AR 15 Reload problems

[the chairman]

I picked up some used 223 brass. I cleaned resized and trimmed it using RCBS regular dies. The die was set where the base of the die touched the shell holder. The head space is still to much. Do I need a small base die to size the brass?

 

[Calamity Jake]

The die just touching the shell holder is not enough, screw it in another 1/8 turn so the ram has to cam over a little, that should push the shoulder back a very small amount to shorten head space. Size a couple of cases and check for full bolt closing, if good then a small base die in not needed.
Also check loaded over all length, if too long then the bullet could be touching the lands not allowing the bolt to fully close.

If the above fixes your problem and after you have fire formed the brass for your gun get an RCBS X size die and never have to trim 223 cases again.

 

[338Shooter]

Small base die will not push the shoulder back more. It will resize the body more.

 

[ASP785]

I picked up some used 223 brass. I cleaned resized and trimmed it using RCBS regular dies. The die was set where the base of the die touched the shell holder. The head space is still to much. Do I need a small base die to size the brass?

What are you using to measure the headspace?

 

[tyromeo55]

Are you checking loaded ammo or sized cases?

 

[the chairman]

What are you using to measure the headspace?

I'm using a Lyman case length headspace gauge.

 

[the chairman]

Sized cases. But, When I,ve used them loaded the bolt is not quite 100% closed.

 

[the chairman]

I will be out of town until sunday night and will read everyones replies then.

 

[ASP785]

I asked because there have been lots of complaints about Lyman's 223 gauge. Read the reviews on Midway. There are many people complaining about your same issue. It might be the gauge.

 

[Shriner]

I use a lyman gages and made dummy loaded cases ( no primer or powder) by just keep adjusting the die till the case fits ,then check it in the rifle .