10 Best 223 Reloading Dies

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Who Makes the Best 223 Reloading Dies? Discover more on this Best 223 reloading dies review.

The 223 is arguably among the most common rounds to reload because of the rifle’s popularity. When reloading, it is very important for you to choose the right set of dies for your rifle. This is mainly because semi-auto rifles have different technical specifications than bolt-action ones. In addition, you will require a set of sturdy dies.

The good thing is that you can use .223 reloading dies for 5.56mm and vice versa. Even though the two rounds have different pressure loadings, dies themselves are interchangeable.

 

Best 223 Reloading Dies

 

Hornady 2 Die Set

Hornady 2 Die Set

 

 

This Hornady Two-Die Reloading Set includes one full-length sizing die and one standard bullet seating die, each made with vivid details to offer more precise reloading by offering easier adjustments, better alignment, and smoother functioning.

The two reloading tools feature the Hornady’s Zip Spindle design, a series of light threads cut on both the spindle and spindle collet allowing you to make incremental adjustments by turning the spindle or zipping it up or down for larger movements.

The reloading dies set is equipped with Hornady Sure-Loc™ lock rings, which clamp around the entire die and apply constant pressure across the threads to hold the ring in place.

The dies have an integrated elliptical expander that eliminates the need for a separate expander dies for necking-up to the next caliber. They also have a built-in crimper that gives you the option of crimping without the need for an extra crimp die, thus saving a station on your press.

Features

  • Includes one full-length sizing die and one bullet seating die
  • Guaranteed never to break or wear out from use
  • Zip Spindle™ design on all full-length size dies positively locks to eliminate slippage.
  • The Seater adjustment screw easily adjusts for bullet seating depths
  • The internal die profile is precision machined and polished to a smooth finish to deliver reliable functioning without case sticking or excessive friction
  • Superior to “ball expanders,” the integrated elliptical expander provides extremely smooth neck sizing and significantly reduces friction and case neck stretch
  • Locking retainer spring removes in seconds for easy disassembly and cleaning of the die
  • A built-in crimper gives you the option of crimping without the need for an extra crimp die thus saving a station on your press
  • Comes in a convenient box that’s compartmentalized for dies, bushings, shell holders and a taper crimp die
  • In-line bullet seating system holds the bullet, the case neck, and the seating stem in perfect alignment in the sleeve before the bullet enters the neck of the case

 

RCBS AR Series Small Base Taper Crimp Die Sets

RCBS AR Series Small Base Taper Crimp Die Sets

 

 

 

The RCBS AR Series die sets come packaged with a full-length small base sizing die and a taper crimp seating die. This combination is perfect for reloading an AR-style, semi-automatic, pump-action, or lever-action rifle. Small base sizing dies size brass to minimum specifications and also ensure that cartridges will chamber every time.

The taper crimp seating die is helpful as it is a bit more forgiving die for crimping cases that have variable case lengths; helping to reduce the number of bulges and buckled shoulders when crimping in bullets with a cannelure.

This product sizes more than regular dies hence the need for a sufficient amount of high-quality lubricant to prevent stuck cases. These dies can also work with any single-stage or turret press that will accept 7/8″-14 threaded dies.

Features

  • Small base sizing die – sizes brass to minimum specifications for clean chambering every time
  • Taper crimp seating die – crimping cases that have variable case lengths
  • Works with any single-stage or turret press that accepts 7/8”-14 threaded dies
  • Comes with a plastic storage box

 

Forster Full-Length Sizing Die

Forster Full-Length Sizing Die

 

 

 

These products from Forster are full-length sizing dies that produce ammunition to perfectly fit your chamber. The Forster Full Length Sizing Die sizes the case neck, shoulder, and body, de-primes and expands the case neck, and allows the case to be re-chambered in a SAAMI minimum size rifle chamber.

The die body has a precisely located vent hole in the threaded or recess portion that prevents excessive, trapped air and lubricants from damaging the die’s components or cases.

Features

  • Good precise performance
  • Sizes the case neck, shoulder, and body
  • Deprimes and expands the case neck
  • Allows the case to be re-chambered in a SAAMI minimum size rifle chamber

 

RCBS FL Die Set (.223 Rem)

RCBS FL Die Set (.223 Rem)

 

 

 

The RCBS FL die set is one of the best reloading dies by RCBS. The die set is known in many reloading circles for being of high-quality. It includes a full-length sizer die and an expander-decapping unit. This product contains a 2 die set and is perfect for 223.

Features

  • High quality
  • Made from case hardened steel
  • Contains 2 DIE set
  • Large, easy-to-adjust hex lock rings utilize hex head setscrews
  • Precision-drilled and reamed to the same exacting standards as the finest gun mechanisms
  • Properly hardened and hand polished
  • Full-Length Sizer Dies for bottleneck cases have vents to prevent case damage

 

Lee Precision 90694 223 Remington Ultimate Rifle Die Set, Silver

Lee Precision 90694 223 Remington Ultimate Rifle Die Set, Silver

 

 

 

The Lee Precision 90694 223 Remington Ultimate Rifle Die Set is a good quality die set that makes a great addition to any reloader, whether a beginner or experienced.

It is lightweight which makes it easy to operate and move whenever need be. It comes complete with components such as powder measure, shell holder, and Lee load data, with an exhaustive list of common powder brands in a readable format.

Features

  • Has a Collect Neck sizing die that aids in increasing accuracy and efficiency
  • The easily adjustable bullet seating die provides optimum seating depth at all times
  • Country of origin: United States
  • Item Package Weight: 1.45 Pounds
  • For reloading 223 Remington rounds
  • Set is complete
  • Has a hell holder
  • Full length-resizing die returns brass to factory dimensions; collet neck sizing die helps provide the best possible accuracy
  • Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet seating die foolproof the bullet seating adjustment
  • Factory Crimp die provides a secure crimp on bullets with or without a crimp groove

 

RCBS 11107 .223 Rem/5.56 x 45 SB T/C Die Set

RCBS 11107 .223 Rem/5.56 x 45 SB T/C Die Set

 

 

RCBS Reloader Supplies have been setting the standard for high-quality reloading equipment for over 60 years. The brass case is the most expensive part of a loaded round of ammo.

You can reload brass by replacing the primer, powder, and bullet inside the used brass casing. This provides savings of about 60% over factory-loaded ammunition. This RCBS handloading die set provides you with everything needed to re-use expensive brass cartridge cases by reloading them with new primer, powder, and bullets.

Features

  • Contains 1 DIE
  • Features a small base sizing die and a new taper crimp seating die
  • Makes reloading easier for AR-style or semi-auto shooters
  • Fits 223 Remington
  • Ideal for any progressive reloader

 

Lee Precision Pacesetter Dies .223

Lee Precision Pacesetter Dies .223

 

 

This Lee Precision Pacesetter Dies include full-length sizing die, easy-adjust dead length bullet seating die, the exclusive Lee factory crimp die, universal shell holder, powder dipper, and the instructions/load data. It allows you to choose the type of crimp you desire.

This die set can be used to load 5.56 NATO (5.56 x 45mm) brass.

Features

  • Includes shell holder, powder dipper, and load data
  • Package length: 12.192 cm
  • Package width: 14.732 cm
  • Package height: 3.81 cm

 

8) RCBS 11103 Series A Small Base Die Set, 223 Remington

RCBS 11103 Series A Small Base Die Set, 223 Remington

 

 

These RCBS small base 2-Die sets are useful for reloaders loading for semi-automatic, pump-action, and lever-action rifles to help ensure that proper functioning.

The small base sizing dies size brass to minimum specifications and helps to ensure that cartridges will chamber every time. This product sizes more than regular dies hence the need to have a sufficient amount of high-quality lubricant to prevent stuck cases. The 2 die set fits 223 Remington.

Features

  • Series a small base die set
  • Usually required for reloading ammunition to be used in automatic, semi-automatic, pump, slide, and some lever-action rifles
  • Small Base Set contains Small Base Sizer with Expander-Decapping Unit and Regular Seater Die with Seater Plug
  • These dies size the body of cases somewhat smaller in diameter and also set the shoulder back slightly more than a Full-Length Sizer Die

 

RCBS X-Die Small Base Sizer.223 Rem

RCBS X-Die Small Base Sizer.223 Rem

 

 

The Reloader Supplies have been setting the standard for high-quality reloading equipment for over 60 years. The brass case is the most expensive part of a loaded round of ammo.

You can reload brass by replacing the primer, powder, and bullet inside the used brass casing, which offers savings of about 60% over factory-loaded ammunition.

The RCBS handloading supplies provide you with everything needed to re-use expensive brass cartridge cases by reloading them with new primer, powder, and bullets.

Features

  • Made of the highest quality materials
  • Hunting reloading dies
  • Precision crafted by a trusted brand

 

RCBS X-Die FL Die Set, .223 Rem

RCBS X-Die FL Die Set, .223 Rem

 

 

 

RCBS Reloader Supplies set the standard for high-quality reloading equipment. The products are set to reduce the expenses of a brass case in a loaded round of ammo. Reloading brass (by replacing the primer, powder, and bullet inside the used brass casing) creates savings of about 60% over factory-loaded ammunition.

These handloading supplies provide shooters with everything needed to re-use expensive brass cartridge cases by reloading them with new primer, powder, and bullets.

Features

  • Made of the highest quality materials
  • Hunting reloading dies
  • Precision crafted

 

Choosing the Best 223 Reloading Dies

Just like in any other tool or product, there are some important factors you need to consider when looking for reloading dies for your 223. They include;

Reliabilityyour reloading dies should be able to reload more than one thousand rounds or so without breaking apart. This ensures ease of mind on your side and also money-saving.

Price– your budget range determines what kind of product you purchase. As the saying goes, cheap is expensive. Therefore, do not limit yourself to the cheapest products in the market.

Warranty- even though all of the set featured products in this review are offered with a sufficiently long warranty, remember to countercheck during purchase for the best warranty offer. Also, countercheck with previous users for quality feedback.

Ease of use- you want to purchase the ultimate user-friendly die set. This helps you save time as well as prevent accidents that can be as a result of mishandling.

 FAQs

  • Who makes the best 223 reloading dies?

There are a couple of brands with the best 223 reloading dies. As discussed in this review, some of them are RCBS, Hornady, Lyman and Redding die sets. They are very well designed and manufactured at affordable prices.

  • Can I reload 556 with 223 dies?

Reloading 223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition is basically the same as loading most other bottleneck rifle cartridges. The reloading dies for 223 Remington are the same as 5.56 NATO as the exterior dimensions are essentially the same.

  • Do reloading dies wear out?

Yes. However, this does not happen very fast due to the constant lubrication. The reloading dies that are more costly are definitely more long-lasting and worth every penny.

  • Are reloading dies universal?

Most of the reloading dies are interchangeable. Majority of them are the same size when you’re talking about common SS type presses.

Conclusion

When reloading your ammo, it is good to look for a reloading die that suits your rifle caliber although most of them are interchangeable. The 223 reloading dies in this review are our best choices from what is in the market today.