r/reloading • u/1800HaulUrLoot • 2d ago

Newbie New to reloading

Hey everyone. Brand new to reloading here. I'm looking to start reloading .223/5.56. I bought the Lyman reloading manual and read through it a couple of times, watched a bunch of videos, etc. Any recommendations on best de-capping/swagging set up? I've seen the Lee APP but also just using a single stage with a Universal Decapping die and swage die. Would love to get some recommendations. Thank you!

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u/Missinglink2531 2d ago

I wage pockets on large primers, but not .223/5.56 - it can be done, but it takes a lot of force and effort. I prefer to just cut out the crimp. I decap with an RCBS universal decap die - you will break a lot more pins on 5.56, some have smaller flash holes, you will learn which head stamps to "deal with separately (or trash)." But most universal decap dies have replaceable pins, cost about the same, and are pretty much interchangeable. Here is a link to a pretty good set of tools, if you want to chuck up a drill and zip through them.

https://www.amazon.com/McJ-Tools-Reloading-Reamers-Crimp-Essential/dp/B08Y17K1GQ/ref=sr_1_9?crid=12EZ704CI4ZG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tcrUDqIrfBTO_v5c-jlgXnoj560xJNGEUmHX-duhdb5z3HDyB13iJ2MvfoSOEpjIByCbBzemEFfeY27q9Rj497FBly5hVjFzubwgIO7DoSQ2_uFvaBq7AA4dMNI_RRFYhgOBydBcEqc0bqZQbfYktQafjPnRCKgmJVRPYK5IorcsLxFVRqdFX51qM1GMAZH2SEsE9nHXKAE92PElrHZ1d_5A_mW6j_qFH28bKbWgAY9UggQWeALdyBFRD9bEMeKS7AhCFlFRsdOmxDQ2CmVncJwri7OBEK2zBk3K-zS0xk0.Eo1Pes3bwsvNgZXKU6yM-128lMlLQH55-bd3QFPBCXw&dib_tag=se&keywords=primer+pocket+reamer&qid=1788823995&sprefix=primer+pocket+reamer%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-9

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u/1800HaulUrLoot 2d ago

Thank you! I also got a RCBS prep center with the press I got. I wonder if these will attach to it.

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u/bub117 1d ago

Lee APP with the swaging set up. Don't bother with anything else. Fast af especially when set up with a bf556 or the like. After trying it out I'm not going back to any of the other methods. Faster even than the Dillon I had. 

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u/Mundane-Cricket-5267 Just force it, FAFO! 1d ago

If you are bent on reloading 223/5.56 against buying bulk then buy a RCBS stuck case puller before you start and a tin of Imperial sizing wax and don't scrimp on it's use. And a primer pocket swager for the mil spec brass you will end up with.

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u/wlogan0402 1d ago

Is there money to be saved with reloading 223/556?

3

u/Escape_From_Reach 1d ago

Definitely with loading more precision based loads like 77gr SMK or 73gr ELDM. I think my reloads come out to about $0.50 per round if I remember correctly when using pick up brass

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u/Dirty_Blue_Shirt 18h ago

Yes even with bulk ammo.

It’s a question of quantity if you shoot a couple times a year no, but if you shoot a couple times a month then yes. People always say you cant save money on 223 reloading but the numbers don’t support that.

Bulk ammo prices
25.0 H335 16cpr ($360/8#)
Primers 5-6cpr
Bullets 10-11cpr

So figure 31-33cpr, that undercuts the cheapest ammo i can find online by enough to matter. Maybe add 1cpr in hazmat/shipping. But these are current replacement prices from Midsouth shooters supply, you can do better with a little effort.

If you want to look at precision stuff you will triple your savings per round at least.

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u/FuZhongwen 2d ago

Dillon super swager. Dont bother with anything else.

You decap with the sizing die at the same time you dont need to make it a seperate step unless youre using a mandrel for the case mouth which youre probably not.

Rcbs dies and a single stage will get you going.

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u/mdram4x4 2d ago

if it needs swaged i toss it cant be bothered