having problems with 223

[mbleger]

new to reloading rifle rounds. i have the dillon 550b. half of my reloads are getting stuck in the chamber. i have checked and measured and compared with store bought rounds and i cannot figure it out. help

 

[red_zr24x4]

Sounds like your sizing die is not set up correctly. and the shoulders might need bumped back a little.

 

[x10]

sounds like you need a 223 small base die, I have the same problem with ammo shot in several different rifles, I tried 2 different brands of dies and then finally figure out that small base dies are the only way, If you get them resized you probably won't have to do it again if its in the same rifle.
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Small-Base-Die-223/dp/B000N8LIOQ]Amazon.com: RCBS Small Base Die Set (.223 Rem): Sports & Outdoors[/ame]

I'm sure there are better prices but this will get you started

BTW, My ammo that has been sized in regular 223 dies fits in 1 of my 223 case gauges but not the other. So even a case gauge can fool you

 

[Mephitical]

new to reloading rifle rounds. i have the dillon 550b. half of my reloads are getting stuck in the chamber. i have checked and measured and compared with store bought rounds and i cannot figure it out. help

Take a reloading class at Profire. I think being new this would be your best option so that you can learn how to set up everything, and then what to look for while reloading.

 

[j706]

Buy yourself a case gauge. They take the guess work out of resizing. Imo 223/5.56 is always been a little harder to get right without one.

 

[buckhunterbb]

Sizing die may be too high. Try adjusted down die till bottom of die touches shell holder when ram is at highest point. Then lower ram & adjust die down another 1/8-1/4 turn.

 

[x10]

Sizing die may be too high. Try adjusted down die till bottom of die touches shell holder when ram is at highest point. Then lower ram & adjust die down another 1/8-1/4 turn.

This is the correct procedure but if your getting into a situration that SB is needed it still won't get it done.

and Like I posted I had 2 case gauges an Old wilson and a new dillon and If I remember right the dillon would find the tight bases and the wilson would pass it on

 

[red_zr24x4]

I've never used a small base die, I load for an AR, M1A, M1. As long as I set the die up correctly its worked every time.

 

[RonnieF]

getting ready to buy a 223 die set im only using a bolt action would I need to go look for the small base die set?

 

[Electronrider]

getting ready to buy a 223 die set im only using a bolt action would I need to go look for the small base die set?

Absolutely not!

As per the OP, do you have a case guage? Are your cartridges passing witha guage?

 

[lovemywoods]

getting ready to buy a 223 die set im only using a bolt action would I need to go look for the small base die set?

The small base die was designed specifically for semi-automatic firearms. It aids in the rapid loading of each round into the chamber.

A standard sizing die will produce a round that will easily chamber in a bolt action rifle. The cartridge will also have a nice fit with little play. If you used a small base die there would be slightly more play in the fit. You don't want that for accuracy.