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dies for m1a 7.62 and ar 5.56
- Thread starter mattkarstetter
- Start date
Re: dies for m1a 7.62 and ar 5.56
For both my M1A and my Colt HBAR i use RCBS X die sets. For the 308 i use a Lee factory crimp die and for the 5.56 i use a Lee taper crimp die.
For both my M1A and my Colt HBAR i use RCBS X die sets. For the 308 i use a Lee factory crimp die and for the 5.56 i use a Lee taper crimp die.
Re: dies for m1a 7.62 and ar 5.56
I currently use standard RCBS FL dies for both cartridges and rifles, however I <span style="font-style: italic">don't</span> crimp. Never have crimped a round of rifle ammo in 35 years, except for that used in lever guns, and never experienced a problem.
Let me add a couple of <span style="font-weight: bold">BUTS</span>. I plan to switch to X-Dies for all cartridges that they're available for when I return to the States. The X-Dies simply make too much sense <span style="font-style: italic">not</span> to use them. And, some things that I have read recently about bullet setback have caused me to reevaluate my decision not to crimp for gas guns. If I determine the need to crimp, I will use a taper crimp die.
If you're about to begin loading for an M1A, there are some issues to be aware of. Glen Zediker has them pretty well laid out here: http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf Although the title says 'Match M14,' it aapplies to non-match-grade rifles, as well.
I currently use standard RCBS FL dies for both cartridges and rifles, however I <span style="font-style: italic">don't</span> crimp. Never have crimped a round of rifle ammo in 35 years, except for that used in lever guns, and never experienced a problem.
Let me add a couple of <span style="font-weight: bold">BUTS</span>. I plan to switch to X-Dies for all cartridges that they're available for when I return to the States. The X-Dies simply make too much sense <span style="font-style: italic">not</span> to use them. And, some things that I have read recently about bullet setback have caused me to reevaluate my decision not to crimp for gas guns. If I determine the need to crimp, I will use a taper crimp die.
If you're about to begin loading for an M1A, there are some issues to be aware of. Glen Zediker has them pretty well laid out here: http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf Although the title says 'Match M14,' it aapplies to non-match-grade rifles, as well.
Re: dies for m1a 7.62 and ar 5.56
I don't crimp either. I generally use RCBS or Redding dies. I haven't found small base dies to be necessary.
I don't crimp either. I generally use RCBS or Redding dies. I haven't found small base dies to be necessary.
Re: dies for m1a 7.62 and ar 5.56
Same here but use a redding comp die with a bushing .003 smaller . the m1a needs the extra tension in the neck area I have had bullets dislodge at .001 neck tension
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used the same dies as my bolt guns, except I bump the shoulder back .003, and .003 neck tension, for extra insurance a Lee Factory Crimp Die </div></div>
Same here but use a redding comp die with a bushing .003 smaller . the m1a needs the extra tension in the neck area I have had bullets dislodge at .001 neck tension
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used the same dies as my bolt guns, except I bump the shoulder back .003, and .003 neck tension, for extra insurance a Lee Factory Crimp Die </div></div>
Re: dies for m1a 7.62 and ar 5.56
On M1A I also FL size for all round to gage GO in a L.E. Wilson case gage. On AR same thing.
As well I haven't crimped a bullet in maybe 35 years.
If you are loading match bullets without cannelures crimping them will only destroy accuracy.
Even if bullets have cannelue I don't crimp them.
Well let me rephrase that, we are talking rifle ammo and gas guns. Magnum revolver bullets I do crimp as the bullets in adjacent chambers will creep forward during recoil out the front of the cylinder which will jam the weapon. Also crimping helps propellant ignition.
I load my slow fire ammo with .001" grip on the bullet as they are single fed and placed in chamber by fingers prior to bolt release but rapid fire ammo needs a min of .002 to .003 to "hold" during round strip, feed etc.
If the dies are "right" you will not need SB dies. Read all the way through this loading forum and you will pick up alot of good data as this has been covered several times.
On M1A I also FL size for all round to gage GO in a L.E. Wilson case gage. On AR same thing.
As well I haven't crimped a bullet in maybe 35 years.
If you are loading match bullets without cannelures crimping them will only destroy accuracy.
Even if bullets have cannelue I don't crimp them.
Well let me rephrase that, we are talking rifle ammo and gas guns. Magnum revolver bullets I do crimp as the bullets in adjacent chambers will creep forward during recoil out the front of the cylinder which will jam the weapon. Also crimping helps propellant ignition.
I load my slow fire ammo with .001" grip on the bullet as they are single fed and placed in chamber by fingers prior to bolt release but rapid fire ammo needs a min of .002 to .003 to "hold" during round strip, feed etc.
If the dies are "right" you will not need SB dies. Read all the way through this loading forum and you will pick up alot of good data as this has been covered several times.
Re: dies for m1a 7.62 and ar 5.56
I use(d) regular RCBS 2-dies sets for .223 and .308, both for semi's and bolt guns. They work(ed) quite well. I tried crimping, but dropped it when I found that there really weren't any problems that I needed a crimp to resolve.
My lesson was, be sure I have a problem before I start throwing 'solutions' into the equation. Simpler is (nearly) always better.
The comments above are edited to reflect that I no longer have/use .308. Everything above .223, for match purposes, is covered by the .260. My .30 caliber cartridge is the .30-'06, and I have a pair of .280's which I inherited.
Greg
I use(d) regular RCBS 2-dies sets for .223 and .308, both for semi's and bolt guns. They work(ed) quite well. I tried crimping, but dropped it when I found that there really weren't any problems that I needed a crimp to resolve.
My lesson was, be sure I have a problem before I start throwing 'solutions' into the equation. Simpler is (nearly) always better.
The comments above are edited to reflect that I no longer have/use .308. Everything above .223, for match purposes, is covered by the .260. My .30 caliber cartridge is the .30-'06, and I have a pair of .280's which I inherited.
Greg
Re: dies for m1a 7.62 and ar 5.56
I use a redding small base die for my m1a. I was having some function problems that the small base die seemed to end. I don't crimp either.
I use a redding small base die for my m1a. I was having some function problems that the small base die seemed to end. I don't crimp either.
