New to reloading for AR...2 questions

[BoilerUP]

I've been reloading for about 4 years, and for my 223 bolt gun for about 3, but am just now thinking about loading for my AR. My current 223 equipment consists of a set of Lee Pacesetter dies along with a Lee Collet die, and I'm able to get consistent half-MOA accuracy from my Savage 12FV with those dies.

Will the Lee Pacesetter FL die be sufficient for reliable feeding in an AR, or will I need to spring for small-base dies?

I've never crimped for my bolt guns...will I need to crimp for the AR?

Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

I have used a RCBS standard FL sizing die for about 40 years reloading GI brass for AR-15's, Mini-14's, and Rem & CZ bolt actions.

If you adjust your Lee FL die right, the ammo will work in an AR-15 right.

If you have proper neck tension, crimping is not necessary.
Your expander needs to be .2225" or even .222" for proper case neck tension.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

I use a standard die as well. I size the brass to fit a Wilson case gauge. That insures headspace is OK, and the brass will chamber easily as far as the shoulder depth goes. The gauge does not check case body diameter, but so far this has worked in all my .223/5.56 chambers. I do not have any tight .223 match chambers. Some folks crimp, some do not. You do need adequate neck tension.

 

[Cherokee]

I too use standard FL dies. +1 with RC and Walkalong comments.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

I used the Lee dies for years, but just upgraded to a Forster set this year. There is nothing wrong with the lee dies, just set them up so that the ram bottoms out on the sizing die. No need for a small base die.