Should I use small base dies for 223?

[Lone_Gunman]

I am about to start loading my first large batch of 223. The ammo will be fired out of several different AR's and Mini 14's.

How important is it to use small base dies?

Also, if I use RCBS small base dies, do I have to use an RCBS shell holder? I am going to be loading on a Lee Classic Cast Turret. Can I use the Lee shellholder with an RCBS small base die?

 

[trickyasafox]

i use standard dies and at first i was having problems with chambering and extracting
i thought i needed small base dies, but then i just tried trimming a bit shorter, and it cleared my problems right up.

i shoot my ammo in 2 ARs, and 1 encore.

 

[ftierson]

I don't recommend using the SBDs unless you really need them.

I shoot .223 Rem. in many rifles, including a number of ARs and other semiautos, and I've never had any problems using standard FL sizing dies...

No need to overwork the brass of you don't need to...

But, of course, YMMV...



Forrest

 

[NuJudge]

"I am about to start loading my first large batch of 223. The ammo will be fired out of several different AR's and Mini 14's.

How important is it to use small base dies?"

I've never seen the need for Small Base dies in .223 semi-autos.

Also, if I use RCBS small base dies, do I have to use an RCBS shell holder?

No.

I am going to be loading on a Lee Classic Cast Turret. Can I use the Lee shellholder with an RCBS

Yes.

My experience is that the manufacturers have standardized everything but the numbering system for the shell holders.

 

[W.E.G.]

Probably won't make any difference.

The key to getting reloads to "work" in your rifle is to get the shoulder set to the correct dimension. The RCBS Precision Mic tool is just the ticket for that task.

http://www.centerfirecentral.com/productreviews/precisionmic.htm

http://yarchive.net/gun/ammo/precision_resizing.html

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_4_48/ai_83483899/pg_2

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0012726210537a.shtml

 

[threefeathers]

I use the RCBS small base X die. I have 9 different AR's including three match weapons and fine that the SB dies do allow chambering in all rifles.
If I were just shooting a standard AR15 or M-4 I wouldn't use them but they don't work the brass that much in 5.56. 7.62 is a different matter.