223 Dies Combo?

YoungGun · September 8, 2007, 11:39 AM

I plan to use the following .223 dies combo in the Dillon 650 (use the same setup for target practice and precision reloading).

RCBS X-Die Full Length Sizer
Redding Competition Seater Die
Lee Factory Crimp Die

Is there anything that I am missing?
Do I need a separate step to fully resized the brass, trim to the proper recommended length before using the RCBS x-die? If yes, what is your recommendation?
Do I need any special adapter/locking rings for using these dies in the Dillon 650?
Any additional recommendation?

Yg

Linear Thinker · September 8, 2007, 12:16 PM

YG - you won't need any adapters to use RCBS or any other make of dies on a Dillon.

Your die selection is good, I use the Redding comp die and Lee crimper as well with excellent results.
223 seems to need less trimming compared to most other cartridges, in my experience.

I have not used the X-dies, and am slightly dubious of their advertising claims.
Please let us know of your experience with it.
LT

CrustyFN · September 8, 2007, 02:18 PM

The powder die for your powder measure. I am also very curious how well you like the X-die. If it would keep from having to trim without shortening the life of the brass too much then it would be a great die to have.
Rusty

Alleykat · September 10, 2007, 11:22 AM

You have to trim once, after the initial f.l. resizing, when using the X dies. I use the X die for .223 reloading, and I'm not dubious about RCBS's claims. They work well, as advertised.

Most competitors don't crimp rifle ammo.

totalloser · December 26, 2007, 04:05 AM

I use the X dies. They do what they say. I am WAY too paranoid of an excessive length KB, so I use a dillon trim die, but use the x-die to shrink the case first. More life outta my brass (in theory

) But I have a RCBS SB die too, and the x dies make so the dillon barely trims anything. The SB it takes more. I am guessing like a difference of .004" on average (?) Get a case length guage and check 'em before you load them.

Alleykat · December 26, 2007, 10:35 AM

Quote:

but use the x-die to shrink the case first

The X die isn't designed to shrink the case. You're supposed to trim to .010" more than standard trim-to length, the first time you use the X die. The X die then prevents the brass from "growing" beyond max trim length.

September 8, 2007, 11:39 AM	#1
YoungGun Member Join Date: February 3, 2000 Posts: 90	223 Dies Combo? I plan to use the following .223 dies combo in the Dillon 650 (use the same setup for target practice and precision reloading). RCBS X-Die Full Length Sizer Redding Competition Seater Die Lee Factory Crimp Die Is there anything that I am missing? Do I need a separate step to fully resized the brass, trim to the proper recommended length before using the RCBS x-die? If yes, what is your recommendation? Do I need any special adapter/locking rings for using these dies in the Dillon 650? Any additional recommendation? Yg

September 8, 2007, 02:18 PM	#3
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	The powder die for your powder measure. I am also very curious how well you like the X-die. If it would keep from having to trim without shortening the life of the brass too much then it would be a great die to have. Rusty __________________ I don't ever remember being absent minded.

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September 8, 2007, 12:16 PM	#2
Linear Thinker Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2007 Location: Blue State, NE US Posts: 202	YG - you won't need any adapters to use RCBS or any other make of dies on a Dillon. Your die selection is good, I use the Redding comp die and Lee crimper as well with excellent results. 223 seems to need less trimming compared to most other cartridges, in my experience. I have not used the X-dies, and am slightly dubious of their advertising claims. Please let us know of your experience with it. LT

September 10, 2007, 11:22 AM	#4
Alleykat Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2007 Posts: 3,668	You have to trim once, after the initial f.l. resizing, when using the X dies. I use the X die for .223 reloading, and I'm not dubious about RCBS's claims. They work well, as advertised. Most competitors don't crimp rifle ammo.

December 26, 2007, 04:05 AM	#5
totalloser Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2007 Location: Fort Bragg, CA Posts: 679	I use the X dies. They do what they say. I am WAY too paranoid of an excessive length KB, so I use a dillon trim die, but use the x-die to shrink the case first. More life outta my brass (in theory ) But I have a RCBS SB die too, and the x dies make so the dillon barely trims anything. The SB it takes more. I am guessing like a difference of .004" on average (?) Get a case length guage and check 'em before you load them.