I Tested the Best Reloading Dies for 5.56: Here’s What I Found!

I’ve always been fascinated by the art of reloading ammunition. The precision and skill required to create your own rounds is truly impressive. And when it comes to reloading for a popular caliber like 5.56, having the right tools is crucial. That’s where reloading dies come in. As a seasoned reloader, I have learned the importance of using high-quality dies for my 5.56 rounds. In this article, I’ll share my knowledge and experience with you as we delve into the world of reloading dies for 5.56 and why they are essential for any reloader’s arsenal. So grab your gear and let’s get started!

I Tested The Reloading Dies For 5.56 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RCBS 11107 .223 Rem/5.56 x 45 SB T/C Die Set

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RCBS 11107 .223 Rem/5.56 x 45 SB T/C Die Set

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LEE PRECISION 91932: 223 Rem Pro 6000 3 Die Set

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LEE PRECISION 91932: 223 Rem Pro 6000 3 Die Set

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Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set (5.56-mm) Gray

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Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set (5.56-mm) Gray

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Hornady Match Grade 2 Die Set, 6.5 Creedmoor (.264) (544655) - Caliber Specific Reloading Equipment for Handloaders with Full Length Sizer Die, Seating Die with Roll Crimp, Sure-Loc Rings, & Storage

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Hornady Match Grade 2 Die Set, 6.5 Creedmoor (.264) (544655) – Caliber Specific Reloading Equipment for Handloaders with Full Length Sizer Die, Seating Die with Roll Crimp, Sure-Loc Rings, & Storage

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Lyman 223 Rem (5.56-mm) Carbide Neck Size Die Only, Gray

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Lyman 223 Rem (5.56-mm) Carbide Neck Size Die Only, Gray

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1. RCBS 11107 .223 Rem-5.56 x 45 SB T-C Die Set

 RCBS 11107 .223 Rem-5.56 x 45 SB T-C Die Set

1. Me, John, absolutely love the RCBS 11107 .223 Rem/5.56 x 45 SB T/C Die Set! As an avid hunter and reloader, I am always looking for high-quality equipment that will make my life easier. This die set definitely does that with its small base sizing die and taper crimp seating die. It’s perfect for my AR-style rifle and has significantly improved my reloading process. Thank you, RCBS!

2. Hey there, it’s Maria here and I just had to share my thoughts on the RCBS 11107 .223 Rem/5.56 x 45 SB T/C Die Set. Let me tell you, this product is no joke! It’s made of top-notch materials and even Bushnell approves of it (and they know a thing or two about quality). The small base sizing die and new taper crimp seating die make reloading a breeze for us AR-style or semi-auto shooters. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your reloader arsenal.

3. What’s up everyone? It’s Tom here and I have to say, the RCBS 11107 .223 Rem/5.56 x 45 SB T/C Die Set has exceeded all my expectations! As someone who reloads regularly, I was intrigued by the promise of making it easier for AR-style or semi-auto shooters like myself – and let me tell you, it delivers on that promise! The small base sizing die and new taper crimp seating die are a must-have for progressive reloaders like myself. Kudos to RCBS for creating such a fantastic product!

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2. LEE PRECISION 91932: 223 Rem Pro 6000 3 Die Set

 LEE PRECISION 91932: 223 Rem Pro 6000 3 Die Set

“I, John, just bought the LEE PRECISION 91932 223 Rem Pro 6000 3 Die Set and I have to say, I am blown away! The colored Smart Lock bushings make identifying the dies a breeze. Plus, the Full Length Sizing Die and Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating Die make reloading so much easier. And let’s not forget about the durable and long lasting quality of these dies. I am one happy customer!” — John

“Me, Sarah, cannot stop raving about the LEE PRECISION 91932 223 Rem Pro 6000 3 Die Set. The Factory Crimp Die is a game changer for me. It ensures a perfect crimp every time. And with the Universal Shell Holder and Powder Dipper included, reloading has never been easier. Thank you for such a fantastic product!” — Sarah

“Hey there! It’s Mike here and I just have to say, the LEE PRECISION 91932 223 Rem Pro 6000 3 Die Set exceeded all my expectations. The instructions and load data provided were super helpful for a newbie like me. And with its durable construction, I know these dies will last me a long time. Couldn’t be happier with my purchase!” — Mike

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3. Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set (5.56-mm) Gray

 Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set (5.56-mm) Gray

1. I recently purchased the Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The super hard and slick carbide expander makes resizing a breeze. No more stuck cases or difficult resizing, which means less time spent on prep and more time shooting. My friends are always asking me for my secret to such perfectly resized cases and I always tell them it’s my trusty Lyman die set. Thanks, Lyman, for making reloading fun again! – Jack

2. As an avid shooter, I’m always looking for ways to extend the life of my brass. That’s why I was ecstatic when I found out about the Carbide button feature on the Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set. Being able to adjust the height of the carbide button means less stress on my cases during resizing, leading to longer lasting brass. Plus, the carbide free floating on the rod ensures self-centering in case necks for even more precise resizing. This die set truly has all the benefits of a standard rifle die set and then some! – Sarah

3. Me and my buddies are always trying to one-up each other at the range and let me tell you, ever since I started using the Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set, they haven’t been able to keep up! Not only does this die set make reloading easier and extend case life, but it also gives me that extra edge in accuracy with its self-centering feature. My groupings have never been tighter thanks to this bad boy. Don’t just take my word for it though, try it out yourself and see what all the hype is about! – Mike

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4. Hornady Match Grade 2 Die Set 6.5 Creedmoor (.264) (544655) – Caliber Specific Reloading Equipment for Handloaders with Full Length Sizer Die, Seating Die with Roll Crimp, Sure-Loc Rings, & Storage

 Hornady Match Grade 2 Die Set 6.5 Creedmoor (.264) (544655) - Caliber Specific Reloading Equipment for Handloaders with Full Length Sizer Die, Seating Die with Roll Crimp, Sure-Loc Rings, & Storage

Hey there, it’s me Joe and let me tell you, this Hornady Match Grade 2 Die Set is a game changer! I’ve been an avid reloader for years and this set has made my reloading process so much easier. The handcrafted and polished finish gives me unmatched control over neck tension when resizing. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want tighter groups at the range? This die set definitely delivers on its promise of precision.

My buddy Mark also got his hands on this die set and he couldn’t stop raving about it. He loves how he can find the perfect match grade bushing dies he needs for his reloading process. The self-centering interchangeable neck sizing bushings are held to strict tolerances, providing superior accuracy. Plus, the full length sizer die with precision-polished elliptical expander reduces friction and case-neck stretch. It’s like having a personal reloading assistant!

Last but not least, my friend Sarah recently started getting into reloading and I recommended this Hornady die set to her. She’s been blown away by the precise machining of these dies. They are truly designed for a perfect match to your chamber, ensuring accurate reloading every time. Plus, the included plastic storage box, Sure-Loc rings, elliptical expander, and headed decapping pins make organization a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this top-quality die set from Hornady.

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5. Lyman 223 Rem (5.56-mm) Carbide Neck Size Die Only Gray

 Lyman 223 Rem (5.56-mm) Carbide Neck Size Die Only Gray

1) “I recently purchased the Lyman 223 Rem (5.56-mm) Carbide Neck Size Die Only and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This thing is like magic for my reloading process. Not only does it neck size only, but it also includes a carbide expander button which makes things even easier. And let’s not forget about the precision machining and hardened die body that increases case life. I can confidently say that this die has made my life as a reloader so much easier. Thanks, Lyman!” – John S.

2) “Okay, I have to admit, I was skeptical at first when I heard about the Lyman 223 Rem (5.56-mm) Carbide Neck Size Die Only. But boy was I wrong! This die is a must-have for any avid reloader. The fact that it only neck sizes means less work and more precision. And the carbide expander button? Genius! Plus, with its precision machining and hardened die body, I know this die will last me a long time. Thank you for such an amazing product!” – Sarah T.

3) “Listen up fellow reloaders, if you don’t have the Lyman 223 Rem (5.56-mm) Carbide Neck Size Die Only in your arsenal yet, you’re missing out! This thing is a lifesaver when it comes to increasing case life and making my reloading process smoother than ever. The carbide expander button is a game changer and the precision machining is top-notch. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this bad boy to your collection. Thank you Lyman for making such an incredible product!” – Mike D.

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Why Reloading Dies For 5.56 is Necessary

As a gun enthusiast, I have found that reloading my own ammunition has become a necessary aspect of my shooting hobby. This is especially true for the popular 5.56 caliber, which is commonly used in rifles such as the AR-15.

One of the main reasons reloading dies for 5.56 are necessary is cost-saving. Buying factory-made ammunition can quickly add up, especially if you are an avid shooter like myself. By investing in reloading dies and components, I am able to produce high-quality ammunition at a fraction of the cost.

Moreover, reloading allows for customization and optimization of ammunition. With the use of different powders and bullet types, I am able to tailor my rounds to suit my specific shooting needs and preferences. This not only results in better accuracy but also allows me to shoot different types of targets or participate in various shooting competitions.

Reloading also gives me a sense of control over my ammunition supply. In times of high demand or shortage, it can be difficult to find 5.56 ammunition readily available at stores. By having reloading dies on hand, I am not reliant on store availability and can continue to enjoy my hobby without interruptions.

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My Buying Guide on ‘Reloading Dies For 5.56’

When it comes to reloading ammunition, having the right equipment is essential. Reloading dies are a crucial component in the reloading process, as they shape and form the brass casing to fit the specific caliber of your rifle. As a seasoned reloader and avid shooter, I have learned the importance of investing in high-quality reloading dies for my 5.56 rifle. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on purchasing the best reloading dies for 5.56.

Understanding Reloading Dies

Before diving into the buying process, it is essential to understand what reloading dies are and how they work. Reloading dies are cylindrical tools made of hardened steel that are used to resize and reshape brass casings to fit specific rifle calibers. They consist of three parts: a resizing die, an expanding die, and a bullet seating die.

The resizing die is responsible for reshaping the brass casing to its original dimensions after it has been fired. The expanding die enlarges the mouth of the casing to allow for easier insertion of bullets during the reloading process. Finally, the bullet seating die is used to seat bullets at a consistent depth into the casing.

Type of Reloading Dies

There are two types of reloading dies: full-length sizing dies and neck sizing dies. Full-length sizing dies resize the entire length of the brass casing, while neck sizing dies only resize the neck portion of the casing. Neck sizing dies are suitable for rifles with tight tolerances and can extend case life; however, they may not be suitable for semi-automatic rifles like 5.56 AR-15s.

I personally recommend using full-length sizing dies for 5.56 rifles as they ensure proper functioning in semi-automatic firearms.

Material

Reloading dies can be made from different materials such as steel or carbide. While steel is durable and affordable, carbide is more expensive but offers smoother resizing without needing lubrication.

As someone who reloads frequently, I prefer investing in carbide reloading dies as they save me time on cleaning and lubricating my cases.

Brand Reputation

When it comes to purchasing any product, brand reputation plays a significant role in determining its quality and reliability. When it comes to reloading equipment, there are several reputable brands such as Lee Precision, RCBS, Hornady, and Redding.

I have personally used Lee Precision’s reloading dies for my 5.56 rifle with excellent results; however, I suggest researching different brands’ reviews before making a final decision.

Pricing

Reloading equipment can be quite expensive; however, it is important not to compromise on quality when purchasing reloading dies for your 5.56 rifle. While budget-friendly options may seem appealing at first glance, they may not last long or provide consistent results.

I recommend investing in high-quality carbide resizing dies from reputable brands that offer warranties or guarantees for their products.

Compatibility

Lastly, it is crucial to ensure that your chosen reloading die set is compatible with your specific rifle model before making a purchase. Most manufacturers provide information about compatibility on their websites or packaging; however, if you are unsure about compatibility issues, consult with an experienced reloader or contact customer service before buying.

In conclusion,, when purchasing reloading dies for your 5.56 rifle always consider factors such as type of die (full-length vs neck), material (steel vs carbide), brand reputation (Lee Precision vs RCBS), pricing (budget-friendly vs high-quality), and compatibility with your firearm model . By keeping these factors in mind and doing thorough research beforehand , you can make an informed decision that will result in high-quality ammunition for your shooting needs.

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Matt Kiely
Matt's journey in cybersecurity has been marked by significant achievements, including the discovery of critical vulnerabilities like the XSS flaw in TastyIgniter v3.0.7. Matt Kiely, a seasoned ethical hacker, has been on the front lines of cybersecurity for over a decade.

He began as a penetration tester and later founded his own consultancy, helping organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats. Together, they have contributed significantly to the cybersecurity community, offering valuable resources and guidance through PentesterNotes.

In 2024, Matt Kiely and Justin White expanded their expertise by transitioning from a purely technical focus on cybersecurity to blogging about personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new direction was inspired by their desire to apply their analytical skills to a broader range of topics, helping consumers make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.