Sizing question on 223

[sskimber]

This is my first round of reloading for rifle. I am working on a load for 223. I have re-sized the brass, trimmed and de-burred, at this point I started to set the OAL and crimp. I did this aiming at the dimensions is the Lyman manual (they agree with the other manuals I have). When I had a "round" set (no primer or powder) I attempted to chamber in my rifle (AR-15) It would not chamber. I measured a factory round and adjusted the OAL to match. The round still did not chamber. I can slam the bolt shut but then the round does not eject like it should. I did chamber a factory round and everything was smooth. I am using used dies, given to me by a friend. is it possible for the dies to be worn out? what else should I do to correct this issue? I was planning or ordering a case gage, Should that be the first step?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[ghostrider]

My first guess (assuming the brass is from your gun) is that its not being fully resized. For semi-auto rifles its often recommended to use 'small base' dies to fully resize the brass. Its unlikely the dies are worn out, but its possible they are not properly adjusted for your gun.

A case gauge is a better way to check that the round is within spec, but for bottle neck rifle cartridges I also recommend an RCBS precision mic:

http://www.realguns.com/archives/035.htm

I learned all this the hard way trying to use the same dies and the same settings to reload for both a .308 bolt action rifle and an FN FAL.

[sskimber]

I have the die adjusted all the way down, It is touching the shell holder. What is a "Small Base Die" I have never hear of one before. I agree is seems the case has not been sized all the was but with the die adjusted all the way down I did not know of another option. Where does one get a Small base die?

Looked on The RCBS website and found this

Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ?

A. The Small Base Die set is intended for use for ammunition to be used in auto, semi-auto, and lever action rifles so that the loaded round chambers and extracts easily. The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die. The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily.

it seems a FL die is not what should be used to reload for a semi-auto. Has anyone else discovered this as well?

[ghostrider]

>it seems a FL die is not what should be used to reload for a semi-auto. Has anyone else discovered this as well?

sorry, I'll try to make it clearer. There's really 3 types of sizing dies:

# neck - sizing: only resizes the neck of the (bottleneck) case. I do this for a bolt action rifle where the brass will only be used in that rifle. The theory is that the case is now 'fire-formed' to your chamber so you don't really need to resize the full length of the case. This allows the case to be reloaded more times because less of the brass is work hardened.

# full-length sizing die - standard die that resizes the full length of the case - almost. The bottom part of the case (head) isn't resized which brings us to the last main type:

# small base die - this is designed to resize all of the case; it is often needed for semi-auto rifles that have more 'generous' chamber sizes (I think that's the reason) which allow the brass to expand more when fired.


While I prefer Hornady, Midway has an RCBS small base 223 resizing die:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... t=11082005

Note that this is all based on my experience with reloading for both a semi-auto and a bolt action in 308. I now only neck-size for a bolt-action.


for .223 semi-auto, I am using the standard Hornady 2 die set:
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0012542216131a.shtml

[Mike1951]

it seems a FL die is not what should be used to reload for a semi-auto. Has anyone else discovered this as well?

It's not that cut and dried. Chamber tolerances vary and many times a full length sizing is adequate, even for a semi-auto.

I also recommend the use of a chamber gage to determine whether a round will chamber freely.

If the situation requires it, a small base die is a solution.

[dukalmighty]

I had the same problem and i found i wasn't crimping tight enough,the best way to solve this is with a lee factory crimp die,all my rounds chamber and fire flawlessly now