223 Die Improvements / Upgrade Ideas?

[dusterdave173]

I have been loading all my 223 with a Redding FL die--It has served me well for a couple of years--For PD loads and general it is just fine. Recently I started loading heavy Bergers for a 7 twist and have been working to improve my 223 long range game--I started using mandrels--I have improved my ES and bullet seating has gotten much more consistent
But..I guess I am over working the necks using the regular die and have been thinking of two options
A Honed Forster FL die ( then use mandrel) or
B FL Bushing die from somebody ( then use mandrel)
I don't want to fight the donut --that is why I am leaning toward the Forster--I would be using Lapua brass only on this deal
Please chime in with your thoughts to help me create better 223 ammo for precision target work

I am doing pretty good with what I have but feel like I am over working the brass

 

[tommeboy]

anneal your brassevery loading. that will help you more

 

[SecondsCount]

Do you anneal your brass?

I'm currently using a Mighty Armory 223 sizing die, which has the built in mandrel. It seems to be doing a very good job as based on feel, bullet seating is more consistent.

Between annealing, the MA die, using CCI 450 primers and N133 or 8208XBR, I see low ES.

 

[dusterdave173]

Yes I do anneal every firing it does help a lot Thanks

 

[DiRTY DOG]

Hard to go wrong with a honed Forster FL sizing die and a mandrel. Forster is easy and fast, I've done it a few times.

 

[Chilly807]

You're probably going to be dealing with donuts in Lapua 223 brass regardless of which die you use, unless your throat is cut long enough that the bearing surface of the bullets you use stays ahead of the shoulder/neck junction.

How much is the Redding die actually reducing the neck ID below the mandrel that you're using? If it's not excessive and you're annealing every time anyway, this might not be as much of a problem as it seems.

If you have access to a Lee 223 die, you might find that it works the neck less than other brands. That was what I found, comparing it to both standard Forster and RCBS full length dies.

How much does Forster charge to custom hone a die?

 

[Timon]

You might want to take a look at the Short Action Custom’s Modular dies. I have the 223 and it works fantastic.

 

[Murray Brook]

If you want the least expensive of most set ups I would use a Redding body die for sizing and shoulder bump, a Lee collet die for neck sizing and a good seater die of your choice. Make as good and concentric ammo as much more expensive methods. I do this with my PPC's and BR's JMO

 

[243winxb]

I don't want to fight the donut

Then you need to neck turn. Photo from...

 

[urbanrifleman]

I have been loading all my 223 with a Redding FL die--It has served me well for a couple of years--For PD loads and general it is just fine. Recently I started loading heavy Bergers for a 7 twist and have been working to improve my 223 long range game--I started using mandrels--I have improved my ES and bullet seating has gotten much more consistent
But..I guess I am over working the necks using the regular die and have been thinking of two options
A Honed Forster FL die ( then use mandrel) or
B FL Bushing die from somebody ( then use mandrel)
I don't want to fight the donut --that is why I am leaning toward the Forster--I would be using Lapua brass only on this deal
Please chime in with your thoughts to help me create better 223 ammo for precision target work

I am doing pretty good with what I have but feel like I am over working the brass

The only way to fix the donut is not be near it.