re-loading for the AR

[Guest goomba]

quick question.

I recently got my first AR, and seeing as I'm also getting into reloading, I picked up a lee die set for the .223.

well I got the die set that only neck sizes the cases, and after checking my reloading book (Modern Reloading by Richard Lee) It appears that I should have gotten the die set that full length resizes...

the question is: can I neck size only and still have my rounds function properly in my AR?

[mikadosoft]

Short answer is maybe. Each time you shoot brass it expands to fill the bore then slightly contracts. If the brass that you are loading was origionally shot in that rifle, it expanded to fit that bore, then slightly contracted. It should cycle fine. If you are using brass from another rifle that had a slightly larger bore, no. It may not have contracted enough to cycle into the bore of your rifle. It would have to be full lenght resized to fit into the bore of your rifle.

[mikadosoft]

Short answer is maybe. Each time you shoot brass it expands to fill the bore then slightly contracts. If the brass that you are loading was origionally shot in that rifle, it expanded to fit that bore, then slightly contracted. It should cycle fine. If you are using brass from another rifle that had a slightly larger bore, no. It may not have contracted enough to cycle into the bore of your rifle. It would have to be full lenght resized to fit into the bore of your rifle.

[Guest Mugster]

The long answer is, you don't want to do that in an autoloader if you value your fingers. Here's a link I recommend you read 4 or 5 times, and a quote from that link on neck sizing in an autoloader:

exterior ballistics

On failure to full length resize:

The most common problem is the failure to fully chamber the round. This is troublesome at best. Considering the force with which the bolt slams home, it can also wedge the round tightly enough in the chamber that it is very difficult to extract without damaging the rifle. In the worst case scenario, it sets the stage for an out-of-battery firing when the trigger is pulled. Improper or insufficient resizing, particularly when combined with a high primer, is also a leading cause of slam-fires.

[Guest goomba]

thanks for the info.

I wanted to double check.

Looks like I need to buy a Full length sizer die.

Thanks again

[Guest Spook45]

Most lee sets do size full length, that is what I use. I would buy a Lyman chamber/headspace gauge. They dont cost much and it will show you if you are sized correctly. I have heard lots of horror stories about AR reloading, Mine rock and always work well. I use that case gauge and have no feed problems.

[leroy]

In the old days we always used "small base" dies to resize any semi-auto or slide action rifle brass. They will full length resize the case to the minimum dimensions for the cartridge. This extra few thousands of resizing ensures reliable functioning in semi-auto and slide action rifles.

Hope this helps.

Kind Regards,

LEROY

[Guest FroggyOne2]

It depends on the chamber if you need to use small base dies.. usually all you need to do is bump the shoulder back 3 thou of an inch and you will be fine. You will need to get some gages to measure it.. stoney point is good to use.. also.. In gas blow back systems.. like the AR.. it is hard on the brass.. it is only useful for about 3-4 fireings then you will have to toss it.