I have a set of Lee .223 dies purchased ~20 years ago to load ammo for my Thompson Contender. With a recent AR-15 purchase, I need some advice regarding die selection. I know there are special "small base" dies (e.g. RCBS) made especially for AR-15 ammo reloading. Will the Lee dies produce ammo likely acceptable for the AR-15, or is this just inviting problems ? The AR-15 is a generic mil-spec rifle. All rounds will be checked in a Lyman guage to confirm all critical cartridge dimensions.

In my limited rifle reloading experience so far, small base dies are pretty rare in need for use with most rifles. My BAR in .30-06 has a pretty tight chamber and it took a few full length sizing dies trials until one was found that worked all the time. Most run of the mill AR’s have not what I would call sloppy chambers but they aren’t at all match grade bolt action type chambers. My cousin loaded a few test .223’s with a set of Lee RGB dies that were dirt cheap and they worked just fine. Most of what I have read about the AR’s indicates you will have better function with full length sizing dies so the brass doesn’t swell and then have trouble chambering. But then some guys report they neck size only and their ammo works just fine. My plan is to just order a set of Lee Pace Setter dies with the full length sizer. And I’m so sold on the rifle LFCD that I would use it for .223 also. That die makes a great crimp over and over. This is what I’m getting:

Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set 223 Remington - MidwayUSA

So my point is you may or may not need small base dies. If your chamber is tight enough, then you may. But so far it seems pretty rare to be required.

I've been loading for an AR in .223 and one in .204 Ruger and have used Redding dies....I can't imagine why you'd need small base dies. I've got a custom .17 Remington arriving soon, and have bought the Lee dies for it, though I may end up getting a Wilson seating die, depending on results.

I really like the Lee crimp dies for my .45ACP, .38 & 9mm handgun rounds, but don't see the need to crimp rifle rounds...even those for the AR. JMHO.....YMMV.

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Peace Thru Superior Firepower

I use Lee dies for loading .223 and 5.56 brass for use in various AR-15 type rifles and never have problems with resizing, as long as the sizing die is adjusted properly.

Dave Sinko

All I use. Just make sure you use sizing lube! Gets ugly if you don't!

I've never used anything but Lee dies, and as long as they're properly adjusted, they work fine. Watch your headspace, and all will be well.

I assume this is common knowledge but some people may miss this. If the lube you use is water based you need to clean out your dies or they may rust inside. Lee dies are prone to rusting more so than other brands for whatever reason. I just spray mine with WD40 and hit the inside with a bottle brush when I'm done.

Lee dies here also for my 223. It's probably fed my Spikes Tactical AR15 around 5K rounds.