5.56 Reloading, which dies?

[Charlotte the flyer]

when reloading 5.56 nato, ggg, rg etc, can .223 dies be used?
also, same question for 7.62/.308

thanks

[dodgyrog]

I've settled on RCBS for the .223. Watch out for RG brass as the primer is really tight in the pocket (I've stopped using them). GGG load up really well (don't EVER use Hornady .223 brass)
I use a RCBS small base sizer die for my .308 loading but I have to say that the Lee dies do the job as well.
I push the lubed, sized cases through a RCBS 45ACP carbide die all the way through. You need to take out the top thread sufficiently large to allow passage of the case - lathe or drill job.

[Blu]

when reloading 5.56 nato, ggg, rg etc, can .223 dies be used?
also, same question for 7.62/.308

thanks

Short answer is yes, I do it all the time and never had a problem over the years.

Blu

[Blu]

(don't EVER use Hornady .223 brass)

Rog, just wondering why you say that, most of my .223 brass is range pick ups with a lot of it Hornady brass in there and I've never had a problem with it.

Blu

[Alpha1]

I push the lubed, sized cases through a RCBS 45ACP carbide die all the way through. You need to take out the top thread sufficiently large to allow passage of the case - lathe or drill job.

Are you saying you push the .308 case through the carbide die what is the reason for doing that.

[dodgyrog]

(don't EVER use Hornady .223 brass)

Rog, just wondering why you say that, most of my .223 brass is range pick ups with a lot of it Hornady brass in there and I've never had a problem with it.

Blu

See my other thread on the problem with Hornady .223 brass.

[dodgyrog]

I push the lubed, sized cases through a RCBS 45ACP carbide die all the way through. You need to take out the top thread sufficiently large to allow passage of the case - lathe or drill job.

Are you saying you push the .308 case through the carbide die what is the reason for doing that.

Yes, I am saying that. It reduces the bulge at the head of the case where the die cannot reach. I need to do this when I use pick ups that other people have fired.

[Blu]

(don't EVER use Hornady .223 brass)

Rog, just wondering why you say that, most of my .223 brass is range pick ups with a lot of it Hornady brass in there and I've never had a problem with it.

Blu

See my other thread on the problem with Hornady .223 brass.

Aye okay, I've just read that thread again and TBH honest I can't say I've ever had a problem with Hornady brass during reloading or firing in any of my rifles. With my 6.5 Grendal for instance I use nothing but Hornady brass and get this, it has lasted longer than the Lapua brass I used to use, according to my reloading log it is now on it's 12th reload and still looking good.

Just saying.

Blu

[dodgyrog]

Possibility of a soft batch of brass then.

[Blu]

Possibility of a soft batch of brass then.

Could be Roger, like I said I've never had a problem with Hornady brass and I'm out back most days shooting one rifle or another. I wouldn't give up on Hornady just yet mate, give it another try. Also as I said on your other thread I use RCBS X-Dies when resizing brass and they seem to extend the life of the brass by some considerable time especially with my AR's.

Blu