[legion]

Reposted from PARF...

So I've developed a new workflow for .223/5.56 on my Dillon XL650. This is aimed at keeping my dies as clean as possible.


Step 1: Decapping

Run the brass through a toolhead that has only a Lee Universal Decapping Die in position #1.

Step 2: Preliminary Cleaning

Clean the brass in the ultrasonic cleaner. This gets rid of all the powder/mud/other debris on the brass.

Step 3: Dry Brass

Put the brass in a brass dryer for 2 hours.

Step 4: Sizing

Toolhead #2 has an RCBS lube die in position #1, a Dillon sizing die in position #2, and a Dillon sizing die in position #4. So the brass is lubed, sized, and trimmed by this toolhead.

Step 5: Flash Hole Deburring

I use a Lyman flash hole deburrer on my RCBS case prep station to deburr flash holes.

Step 6: Remove Primer Crimps (Optional)

If reloading military brass, remove the primer crimp. I used to use a tool to cut them out, but recently acquired a Frankford Arsenal primer pocker swage and it has made the job MUCH faster.

Step 7: Measure Primer Pockets

Use a primer pocket gauge to ensure that each piece of brass is within specs for primer pocket size. Rework any brass where the primer pocket is too small. Discard any brass where the primer pocket is too large.

Step 8: Clean/Polish Brass

Run the brass through a rotary tumbler with stainless steel media, Lemishine, and water for an hour.

Step 9: Dry Brass

Put the brass in a brass dryer for 4 hours.

Step 10: Reload

Toolhead #3 has a Lee Universal Decapping Die in position #1 (as a safety precaution, but it is really unnecessary). Position #2 is a powder die. Position #3 is a powder check die. Position #4 is a bullet seating die. Position #5 is a crimp die. By removing the sizing die from this toolhead, I no longer have powder sticking to leftover case lube and don't have to clean my dies on this toolhead. In fact, the only die that I have to clean consistently is the universal decapping die on toolhead #1.