Re: Dies?
longrange,
I like:
Forster .223 FL Die w/Ultra Seat Die, but Redding Bushing Dies, and RCBS Competition are excellent also. I also use a Redding Neck Size die.
I only Full length resize when I have too, otherwise I neck size only after each loading. I never taper crimp, I use a Lee Factory Crimp Die when necessary. I always clean primer pockets after every loading, but I'm anal.
And like I said, I always neck size after every load. When the brass starts making a too tight fit in the chamber (usually after 4 to 6 loadings more or less, depending on your chamber, pressure, and brass quality), I then FL size. When I comes time to FL size a second time, I FL size it, reload it, then discard the brass after that firing.
My procedures are for a bolt action .223. In loading for a semi-auto you will in most cases need to FL size more often to ensure functioning, and your brass gets chewed up a lot quicker.
Mind your case length, shorter is always better than longer; fully inspect each piece your brass before reloading; and always remember that the last 100 FPS gains you little, but loses you a lot of brass; invest in Quick Load because it's cheaper than buying a bunch of reloading manuals, and it's more accurate; and finally, a self-disassembling rifle is never a good thing....
Have fun,
Bob
