Single Stage for .223

[BloXD40]

So it looks like due to a new purchase this weekend I will soon have the desire to reload .223.

My shooting buddy and I currently use a Lee Loadmaster for our handgun ammo so I'd like to stick with them for consistancy.

Does anyone have experience with Lee's Breech Lock Kit? From everything I have read a single stage is best for rifle cartridges.

Opinions, thoughts?? Thanks guys!

[Bultx1215]

I was going to get a Breechlock but ended up getting a Lee Turret instead. Glad I did, too. I can switch it back and forth from single action as I need. I am quite happy with it since I can do single decap and resize on my .223 and after cleaning the lube off a batch of cases, switch to production mode to load them up. Its kinda the best of both worlds, IMO. I just ran several hundred like that this weekend.

[bigun]

Originally Posted by Bultx1215

I was going to get a Breechlock but ended up getting a Lee Turret instead. Glad I did, too. I can switch it back and forth from single action as I need. I am quite happy with it since I can do single decap and resize on my .223 and after cleaning the lube off a batch of cases, switch to production mode to load them up. Its kinda the best of both worlds, IMO. I just ran several hundred like that this weekend.

Ditto I load all of my handgun and .223 loads on my Classic cast turret. For my precision loads for larger rounds I use the classic cast single stage.

[BloXD40]

Awesome info guys. I was looking at some Dies for Lee and found the following info:

The New Deluxe Die Set is the most flexible and accurate die set available. These dies include the Collet Neck Sizer Die and Full Length Resizing die. No case Lubrication required. Reduces or eliminates case trimming. A ten times increased case life. Unmatched speed and convenience. Minimum bullet runout. Most uniform neck tension.

So would this Deluxe set still need case lube you think? We don't use any for our handgun loads since we have carbide dies, not sure if it works the same on .223

[Bultx1215]

I have that set and still lube. Even with lube, it will still sorta stick one now and again. I hate to think what it would do without lube.

[BloXD40]

Originally Posted by Bultx1215

I have that set and still lube. Even with lube, it will still sorta stick one now and again. I hate to think what it would do without lube.

Ok, makes sense. So when i am buying bullets it looks like they are listed on Midway as 22 caliber, and only have .224 diameter. Are these the same? I am a total rifle cartridge newb, so sorry for the dumb questions..

[Bultx1215]

Yup, .224 is what you want. If you haven't already, get some loading books and read up and get some recipes worked up.

[dsr30]

I've got the Breech Lock press, I'd recommend it. I've have loaded about 1600 rounds of .223 on it so far. I've also got a Loadmaster that I use for .45ACP, but will do my next batch of plinking/SHTF.223 ammo on. For the R700 I will continue to use the single stage.

You'll definately need lube still.

[BloXD40]

Originally Posted by Bultx1215

Yup, .224 is what you want. If you haven't already, get some loading books and read up and get some recipes worked up.

Thanks for the info. We have a few books we bought with the beginning of our 9mm loads, so I am set there.