reloading a 5.56 brass using .223 dies

[chime]

Guys, I need your help.

I've been reloading handgun ammo for 12 years now but it's my first time to reload a rifle ammo. My first concern is all my brass are 5.56 and my dies are marked .223. Can i reload safely using a .223 dies? is this safe? I'll be using it in a 5.56 chambered M4.

Thanks for the help.

[KellyTTE]

Not a problem at all.

[freakshow10mm]

Yes, the 5.56 is a chamber spec, not a brass or cartridge spec. The 5.56 brass will most likely have a lower capacity than the commercial brass, so watch it when you get closer to max. Capacity is close but the 5.56 brass usually has thicker walls in some lots, reducing internal capacity.

[Molon]

. . . The 5.56 brass will most likely have a lower capacity than the commercial brass, . . . the 5.56 brass usually has thicker walls in some lots, reducing internal capacity.

False.

[chime]

Thanks guys for the info.

About case trimmer, Do i have to trim the case everytime i reload? as of now, i don't have a case trimmer.

[freakshow10mm]

False.

Thanks for your insight. I load .223 for a living. I've got a bit of experience working with both .223 and 5.56 stamped brass.

[KellyTTE]

Thanks for your insight. I load .223 for a living. I've got a bit of experience working with both .223 and 5.56 stamped brass.

Nothing personal, but I know a lotta guys that work on cars for a living that don't know crap about them. They're parts swappers. Just because you load .223 for a living really doesn't mean a whole lot. Maybe you refill primer dumps at LC. We don't know. The man posted up established material. Refute it if you can. Otherwise we all just roll our eyes and discount what you say.

[chadbag]

Guys, I need your help.

I've been reloading handgun ammo for 12 years now but it's my first time to reload a rifle ammo. My first concern is all my brass are 5.56 and my dies are marked .223. Can i reload safely using a .223 dies? is this safe? I'll be using it in a 5.56 chambered M4.

Thanks for the help.

As has been said, 5.56 and 223 brass is the same external dimensions and the same dies are used for both. 5.56 is the chamber spec -- shape and dimensions of the chamber in your gun -- not the brass dimensions spec -- and is also a pressure spec.

[boggle]

As has been said, 5.56 and 223 brass is the same external dimensions and the same dies are used for both. 5.56 is the chamber spec -- shape and dimensions of the chamber in your gun -- not the brass dimensions spec -- and is also a pressure spec.

Hello, this is an old thread, but I figured it's better than starting a new one about the same subject.

I thought the two casings had a different angle on the neck (for pressure) and the 223 has a 4 thou larger diameter (negligible diam difference?).

Would the difference in diameter of the neck cause issues with the flare die? How about the crimping die?

From what I've been reading, it is okay to use the 223 dies on a 556 casing?

I have a Lyman reloading manual, and it says nothing about this.

[chadbag]

I thought the two casings had a different angle on the neck (for pressure) and the 223 has a 4 thou larger diameter (negligible diam difference?).

Where did you get this info. AFAIK the case dimensions are the same. The difference is in the chamber dimensions. Only 223 has a SAAMI spec. The otehr spcs are from government requirements.

You can use 5.56 brass sized for 233 in a 223 gun.