[flip]

I recently picked up a Mini 14. Though I've never owned a .223 rifle before this one, I thought I had a set of dies for it. I searched through them but didn't find any. So, I need dies. Should I go with a small base sizing die or are the standard sizing dies normally okay for proper feeding/functioning?

 

[flip]

Never mind now guys. I just stopped at my local gun store and the only 223 dies they had was one set of RCBS Small Base so I got them.

 

[scottybaccus]

Make sure you have a full length resizing die, and add a Lee Factory Crimp die.

 

[flip]

Make sure you have a full length resizing die, and add a Lee Factory Crimp die.

Thanks. I just ordered the Lee Factory Crimp die.

 

[blackhawk44]

If you find a used standard FL sizing die, you will be even happier. I have never heard of a Mini 14 requiring a small base die.

 

[kwg020]

A regular resizing die and a neck die for putting the sholder back in place has been everything I needed. I do a light crimp as well. kwg

 

[tri70]

I use a standard resizing die, I don't use a crimp die. Shot thousands of reloads without any problems. Shoot mini 14 and bolt 223.

 

[Rifleman55]

I use a standard resizing die, I don't use a crimp die. Shot thousands of reloads without any problems. Shoot mini 14 and bolt 223.

I didn't crimp mine until I started loading for an AR15, I had a few problems with set back, it was mostly a brass problem, some necks were a tad looser than others. You should not need small base dies for either the mini or the AR.

 

[flip]

Thanks for the info guys. I haven't checked my powder cabinet but assuming I have a suitable powder, I'm ready to load some 223.

 

[Carbine85]

Generally speaking the small base is recommended for self loading rifles. I have reloaded with them for over 30 years.
Crimping is recommended so that the rifle can't push the bullet back when feeding and shorten the OAL. You can test your rifle easily enough to see if crimping is necessary.
If you do crimp you should do it as a seperate process from bullet seating and only use a small amount of crimp.