9mm Shellplate For 5.56/.223?

[epj]

I am going to start loading limited quantities of .223. I load on a Dillon 550. At least to start, I probably will use station 1 of the dillon as a single stage press, and weigh every charge. It occured to me that the rim diameter of a 9mm and a .223 were very close. I tried a .223 in my 9mm shellplate and it fit pretty well, though just a bit looser than the 9mm. What I'm wondering is if I can get away with using my 9mm shellplate and avoid the cost (at least for the time being) of buying the .223 conversion kit(about $40). It almost sounds like I should try it, but then I can just see myself getting the very first case stuck in the die! Anyone ever try this? Successful or a disaster?

 

[epj]

I am going to start loading limited quantities of .223. I load on a Dillon 550. At least to start, I probably will use station 1 of the dillon as a single stage press, and weigh every charge. It occured to me that the rim diameter of a 9mm and a .223 were very close. I tried a .223 in my 9mm shellplate and it fit pretty well, though just a bit looser than the 9mm. What I'm wondering is if I can get away with using my 9mm shellplate and avoid the cost (at least for the time being) of buying the .223 conversion kit(about $40). It almost sounds like I should try it, but then I can just see myself getting the very first case stuck in the die! Anyone ever try this? Successful or a disaster?

 

[Bib]

use a shellplate for the .380 ACP when loading 5.56/.223

 

[epj]

Yeah, the shellplate for the .380 and .223 are one in the same. I'm wondering if I can get away with using the 9mm shellplate at least temporarily, of if that would just be an invitation to problems.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I don't load on a Dillon, but I can tell you that using a 9mm shellholder or plate works pretty well for pushing them into the die. The getting them back out part will be entertaining unless you use waaaay more lube than you even think is enough, both externally and inside the neck. It's even more fun after you peel back or rip off the rim.