New to reloading with Lee single stage - a couple of questions for 223

[sandman608]

I've been reading through the reloading threads and the FAQs, read through ABCs of reloading a couple of times, purchased a couple of different reloading manuals, and spent an evening with a friend and his Dillon 550 reloading 223.

I've decided to get started in reloading 223 and went with a Lee anniversary single stage press kit. I have a bunch of once fired LC brass that's been already prepped - cleaned, sized, de-primed, trimmed; but none of that prep work was done by me. I plan to prime with Win primers and work up some loads with H322 and 335 with 55gr bthp fmj bullets to start.

First questions - With these cases already prepped can I just drop powder and seat the bullets with the bullet seater die? Does the case mouth need to be belled by a different die? If so, what would I use?

Trimming questions - I plan to purchase the RCBS X-dies for de-priming and re-sizing based on what I have read here and elsewhere. What should I get to trim cases to the correct length? I purchased a caliper to measure cases, but I haven't purchased a trimmer set yet since I wasn't sure what to get to trim cases to .002 inches(?) shorter than max case length for the X-die. What should I get as a case length guide to trim to the right length for the X-die initially?

If I have any aptitude for this I think I'm going to get the Lee classic turret press for volume.

 

[loadedround]

Sandman: Rifle cases do not have to be belled with an expander die for jacketed bullets; normally that is why you see rifle dies sold in two die sets. However to help seat a jacketed bullet you should, as a one time procedure, chamfer the inside of the case mouth with a chamfering tool to slightly break the edge. This could also be done with a small knife in a pinch. Remove just a little metal so that a flat base bullet will start easily.
As far as case trimmers are concerned, all reloading manufacturers sell them and Lee's are the most inexpensive. Buy yourelf an inexpensive caliper for case length measurement and follow the dimensions in your manual. You will find that the digital calipers are much easier to use. Good Loading!

 

[Idano]

sandman,

I recommend getting the Possum Hollow Kwick Case Trimmer for .223 it runs $19 from Sinclair and is already setup to trim your brass .020 under max which is just right for the RCBS X-Die. I also recommend getting their Sinclair Case Mouth De-burring Tool Holder Kit for $21. It comes with the de-burring tool which you will need and will hold the Possum Hollow Kwick Case Trimmer too. I chuck mine up in a drill press, but you could use an electric drill, and can process 1,000 rounds in about an hour and a half; thats trimmed, de-burred, and chamfered. Since you are going to use a RCBS X-Die I would recommend trimming and resizing before use, that way you set up your die correctly and besides you will never have to trim that brass again only newly acquired brass will need trimming.

 

[boobap]

The Lee Zip Trim works great!!! I don't have a drill press and was not going to buy one when I saw the price of the zip trim. The threaded piece should have come with the Lee kit (i got the same one about 1 month ago and love it, keep it lubed good). Make sure you get the Lee case length gauge. This set up works awesome for me...

Todd

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=515804

 

[Idano]

The Lee Zip Trim reminders me of these.

Just kidding

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Hey, those were fun toys!!! I had one and enjoyed the mess out of it. BTW, those links you posted aren't working Idano and I wanted to check that gadjet out.

Dave

 

[boobap]

yup...and those cars worked well...did Lee make them also?

 

[Idano]

Dave,

I fixed the links so you should be good to go now.

boobap,

No Kenner, those are same people that make Lee products. You can find Lee products now at Toys R Us!
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. . . . . Just kidding I have no issues with Lee, in fact my Lee 357 SIG dies should arrive Monday.