Help with picking dies 223 AI

[ger42]

I have a 223 AI barrel coming I know I have to to some fire forming and have about 75 223 rounds loaded for a time since passed.
After the fire forming what dies do I need?

In other words what do you recommend the process be for reloading for 223 AI ammo?

[scope eye]

I have a set of lee's and they do everything I need them to do.

Dean

[BoilerUP]

Lee 223AI dies have worked great for me too, though I do now have a Redding Competition micrometer seater.

[LongRange]

if on a budget go lee if you have the money redding.

[bootsmcguire]

Don't forget to grab the Lee Collet Die for the 223 Rem. It works just the same on the 223AI and is an easy simple die to use that for me anyways seems to add to brass life.

[LongRange]

Don't forget to grab the Lee Collet Die for the 223 Rem. It works just the same on the 223AI and is an easy simple die to use that for me anyways seems to add to brass life.

i agree...i just started using the collet die and love it.

[kkeene]

Standard Lee collet die works great, but you can only neck size a AI fire formed case. You will probably need to bump the shoulder back at some point which requires an AI die. I also buy the Lee AI die sets when that happens.

However, you might be able to get away with the standard die set for many, many reloadings though.

Edit - And the 2nd best thing about the Lee collet die is no lube required! Really speeds up reloading process and increases accuracy when you are loading for a bolt gun where you don't need to FL resize very often.

[gotcha]

In other words what do you recommend the process be for reloading for 223 AI ammo?
I don't know that there is a "best" way. Really a matter of personal preference. Some F/L size ea. time and swear by the consistency. Others use a LCD 'til such time as body sizing is necessary then F/L resize. Still others use a LCD in conjunction with a Body Die. Then come the guys that use bushing dies. Each "system" has its pro's & cons. I'd say a good micrometer seating die is more than worth the investment. Particularly if you intend to develop loads with a variety of bullet wts. & styles. In .223AI I've used all of the above methods and prefer the LCD & Redding body die. But that's just my opinion. Others would take issue.

[Luke45]

lee collet! and the seaters arent half bad, about 1/2 thou runout, and the collets work great for Ackley caase