Custom dies for tight .223AI chamber

[Cuando]

I've got a new .223AI with a seriously tight chamber. Shoots incredible, but I'm occasionally sticking cases while forming and getting the dreaded click with formed cases (1/100 are getting stuck in chamber). I'm shooting once fired Rem brass as I have a whole bunch of it on hand and once match prepped, it is darn good.

I FL size every time with a Redding type S .223 Imp 40 deg die, but it just doesn't seem to get the base sized quite enough. Thinking a small base .223 die would help on the initial fire forming, but obviously I couldn't use it for formed cases.

Would a custom sizer from Whidden, Neil Jones or even Hornady be a good move here?

I'm thinking if they were done correctly, I could use it as a small base die to size unformed .223 cases and if needed bump shoulders with a .223 body die.

Who is making the best custom dies these days?

Not looking for a bushing die, but I suppose you could talk me into it.

Thanks for any friendly advise!

 

[stacy]

YOU MAY WANT TO GET YOU A SET OF COMP SHELL HOLDER FROM REDDING AND THAT MAY FIX YOUR PROBLEM THEY WILL LET YOU SIZE THE CASE DOWN MORE

 

[Cuando]

Stacy, That's really great advise, but I'm reloading on a Dillon 550.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[stacy]

YEP THAT WANT WORK !!!!

 

[jepp2]

Thinking a small base .223 die would help on the initial fire forming, but obviously I couldn't use it for formed cases.

But if your chamber is tight like you say, shouldn't need it after forming?

I have an "assortment" of 223AI dies, and I would happy to size some of your formed brass to see if I get more reduction near the base. Might give you another option.

 

[Cuando]

Jepp2,

The brass I'm using has been fired in various chambers, some of which are (apparently) sized much larger at what folks call the .200 line.

What I'm experiencing is brass that has taken a larger memory at the .200 line than my minimal chamber.

I most certainly could switch to new brass, but would have issues with brass not sizing enough at the .200 line in 4-5 firings.

I have a bunch of .223AI's and have a smattering of different dies and I tried to size a bunch of already formed cases to fit this chamber and had zero luck.

Thank you for the very kind offer though!

 

[AWS]

I run range brass through small base die for the first sizing then just a standard Type S FL Bushing die for 223's and 20 Practical from then on.

 

[Cuando]

AWS,

I thought about doing just that but wasn't sure if it would be enough as it would seem the Redding FL type S die I'm using isn't doing enough.

I see Redding has a short base .223 body die for $66 or so.

But for $60 more a custom die seems like cheap insurance.

 

[Hoser]

You could try a body die in the last station of your toolhead.

I didnt even know Redding make them for 223 AI, but I saw them on closeout somewhere and grabbed one. I use it on my 223 AI gas-gun toolhead.

 

[AckleymanII]

Couple of things, but first, what kind of brass are you using?

 

[Longtrain]

My 223AI chamber was a bit troublesome, called Whidden and sent him some cases, he made me a die that works just fine. Quality stuff.