.223/ 5.56 die set question

[CBB1]

I know this will sound elementary, but I’m getting set up to reload and have a Ruger American Ranch that is stamped 5.56 and I’m looking for a die set. Should I be looking at 223 or 5.56 sets? My other ARs are 223 Wylde.

Lastly what is a good die set for someone that will probably only do 2-300 rounds a year?


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[Axlrod]

Any of the 223 die sets will work. Forster, Redding, Hornady, & RCBS are all good.

 

[CBB1]

Thank you. I was beginning to wonder if I’d asked the dumbest question on this site.


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[MattB]

It will be interesting to see if you get different responses. 5.56x45 and .223 Remington are cartridges. .223 Wylde is a chambering designed to accommodate both cartridges.

 

[grappling_hook]

For the most part, the dies you'll find available for sale will be listed as .223 Remington and not 5.56 NATO. The same dies will work for cases stamped .223 Remington and cases stamped 5.56 NATO; this is because both have identical outside dimensions.

 

[Squadguy29]

I've been loading 5.56/223 for over 30 years. I really like RCBS Matchmaster Dies for saving your fingers with small projectiles. The seating die has an open window in the top that you just drop the projectile instead of setting each one on the case neck individually. I hope this helps!

 

[Ddubs20]

I have standard .223 dies, and they work for my bolt guy but not my AR. I had to buy the small base 5.56/223 die set. The regular .223 didn't size far enough down, close to the base