Loading .223 for mini 14

[D.Bird]

New to reloading, I have not even got my press delivered yet, Mainly loading for a .223/5.56 mini 14. Should i buy RCBS small base dies or just the normal base dies, ?

 

[Pr589]

It's difficult to be sure without the rifle in-hand but I'm 99% confident that you'd be fine with regular dies. I've only experienced the need for small-base dies with "match grade" chambers which are reamed a little tighter than SAAMI spec. I don't think the mini-14 is in this category.

 

[KePet]

I use Small Base dies for all my semi's. You won't get as many reloads out of your brass, because it does work it more, but you also don't have to worry about issues caused by recoil. I think you will find most reloaders will recommend either small-base dies or crimping

 

[t-star]

unnecessary unless you have feeding problems- the head is the thickest part of the case and therefore less likely to expand very much- about 99 % of the rifles don't need small base dies-

 

[Ganderite]

I load for many semi-rifles and have done so for a long time - including Min1 14. I have never needed small bases dies.