Scott Notaeh wrote:A few random thoughts to take or leave from someone who knows little about this stuff.
You might consider the Lee pacesetter set that includes the FCD for .223 rather than the deluxe set plus FCD. I read somewhere that for AR use, this was better but read up on it.
This was an interesting head's-up, thanks for sharing!
What I chased down was this explanation:
http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=978284
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"Pacesetters give you the full length sizing die, a standard seating/criming die and in most calibers, a factory crimp die. There are also limited production pacesetters which are two dies sets with the full length sizer and the standard seater/crimper - these are normally for calibers that a more rare.
Deluxe Rifle dies include a full length sizer, a Collet sizer and a Dead Length bullet seater. There is no provision for crimping a case with this set and therefore are really meant for target / single shots. The idea is to use the full length sizer (which requires lube) to initially size the case, then shoot it. After that, you can use the Collet sizer which requires no lube, but only sizes the neck. The seating die is dead length which means that it makes full contact with the shell holder. This is more accurate because it is the same reference with each case regardless of irregularities in case length. Because they are not crimped, it doesn't make any real difference provided they are not excessive length and need trimming. The bullets stay in the case through neck sizing tension which is about .001 because the die mandrel is roughly .002 less than the diameter of the bullet - there is normally 50% spring back leaving you with the .001.
I know the explanation is probably clear as mud, but I've been using them for years. If you buy a Deluxe set and then a separate factory crimp die, you then have every possible combination of sizing / seating and crimping that you need"
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For my initial application loading for my 16" AR15 carbine you are correct, the Pacesetter would be a better choice and should save me a few bucks, thanks for the head's up!