee Classic Turret.

The Classic Turret is not much more coin than a basic single-stage, but it provides (when desired) auto-indexing capability. I can perform single batch operations (decap and size) when desired and run a whole production (from resize to final crimp) when desired.

It's also a hoss - you will not wear it out.

 

[rcmodel]

I got to disagree.

IMO: All single-stage presses are definitely Not created equal.

Use a good one sometime and you will see a big difference in power, room for big rifle cases, and several other things.

Comparing the little Lee aluminum frame presses to a Rock Chucker is like comparing a Yugo to a BMW.

rcmodel

 

[HJ857]

You're loading for an AR...you need volume.

Go with a turret at least. The Lee Classic can pump out a lot of basic rounds if you need to, but if you remove the indexing rod you can use it as a sort of "Multi Die Single Stage Press" and achieve greater control over each round if you want precision ammo.

It seems like everyone has a different threshold of what is a lot of rounds. For some 500 rounds may be a year's worth, for me that's a weekend!

I'll bet you're more like me....

 

[strat81]

Lee Classic Turret will handle .223 with no problem.

 

[RustyFN]

I load 223 on a Lee classic turret, along with many other calibers. This is my system.
1: Size and deprime the brass, around 1,500 cases.
2: Trim,chamfer and debur as needed.
3: Prime, drop powder, seat and crimp using the auto index, Around 200 to 250 per hour. This video isn't me but will give you an idea of the way I load.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zOpN9iYOyE8
Rusty

 

[GLOCK45GUY]

I'll ahve to take a look at the classic turret. sounds like it may be exactly what I'm looking for. Off the top of your head, what's cal limitations does it have.

I may go to the range once or twice a month, but when I go, I shoot alot and hate to run out.

I like allowing others to shoot my firearms as much as I shoot them myself.

 

[HJ857]

I use the Lee Classic as well, but among my peers the Dillon system is by far the preferred. I'm not saying anything is better than anything else, there's a number of options that are all worth looking at.

Start saving all the brass you can find, you will definitely want it. You'll also need to deal with removing primer crimps from milsurp brass, there's plenty of info on that already posted on this board.

If you can find a trusted group of reloaders, try to arrange for group buys. Grafs is great because they waive hazmat fees for 32lbs of powder and give a 5% discount if the order is over $500 and there's no shipping charge. I like to buy 16lbs at a time and 5K primers. Every little bit helps keep the costs down. You probably know already, but it's amazing how fast you can burn powder.

 

[threefeathers]

i've loaded thousands of rounds on a Lyman TMag turret press. It is fast and you control every stage. In fact I just loaded up 50 rounds. I love reloading and relax in the evening by loading 50-100 rounds. I have 7K 223 ready to shoot.

 

[GLOCK45GUY]

Thanks for all the input. Ithink I'm leaning towards the lee classic.

What dies (decap and size, prime, seat and crimp) for .223 does the majority of the population use?

 

[GLOCK45GUY]

I've heard that the lee classic turret's auto indexing fuction is not up to par, and the ram has alot of lateral play in it.

This is one mans opinion on a older press.

For those of you that run on the classic press, do you see these issues?

 

[rc109a]

I don't use the auto index. I use it as a single stage with dies alreayd for the next operation. I buy a turret for each caliber and once the dies are set, then I never have to mess with them. That makes things so much easier then switching out dies and re-adjusting them every time. I am trying to keep my cost of reloading down. If I went with something better, I would be paying more then the cost per round goes up. I am jut playing the dollar signs. The lee presses work just fie and will not break the bank. I beleive they are not of the same quality as dillion or the others, but for hutners and people who just shoot for the fun they are well worth it. I think that you can make just as good a round with any of them and most people would not be able to tell the difference between rounds made on different presses.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Won't the Dillon Square Deal also load 223? If the OP already knows how to use that press, maybe a conversion kit is all he needs?

Andy

 

[strat81]

I bought a Lee die set, a Lee rifle charging die for the Autodisk, and an RCBS X-Die (regular, not small base).

 

[dmftoy1]

I've had good luck with the Hornady dies in .223. I really like it when you add a micrometer seating stem to them. I would take a close look at the "X-Die" system from RCBS when reloading for an AR though as you're going to get SICK of trimming. Reloading rifles is a piece of cake, but I hate the trimming. FWIW.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[TWBryan]

I went whole hog into the matter. Bought a Dillon 650 I load all my .38,.45 and .223 on it. I find it works better than anything else I've tried. YMMV.

 

[rc109a]

The RCBS X dies are nice. Once you get through the intial set up then it is a piece of cake. I wish there was an easy and cheap way of trimming brass though.

 

[GLOCK45GUY]

I guess the only question I have left is:

Are there any specific dies is should stay away from?

 

[SSN Vet]

I've heard that the lee classic turret's auto indexing fuction is not up to par, and the ram has alot of lateral play in it

Now and again I hear this kind of complaint posted...I suspect these are dated criticisms of their older equipment. All I can comment on is my own experience...

My Lee Classic Cast Turret Press indexes like a champ.

cycle the the ram fulley and it clicks over smoothly to the next station every time.

If you incompleteley cycle the ram, you can stop the rotation in between dies, but all that is required is to just turn the turret back to it's station by hand. But if I cycle the ram completely, I never have a problem.

as for lateral play in the ram.

I just walked over and wiggled it as hard as I could and I'm getting ZERO detectable motion. And this press has been in service for ~1.5 years.

It's rock solid, does everything that I ask it to do and more.

And best of all....I can set up for a new cartridge for <$40.

 

[stubbicatt]

The Lee Classic Cast Turret is no doubt, hands down, the best value in presses. There is NO, ZERO, slop or play in the linkage or the ram in my press. I have maybe 10,000 rounds through it. It is easy to lubricate and to take care of. The indexing is positive and precise. Absolutely no issues with the press.

The safety prime system works as advertised.

I am on the verge of selling my Super 1050, as while it is a hell of a press, it is far more press than I need.