Reloading for the AR type rifles - what dies?

[ovenpaa]

I currently have a set of full length .223 sizing dies, should I use them every time to ensure good ejection or can I get away with neck sizing some of the time and only full length when ejection gets sticky?

[spud]

in ar type rifles i would suggest fl sizijng ever time Dave to keep the rounds more saami uniform

[M99]

I had not thought of that - I've not long come in from testing a few batches I made up yesterday through my new AR. They were all full length sized as I had not run them through the AR before, I was going to just neck size them later - I'll full length resize them now though!!

Had some interesting results with H322, 22gr and 22.4gr using 69gr Sierra's - better than the Varget loads I made up.

Mike

[Sandgroper]

I only ever neck sized my 223 Saiga and had no problems at all. I didn't see any need to FL size unless there was problems feeding or extracting.

Then again, you already have a set of FL dies so why spend the extra money on a set of dies just to neck size? If you're happy with the accuracy, you might as well FL size and see how long the brass lasts, before spending more money.

[ovenpaa]

The full length sizing makes sense, mine is chambered in .223 Wylde which means wider across the shoulders. The reason for asking is it would be nice to build a single feed accuracy load for this so I can use it for magazine feed plinking plus see just how well these things can shoot.

[Sim G]

General thinking in relaoding for semi auto rifles is a full length resize everytime for reliable feeding..... Yes, your AR is a "single shot, straight pull", but you're replicating manually the operating action. My old SGC wouldn't have neck sized only. I've only ever full length resized fpr the Mini 14, which, strangely enough for this rifle is recommended ensuring the ammo is crimped because of the feed angle.

[bnz41]

Hi ovenpaa and MilisCer.

I always F/L sized my brass for the AR's.

[M99]

Dave

Meant to ask, are you using "normal" dies or small base dies?

My AR will not chamber rounds resized using a standard Redding .223 FL Die - I had to switch to using the small base die (RCBS)

Mike

[ovenpaa]

Mike, erm... what are small base dies? So far I am using PPV cases that were sized by the previous owner plus Mark gave me some Fed brass to try so I have not actually FL sized anything so far.

[Blu]

Small Base Sizing

Some firearms will require that fired cases be returned to approximately unfired dimensions. This is the purpose of the so called small base sizing die. In essence, this is nothing more than a standard full length sizing die, which has been reamed to absolute minimum dimensions. Tight chambers, a lack of camming power, or a combination of these may require cases to be sized to these smaller dimensions to assure positive chambering. As we have noted, most conventional full length sizing dies reduce a case’s fired dimensions enough to allow the case to be easily rechambered, without bringing it down to its original, unfired dimensions. In some instances, this will not quite be sufficient to assure positive operation and functioning. This most often occurs in firearms that lack the camming power of a bolt action, such as semi-autos, pumps, and lever actions. Sierra has worked with a large number of these types of firearms that functioned perfectly well with conventional full length dies, and suggest resorting to small base dies only if they prove to be necessary. They do work the brass more, and will usually result in reduced case life.

Die adjustment for a small base sizing die is exactly the same as for a full length sizing die, but special emphasis should be paid to avoid exceeding allowable headspace dimensions. Chamber type case gages, such as those available from L.E. Wilson, or micrometer gages like the RCBS Precision Case Mic are extremely useful in adjusting small base dies.