223 reloading/Lee factory crimp dies

[geoff40]

I am in the process of setting up my .223 capabilities. The ball reloads are being done on a Dillon 550B (out of 2230 powder and can't find any!). But I am "threading" about my varmint/hunting .223 loads...
I have a Rockchucker and picked up a set of Lee dies with the factory crimp die. My question is, do these factory crimp dies lead to early case failures around the neck, and are there any tricks i should know about using them? This is for the AR platform and I kind of assume its a matter of trial and error to find where any bullet movement happening before the round gets chambered ceases. Looking at what this die does, it seems like I shouldn't have to really press down hard.
Besides paper, these loads are going to be for coyotes, occasional 'chucks, etc. If it matters I am right now loading Varget with 55 grain Hornady SPs, and I also have some Speer 70 grain SPs (haven't loaded any of these yet) and I am right up to the 27.5 grain load. I notice the directions say Speer does not suggest Lee dies too, why is that? The 70 grainers ought to make a good crunch when seated in the full case!

 

[NFrameFred]

They are like any other die - go slow, start with no contact pressure, make small adjustments and you'll be fine. This crimp does not unduly "work" the case mouth in my experience.

Sent you a PM on powder.

 

[Rule3]

Which factory die is it? I have the pacesetter dies but also bought the the collet style die # 90817. I am shooting out of a bolt action so I now only necksize and than pass through the collet "fingers" to put a nice taper crimp. Probably could do without but it makes me feel better.

 

[geoff40]

It's the collet type.

 

[Rule3]

It's the collet type.

The die has almost a little spring like action to it. Look inside witha bright flashlight while crimping a bullet. You will see the splits in the collet come together. Once they touch, that's it. You do not want anymore or you will damage the die and bullet.

 

[Amici]

The die has almost a little spring like action to it. Look inside witha bright flashlight while crimping a bullet. You will see the splits in the collet come together. Once they touch, that's it. You do not want anymore or you will damage the die and bullet.

EXACTLY! I run the cartridge up and s-l-o-w-l-y tighten the collet down until it contacts the case just enough to make the splits shrink.

Can't find 2230? I find Reloder 7 excellent for the lighter bullets.

 

[Rule3]

H-332 and H-335 also work well. I got some 2230 from Powder Valley.

 

[walnutred]

Thanks for the information guys. I am in the market for 223 dies and was looking seriously at the Lee collette style. Hopefully Cabelas will have a set in stick when I'm there in 2 weeks.

I'm mostly shooting the 60gn V-Max using Varget.