Experienced hunters are more than familiar with the processes needed to prepare for every single hunting trip. From gears to guns, they all need to be well-made and carefully chosen to get the job done. For those who are used to making their own bullets or those that are into resizing and rehashing bullets to make them specifically fit their guns, there is one piece of tool that they need to focus on, and that is knowing which are the best 5.56 reloading dies that they can choose from and use.
You may already have your reloading bench all set up, but without a reliable reloading die, you won’t probably be able to dish out the bullets that you intend to produce for your hunts and even as a form of business or hobby.
Top 3 Best 5.56 Reloading Dies 2021 – Comparison Chart
| Top Sales | Product Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | RCBS .223 Remington 11101 2-Die Set Full Length | from $36.06 |
 | RCBS FL Die Set (.308 Win) | from $37.62 |
 | RCBS 22115 Carbide Die Set .40 S&W/10MM auto | from $50.10 |
 | RCBS 18212 Series B 3-Die Carbide Roll Crimp Set 38/357 | from $54.36 |
 | LEE PRECISION 90860 Carbide Factory Crimp Die 9mm Luger | from $23.91 |
 | RCBS 11107 .223 Rem/5.56 x 45 SB T/C Die Set | from $42.49 |
| RCBS 3-Die Carbide Set (.45 Automatic (ACP)) | from $59.99 |
 | Lee Precision Factory Crimp Die 300 AAC Blackout | from $19.96 |
 | LEE PRECISION 90689 Quick Trim Die.300 AAC Blackout | from $16.91 |
 | Lee Precision 308 Factory Crimp Die | from $19.88 |
 | Lee Preciesion 90995 Lee Precision Powder Charging Die Kit | from $32.31 |
 | Lee Precision 90670 Deluxe Power Quick Trim Case Trimmer | from $25.00 |
 | LEE PRECISION Quick Trim Die 308 Win | from $11.99 |
 | Lyman 223 Rem Rifle 2 Die Set (5.56-Mm) | from $41.90 |
| LEE PRECISION 90179 .223 Remington Quick Trim Die | from $18.48 |
 | Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set (5.56-mm) | from $67.59 |
What are reloading dies?
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A reloading die is an integral part of a reloading press. The die is screwed on to the press to resize, decap, as well as extend the cartridge and of course, to seat the bullet (even the used ones) in place. Dies usually come in sets because each die is designed and made to perform specific functions.
You are aware that bullets and cartridges can come in different shapes and forms, this is why you need specific dies to make sure that you will be able to reload them properly. So whether you have straight cases or you have bottlenecked ones, the best 5.56 reloading dies are definitely a must if want to get the process right.
When you have a common 5.56 mm round, it is quite easy to find a reloading die that will work. However, while you can find a lot of dies in the market, you still need to consider several factors before you can consider that you have found the best one for you.
- Durability and Flexibility
- Versatility and Reliability
- Price
And to help you and others find what you need, we have scoured the market and tested 3 different sets of reloading dies.
Durability and Flexibility
#1 Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 5.56 mm
While it can definitely take hard and well-molded casings and resize them to a tee, the decapping pin is not built hard enough to properly punch out any dented and punched out cases. We know that the carbide assembly that goes with the set promises to eliminate the need to lube the neck, we find that it is necessary and very important to lube the neck of the casings to keep the die from getting stuck or from chipping due to pressure and friction.
#2 RCBS 223 Rem 5.56 Die
Much can be said about the durability and flexibility of this die set. Good things mostly. The RCBS Rem 5.56 Die comes with a really nice warranty. The manufacturers stand by what they make which is why it is one of the most sought after brands in the world of rifling and reloading parts and other supplies. It can withstand longer work hours which means that it would not bend, break, chip or get stuck in a middle of a 1000-round project. Just be careful on the lube because this set doesn’t need a lot. If you use too much, slippage may start to happen.
#3 Lyman 223 Rem Rifle 5.56 Mm
Durability is one that Lyman constantly offers, and it this set promises to deliver about 1500 rounds in one go. However, the decapping pin has a tendency to break even after you lube the cases properly. We tried to decap about 100 cases and the pin started to bend and give out at the 35th round. This is something worth considering especially if you plan to take on projects not just for your hobby.
#4 Our 1st pick for the best in Durability: RCBS 223 Rem 5.56 Die
#5 Our 2nd pick for the best in Durability: Lyman 223 Rem Rifle 5.56 Mm
Versatility and Reliability
#1 Lyman 223 Rem Rifle 5.56 Mm
Considered to be really wise choice for those who intend to load bottlenecked rifles. The set comes with 2 dies, one of which is bullet resizing die, with a seating stem to aid in the proper reloading of pointed types of bullets. The seating die will surely help you roll crimp bullets effectively and securely. Another good thing about the seating die is that it makes sure that air will not be trapped in the cartridge cases.
#2 RCBS 223 Rem 5.56 Die
Being in the business for more than 60 years, you can bet that they really know what they are doing. The kit comes with 2 dies which are designed to resize and taper .223 and 5.56 mm ARs and semi-automatic shooters. Progressive and really dedicated reloaders will definitely find this set useful since this comes with one full length, small base sizing die and of course a tapering crimp seating die for ARs which are perfect for those who would like to dish out large amounts of ammos effectively and quickly. One of the best qualities of this die set is its taper crimping die has the ability to provide you with a little more workroom when you are crimping shorter or longer casings.
#3 Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 5.56 mm
The Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle for 5.56 is definitely a must-have for those who own a 223 Remington rifle that feeds on 5.56 mm cartridges. But as long as you have a bottle-necked rifle cases, you won’t have a hard time reloading jacketed types of bullets at all. This 3-die set comes with a Deluxe carbide assembly with a free floating carbide button to ensure a smooth neck expansion. It has a Neck Sizing Die to ensure that the dimensions of each casing will be retained without the need to rework the brass excessively. A Standard full-length sizing die is of course included, to ensure that each brass is up to par with the standards of its makers. The set also comes with a standard bullet seating die. These dies you will find useful especially if you have a deep hobby for guns and ammos.
#4 Our pick for the best in Versatility and Reliability: RCBS 223 Rem 5.56 Die
#5 Runner Up: Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 5.56 mm
Price
#1 RCBS 223 Rem 5.56 Die
This set, when it comes to price is surely a real steal because you do not need to spend too much. The RCBS 223 Rem 5.56 Die is really affordable. The dies are really tough and are sure to last longer – making them worth every penny.
#2 Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 5.56 mm
Price-wise, this doesn’t come inexpensive, but with the amount of work it can deliver, this is one of the very best brands that you can really invest on. And because this set comes with 3 dies, you can be sure that this is definitely worth your time and money.
#3 Lyman 223 Rem Rifle 5.56 Mm
The Lyman 223 Rem Rifle 5.56 mm is most certainly the cheapest out of the three. If you are looking for a starter set, then this is worth your consideration. Just make sure that before making that purchase, you have carefully studied the ins and outs of this model.
#4 Our Pick for the best in Price: Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 5.56 mm
#5 Runner Up: RCBS 223 Rem 5.56 Die
A good set of dies is definitely a must to ensure that you will be able to reload, reshape, resize and even crimp cases properly, securely and of course, safely. While there are so many good brands out there, the one that impressed us the most is the RCBS 223 Rem 5.56 Die set. This brand gives you so many benefits and functions for a fair price. If you are looking for more than 2 dies in a set, the Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 5.56 mm is the one you can go for.
Remember that the best 5.56 reloading dies offer much more than what we have mentioned; the best ones help you guarantee precise shooting, reliable extraction and feeding.
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