What are the best 223 dies to get - and why.

[Dan_69GTX]

Looking at getting some .223 dies. 
I see Dillon has carbide and non carbide - about $90 difference in price.
Hornady seems to just have the set of 2
Other dies are out there too.

I'd prefer to have 3 dies instead of 2 since I like to crimp by itself and not seat/crimp.

Thanks!
Dan

[cdhbrad]

If you want just sizing and seating....Whidden Gunworks set that has a full length bushing sizing die and a Mircrometer seater: https://www.whiddengunworks.com/product/reloading-die-set/
If you want to crimp too.....I don't except for AR rounds, add a Redding crimp die. 

If you don't want the bushing sizing die, I'd buy the Redding Competition Dies: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016302127/redding-national-match-3-die-set

I use the Whidden set in my Co-Ax for precision rifle rounds and the Reddings in my Dillon 550, but with a Redding Bushing Die, for .223 Range ammo. 

There are cheaper alternatives, but these work for me. 

[Wobbly]

As I remember you're running a Hornady LNL AP with your dad. (Is that correct ?) The Hornady dies should do really well for you. I really like the way those dies centralize the de-capping pin... and with the Hornady die set you get replacement parts.

They only reason you'd need carbide rifle dies is if you motorize a 1050 and become an ammo manufacturer.

If you're going for long distance shooting with a bolt action, then the fancy dies with the replaceable neck bushing would come in handy.

[M1A4ME]

Why do you feel the need to crimp for .223?  All my .223 gets fired in one of several AR15's and I have never had an issue from NOT crimping.  Just no need for it.  I don't crimp for the M1A, the M1 Garand or any other rifle cartridge.

I own .223 dies from Pacifici (What they used to call Hornady dies/reloading equipment many years ago), Lee and RCBS.  I've been using the RCBS X-dies for several years.  While I can't say it's true (I don't track my brass like some people do) many people report longer brass life with the RCBS X dies due to reduced need for case trimming if you follow the instructions for die set up/use.  Means the brass should last longer/more reloads.

[holidaypf]

I have used the RCBS small base die for ARs with good results. http://rcbs.com/Products/Dies-by-Category/AR/Small-Base-Taper-Crimp-Die-Set-AR-Series.aspx

[Czechbikr]

I have a four die set from Lee with the powder through die.  Not carbide.  If I am not mistaken, you would still have to lube cases using carbide dies and as long as you are using cleaned and lubed cases I don't see the need to pay the big premium for carbide for standard volumes of several thousand per year.  I do crimp my rounds as I do not wish to have a potential bullet setback while chambering the AR.  If I was shooting a bolt action, I wouldn't crimp and would only neck size, keeping the case fireformed to the chamber.

[painter]

I use a Lee neck sizer and seater for my bolt .223.

If I have to bump the shoulder back eventually I'll get a body die.

[Dan_69GTX]

Thanks for all the responses. 

Wobbly - Yup, I have the LNL.  Tempted to upgrade to the 1050.  I still haven't bought the case feeder.  Every time I am about ready I spend the $$ on something else (a great deal on primers, a sale on bullets or powder, another gun or part)     So, since I'm looking at diving into the rifle world, do I take the money for dies, swager, case feeder, etc and dump that all into a new 1050 (or wait for the 1100) I'm not sure yet.  I'll not do the dillon trimmer yet, probably just the Giraud Tri-Way Trimmer head to put on a drill for now.

M1A4ME - As to why crimp - because that is what I read - nothing else yet.  All ammo (for now) will be used in an AR for 2gun or eventually 3 gun.  I don't hunt and I've not yet done long distance (past 600 yards).  Around here 500 yards is normal max in the 2 gun events).

[holidaypf]

I really like the Lee factory crimp die. https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/factory-crimp-die/

[tdogg]

I'm with m1a on this one.   Not sure why you would need to crimp?  Neck tension from sizing is what ensures proper bullet retention.   Unless your flaring the case mouth (which I've never seen for rifle), then I see me need to crimp.

Take a finished uncrimped cartridge and chamber it a bunch measuring before and after to see if any setback. Or do the bench test and forcefully push the finished cartridge into your bench and see if any setback.

I like Redding type s full length sizing dies and I bump the shoulder 3 to 5 thousandths. For precision I remove the expander ball all together and size with the right bushing.   For 223 I have their carbide expander ball kit.

Cheers,
Toby

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