RCBS full length dies for AR .223

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schlaggerman

New member
This will be my first foray into loading for my Rem. R-15 in .223 caliber. I just bought a set of RCBS full length resizing dies. Will these dies resize enough for use in the AR type rifles? Should I have bought the RCBS small base resizing die set? Any feeding issues with full length resized brass in the AR's? Looking for input from someone experienced with reloading for the AR platform as all my reloading experience thus far has been for bolt rifles.
 
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I have only used the standard FL sizer for all of my ARs. 204,223,243. My buddy at the gun shop in town swares that you need the small base dies for the AR but I have not needed them yet. From all the reading that I have done the only time you should need to use them (small base) is when the brass may have been shot through a machine gun. I have been loading only military brass for my 223 and there hasn't been a problem yet. I guess the first time I do I will start to use them.
 
I only use a FL size die & have had no problems with running them in both my ARs & 2 bolts action guns. They fit & fire in all my .223s.
 
Schlaggerman, While I have some Neck sizing dies for my bolt action, I rarely use them...

I have two ARs in .223 and have always used standard Full Length sizing dies for them with never a problem..

You just have to be sure your die is adjusted properly to where it keeps your shoulder pushed back and the press 'cams' over slightly on the upstroke..
 
You should not use a SB die. It over works the brass. Also get a case shoulder length gage to adjust the resize die. Only push the shoulder back about .002" and you will prevent case head separations.

Jack
 
I, like you, just started reloading for my R-15. Have shot about 100 rounds of my reloads so far. All were full length sized with RCBS and all cycled perfectly. I also read several posts on AR15 Armory that say as these guys say. A lot more experience than mine says it's OK. Have fun!
 
This was a good question, I was wondering about this. I have never used SB dies for my AR, just the standard full length. I use SB dies, however on my BAR's, not sure if I need to though?
 
I've used SB dies on every .223 case I've ever sized. Never had any problems, other than sticking 3 or 4 cases that were hugely oversized at the base (out of a SAW?)
I've been loading .223 for around 25 years now, if it was going to cause problems, I figure I would have seen it by now.
My AR uses a minimum spec SAAMI chamber, so I'm not sure if I could get away with FL sizing those blown-out ones and still have them chamber or not.
Once they've been through the SB's once, they size easily from there on out, it doesn't seem to be working the brass any more than a FL die would.

If you don't pick up range brass, or buy "mystery brass" that may have gone through a machine gun, and are shooting a looser chamber, I really doubt you "need" SB dies.
 
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Never used SB dies but I do have to "cam" the press over while resizing just a little to push the shoulder back and everything works great. Regular dies should work fine for you.
 
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