223 Sizing Die Tests

Published on October 25, 2021
Duration: 38:47

This video details an advanced reloading experiment comparing the impact of different sizing dies on cartridge runout and accuracy for the .223 Remington caliber. The instructor meticulously tests Lee, Redding, and Mighty Armory dies, along with various expander types, to quantify their effect on concentricity. The results are then correlated with 10-shot group performance at 100 yards, revealing surprising insights into how die choice can influence precision, while also highlighting the potential impact of barrel heat on group consistency.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Previous Load Recap
  2. 00:36Velocity Concerns & Load Limits
  3. 00:58Runout & Custom Seating Stem Discussion
  4. 01:32Testing Different Sizing Dies
  5. 01:36Lee Full Length Resizing Die
  6. 01:42Redding Small Base Full Length Die
  7. 02:00Redding Carbide Floating Button Expander
  8. 02:11Mighty Armory Sizing Die
  9. 03:50Separate Expander Technique
  10. 04:30K&M Expander
  11. 05:10Neck Turning Kit & Mandrels
  12. 06:14Inventory of Dies & Expanders for Testing
  13. 06:38Lee Die Inspection
  14. 07:37Expander Mandrel Sizes
  15. 07:52Testing Plan: 10-Shot Groups
  16. 08:33Brass Preparation: Lake City Brass
  17. 08:47Annealing Process & Challenges
  18. 09:25Mighty Armory Die Lube Recommendation
  19. 09:46Applying Lanolin Lube
  20. 09:53Sizing with Mighty Armory Die
  21. 10:25Headspace Comparator Setup
  22. 11:47Sizing with Redding Die (Carbide Expander)
  23. 12:59Sizing with Mighty Armory (Standard Configuration)
  24. 13:58Mighty Armory: Sizing without Expander
  25. 14:29Setting Expander Depth (21st Century)
  26. 15:18Setting Expander Depth (K&M)
  27. 16:47All Cases Sized & Ready
  28. 17:10Cleaning Lanolin Lube
  29. 17:35Case Prep: Deburr, Chamfer, Prime
  30. 17:44Charging Cases
  31. 17:48Bullet Seating Setup
  32. 19:01Measuring Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBO)
  33. 19:39Final OAL Check
  34. 19:47Lee Die Loaded Rounds
  35. 19:52Redding Die Loaded Rounds
  36. 20:07Mighty Armory Die Loaded Rounds
  37. 20:2121st Century Expander Loaded Rounds
  38. 20:38K&M Expander Loaded Rounds
  39. 21:08Measuring Runout
  40. 21:24Runout Results Analysis
  41. 21:59Detailed Runout Examples (21st Century)
  42. 23:39Detailed Runout Examples (K&M)
  43. 23:54Individual Runout Numbers
  44. 24:13Interpreting Runout Results
  45. 24:43Future Testing Ideas
  46. 24:54Heading to the Range
  47. 25:13Range Conditions & Setup
  48. 25:35Rifle Specifications
  49. 25:44Magazine Loading Strategy
  50. 25:58Group 1: Lee Die
  51. 27:35Group 2: Redding Die
  52. 29:01Group 3: Mighty Armory (Standard)
  53. 30:42Group 4: Mighty Armory (21st Century Expander)
  54. 31:51Group 5: Mighty Armory (K&M Expander)
  55. 32:51Post-Range Analysis: Barrel Heat Theory
  56. 33:58Interpreting Target Results
  57. 34:33Lee Die Performance Appreciation
  58. 35:06Lee Die Lock Ring Feature
  59. 35:33Lee Die Decapping/Expanding Rod Strength
  60. 36:39K&M Expander Runout Mystery
  61. 37:20Further Testing Needed
  62. 37:38Does Straight Ammo Matter?
  63. 38:08Load Adjustment Warning
  64. 38:27Conclusion & Next Steps

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