Dillon 550-.223-Non Dillon dies?

[GammaRay]

I plan on loading .55gr .223 for my AR 15 later this summer. All my pistol dies are Dillion.

Any of you guys use non Dillion dies on your 550? If so what dies, what brand and why?

Is the Lee factory crimp die any better than a Dillon crimp die?

What powderd do you like? What powders should I avoid?

 

[96/44]

I like the RCBS small base dies for the AR's. As far as powder, A2230 or Varget work great with a wide variety of bullets.

 

[GammaRay]

What is the advantage of RCBS small base dies over Dillon?

 

[mrgaf]

What is the advantage of RCBS small base dies over Dillon?

Per RCBS
"The Small-base die set full-length resizes the case to minimum dimensions for easier extraction in lever-action and semi-automatic rifles."
I suspect it works the brass more than regular dies possibly shortening brass life (more you work it, more brittle it gets). Brass that's once fired and somewhat mangled would benefit from a small base die. If your chamber is tight and ammo that has been resized using regular dies have problems with chambering or extraction then I would think using small base dies would solve the problem as well barring any anomalies with your chamber, etc etc. As far as dies are concerned Dillon dies are fine but expensive. I've been using Lee dies in the RL550 with no probs with all my match AR's and they give me great accuracy. If you're not familiar with Lee dies the lock ring has a rubber grommet. If you use Lee dies in a Dillon, remove the rubber washer and turn the lock ring upside down (with the channel for the rubber washer facing up) and you'll be all set to go. by the way, I've used the Dillon crimp and lee crimp dies in the 550. I prefer the Lee, simple, effective and have yet to have it screw up a loaded cartridge like my Dillon has on occasion. Hope this helps..... :D

 

[DeletedMember275]

I always use non-Dillon dies on my 550, simply because I don't own any Dillon dies at this time. I did replace all the original lock rings with Dillon lock rings, because there isn't adequate room on the toolhead for the original rings.

They work just fine. You might have to be just a tad more careful about insuring that the case/cartridge is properly aligned with the die when you raise the ram, but that's really the only major downside. Dillon dies have a more pronounced radius (funnel) at the mouth of the die, so alignment isn't as critical with them.

Ball powders work very well with the Dillon powder measure, but then I normally use a Ball powder for .223 anyway, even when loading on a single stage press. Any of them should prove adequate - W748, BL-C2, H322, etc.