Question: .223 and RCBS Dies on a Dillon 550

[doc540]

I learned here that when using my RCBS Rock Chucker that .223 brass isn't "belled" like pistol brass.

Had good success with my first .223 brass on the Chucker.

Today the Dillon 550 arrived.

I'm using my RCBS dies in the 550.

So far, so good.

I have it all set up and ready to measure powder and start reloading .223 tomorrow.

Here's the question:

Without belling the .223 mouths, do I have to carefully hold each bullet atop each case as I operate the handle and raise each case into the seating/crimping die (like I have to do with the Chucker)?

I've been watching "How-To" vids on Youtube, and when reloading .223 they seem to be able to set a bullet into a case mouth, remove their hand and raise the brass into the die.

Thanks

 

[6GUNSONLY]

With flat base bullets, you probably will have to provide a little "guidance" to get the bullet started straight. Boattail bullets make this a lot easier, and I prefer them for that reason alone, especially for volume loading like we are frequently doing for .223.

 

[doc540]

Thanks. Makes sense. Unfortunately all I could buy were these Varmint Nightmare flatbase units. But I did find a bunch of them.

 

[alde]

Yes, guide them in but don't forget to get your fingers out of the way when you pick up speed. Don't ask me how I know that.

 

[Engineer1911]

Bullet seating

About 10 years ago, I thought I had carpal tunnel in my wrists but didn't want to admit I was getting older. Reloading 44 mag on a Dillon takes a lettle more handle effort than 9mm or 38 spl.

I placed the 44 bullet on top of the belled case, and pulled the handle to complete that cycle of the press. I left my thumb on top of the shell plate, and 'compressed' my left thumb between the shell plate and the top of the press. Next morning I had made an appointment for carpal tunnel evaluation.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I have used a Lee die to just bump the case mouth to open it enough for the flat base bullets to seat and not crush a case.

Lee Universal Neck Expanding Die

I then used the Lee FCD to "crimp" that opening closed again.

Lee Factory Crimp Die 223 Remington

I used to load them for a few hungry AR's but now I'm just sitting on them as I don't know when I will find bullets and primers again to reload them...

 

[91kid]

I've noticed that my hornady die, has a floating collar that seats the bullet inside that seems to alleviate most of the cash crushing issues I was having