Full size, neck size, or small base dies for 223 Rem?

[LVJ76]

Hello all,

I mostly use neck dies especially for my 7mm-08 bolt actions. Have also used them in .223 Rem, 280 Rem and other cartridges with zero issues.

For my AR in .223/5.56 what would work best? I have all 3 sets already.

Thank you in advance.

Luis

 

[Elkeater]

Small base for the AR.

 

[LVJ76]

Small base for the AR.

Thanks Elkeater

 

[nksmfamjp]

I have had good luck with a std fl sizing die. Perhaps the Forster set would be a good choice.

 

[Idaholandho]

I load a ton of .223/5.56 and only use a full size for bolt action and auto.

 

[LVJ76]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help

 

[Carlos88]

I use standard full length in my ARs and one bolt action.

 

[74honker]

Full length for my AR. Tried the small base thing and all it did was undersized the brass and caused all kinds of headaches.

 

[Cemetery21]

I've loaded 223 for ARs and bolt guns (at least a dozen of each) over 40+ years. Never owned or needed small base dies. I did neck size some for early bolt guns, but you have to full length size after a few loadings anyway, so I settled on Forster full length for everything. Just adjust the shoulder setback for each chamber.
If you have small base dies, that's fine if you run into brass or a chamber that needs them.

 

[sierracharlie338]

I use small base for both gas guns and my 223 bolt gun. Easier with one set of dies for both. 1/2 MOA is more than acceptable for my 223 bolt gun, it's just a varmint killer and plinker.

 

[LVJ76]

Thank you all for your help, I appreciate it

Luis

 

[xsn10s]

I use standard FL dies on my AR15's. Just make sure to separate brass from one rifle to another.

 

[xsn10s]

One thing you may consider is the RCBS X die for 223. That may help with reducing trimming. I'm playing with one now. So far pretty good. But I've only used it the last two years and haven't got a ton of rounds or reloading on them.

 

[LVJ76]

Thanks @xsn10s . I read in to it and I'm liking the idea of the X Die Set. Appreciate the help.