Carbide Die in .223/5.56?

[S/W - Lifer]

Anyone using a carbide die in these calibers? I'm considering loading some GI brass for use in my AR-180 and I'm thinking a carbide die might ease the process.

Thanks,

S/W - Lifer

 

[S/W - Lifer]

Anyone using a carbide die in these calibers? I'm considering loading some GI brass for use in my AR-180 and I'm thinking a carbide die might ease the process.

Thanks,

S/W - Lifer

 

[epj]

It is my understanding that the carbide dies may make sizing easier, but that case lube is still required.

 

[Amici]

Dillon makes a carbide die for .223. NOT cheap, but handy. I use it in a Rock Chucker to size and deprime cases. I still have the standard die in the progressive, but it's just to hold the cases in place for priming.

And yes, you DO need to lube the cases; the carbide die just means less lube, less often and sizing takes less effort.

 

[BE Mike]

I have the Dillon carbide die for .223. I like it. I still have to lube cases. I use the Lyman spray on lube. I expect that this die will outlast a steel die, if one expects to load a lot of ammo. I haven't compared it to a steel die, but I expect that it is easier to size with it.

 

[S/W - Lifer]

Is the Dillon carbide .223 small base or standard? Does the ammo loaded with this die function in an AR? Any suggestions on removing lube from 5.56 cases in bulk lots?

Thanks, guys.

 

[Douglas Haig]

Save some work and get an RCBS X-Die. After the initial trim you don't need to trim again. At least I haven't and I'm on my 5th reload using IMI brass. Makes up for the hassle of dealing with some lube cleanup.

 

[S&W revolverman]

Originally posted by S/W - Lifer:
Is the Dillon carbide .223 small base or standard? Does the ammo loaded with this die function in an AR? Any suggestions on removing lube from 5.56 cases in bulk lots?

Thanks, guys.

Put them in your tumbler with corn cobs for just a few minutes - maybe 15 minutes. You'll be able to see when the corn cobs are not sticking to the cases any longer.
Also, keep in mind these particular corn cobs won't be too good for polishing any longer. At least that is what I've found.

Hope this helps
chris

 

[FrankD45]

I believe the Dillon Carbide has the standard base. For what it is worth, I have been loading Winchester and Remington commercial brass as well as Lake City military brass and have had no problem sizing with the standard base. I run all of my sized cases through a case gauge and also keep the cases trimmed to minimum.

I hope that helps,

Frank

 

[S/W - Lifer]

Thanks, gents. Very helpful.

 

[BE Mike]

I too am loading the .223 for a match AR-15. No rifle malfunctions, or other problems using the Dillon carbide sizing die. Although it isn't designated as a small base die, like the RCBS dies, I believe it is made for loading ammo for autos.

 

[38-44HD45]

Originally posted by thomashoward:
I have never used lube on a case sized by carbide. I thought that was the whole point.I guess I've been doing it wrong the last 20+ years.
Inside neck lube sometimes yes

On straight wall cases, no lube is needed. On bottleneck rifle cases, they WILL stick in the die if you don't lube, carbide or not.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I can tell you what, 223 is the biggest pain in the drain to re-load that I have ever done!

More stuck cases than any other caliber I have ever loaded. Of course I have tried to cheat many times and went too long between "juicings".

Stay away for the Hornady One Shot. It works fine for other stuff but not on these cases. Imperial, RCBS II on the pad, are the two best lubes to use.

We had a talk about this a while back and I even tried some Pam and a few other "odd" lubes. Mostly from common home stuff, like Mink Oil!

 

[S/W - Lifer]

I expect to use Imperial to lube with. I'll be doing this in bulk and I just know this is going to be a major pain.

 

[BE Mike]

I've been using the Lyman spray-on lube in conjunction with the Dillon carbide die for .223. So far I've only loaded 500 rounds, but it works for me.