222 dies for 223 reloads?

[MOGLEY]

I am in the process  of getting a handi in 223. I have a 222 and reload for it. Does anyone see a problem with  using the dies for the 223? I know I wont be able to fully resize because of the shoulder difference but if the handi is the only 223 I have to shoot ammo in, the case size should be o.k anyway.right??? Hope I am not missing something.

[Blackhawk44]

First, your Handi has enough 'spring' in its action that it will require full length resizing regularly.
Second, with a slight mis-adjustment, it would be very easy to create .223 rounds with excess headspace.  Why take the chance?  Lee RGB dies can be had from the mail order stores for about $20.  That's cheap insurance. 

[LaOtto222]

As you have noted the 222 has a slightly larger shoulder diameter. If you back off the dies far enough, you could just neck size only, however, there will come a time you will want to full length size your cases. Cases "grow" over time and need to be full length sized from time to time depending on load pressure and action type how long it takes. In a Handi rifle, it does not take long, in a bolt you can get away a little longer. Many people full length size every time with a Handi rifle. When that time comes, you will need a 223 full length sizing die. Lee makes an excellent die set. For around 30 bucks you can get their deluxe set which includes everything you need + a neck collet die. I have three sets of them (one is a 223) and they are great. Good luck to you

[MOGLEY]

Looks like I will be getting the 223 dies. I always have had  the right set for my other calibers  and full length sized so the concept of of neck sizing was a new thought for me. Price really is not an issue for the dies heck the powder costs more! I know a lot of people here like the lee dies but I got to tell ya I have issues with them. I know they are spec'd right and are tough but,, I don't like the full length one piece decapping rod ( when it breaks) and the powder thru expander die I have for my 9 mm is huge PIA and causes a lot of bench thumping thru the press. I like the RCBS stuff as the decapping pin is separate and can be replaced in seconds and they seem overall better polished.  Thanks for the  input. These forums have been a huge education.

[LaOtto222]

I understand your concerns about Lee dies. I have dies from about every major supplier. Just about all of the others, RCBS, Redding, Forster, Hornady, Lyman, etc.  make nicer looking dies than Lee. The main reason I bought the 223 Lee dies was to get that neck collet die, they really are great. They do not over work your cases, no lube needed and they keep the necks straight. Of course you can buy them separately. I knock out primers with a universal die for this purpose in a separate press so have not given the Lee design much thought. I use a Forster Ultra micrometer seater die for seating my 223 bullets. You can see I have a Hodge podge of dies, but I get really good results. I can shoot .25 MOA (on occasion) with a Stevens 200 and a cheap A&B barrel. Good Luck to you. 

[wncchester]

I broke a Lee decap pin once. 

It seems I was determined to do so because that is one tough pin.  I actually felt it hit teh web, not the off-center flash hole before I pushed harder.  If I had stopped and checked what was wrong it would not have broken.  Poor brass actually did the harm but the broken pin was due to the lose nut at the other end of the operating handle, really not Lee's fault. 

I just started using my universal (Lee) decapper and left the expander rod in place as it is.

[skb2706]

If you used your .222 size die you may run into trouble with the longer neck length, don't know never tried it. I load .223s all the time with my .221 FB dies with no trouble. Sizes the neck and bumps the shoulder...thats all I want anyway.