noob reloading question

[Flieguy]

so I have my RCBS 2 die AR set for 223, and it appears to me that the expander rod for neck flaring is undersized. The internet says it's happened to other people, and I've triple checked it, I'm positive it's not just me being inexperienced and making a mistake. The rod actually passes through the neck of a sized case, and measures .223 at it's widest point (not very great for flaring a neck for a .224 bullet).

anyhoo, I have sent an email to rcbs customer service, and in the meantime I'm wondering if there's any issue simply chamfering the case necks to seat bullets instead of flaring them? I tried a couple dry (no powder or primers) and had no issues

[catnthehat]

I'm a bit confused here, flaring is done only for seating cast bullets, I just chamfer my cases for jacketed bullets.
Cat

[Flieguy]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

I'm a bit confused here, flaring is done only for seating cast bullets, I just chamfer my cases for jacketed bullets.
Cat

ok cat, I was under the impression that a slight flare was desirable for seating jacketed bullets as well

[sikwhiskey]

What kind of gun are you loading for? Never heard of an AR sizing die, small base? If it's a bolt gun chamber a sized empty brass, if it fits, seat bullet and chamber again, if that works, load and shoot. If it's for a semi auto, size and use a headspace/chamber gauge.
Try seating a bullet in an empty case, Measure the case neck in the same place, before and after seating the bullet will give you a rough idea of your neck tension. More neck tension is better for semi autos, I crimp them all, some people don't. If your not having issues seating the bullet, you should be ok.
It's a good buy for a headspace gauge when reloading for semi autos, I use Wilson. You can check your fired brass and reloads without chambering.

[sikwhiskey]

No flaring required for the 223. If the bullet isnt wrecking the brass and can be chambered your fine, chambering or checking the chamber/head space in semi autos is a must.

[Dmay]

I believe by "flaring" the OP is describing expanding the whole neck and is concerned with the dimension of the expander ball.

OP: You need the inner dimension of the neck to be smaller than .224 so that you have some tension holding the bullet in the neck.

[darren32]

For me, the Lyman carbide expander was worth it for higher volume 223 reloading. I find I don't have to lube the INSIDE of the necks which speeds things up.

https://www.amazon.ca/Lyman-Expander...+ball+for+RCBS

[Flieguy]

Ok question 2:

I'm trying to throw 27.5 grains (the starting load for CFE223). The volume of that much powder should be 1.78 CCs according to my manual, but I need about 2.04 CCs (according to my lee powder measure) to get 27.5 grains. I have zeroed my scale several times and am getting the same result consistently. That much powder in a 223 case fills the case to the neck. I have an acquaintance in town who reloads, and at some point he said he'd bring his digital scale over to verify my load before I start putting it into cases.

can anyone suggest what might be going on? I'm fairly certain I'd be overcharging them, but it's the perfect amount according to my scale