Recently picked up a 223 Wylde upper just to play around with, but it shot surprisingly well with cheap ammo. Thought I would try reloading some for better accuracy. Using Lee Hand Primer and CCI 400 Small Rifle could not get primer to set in brass, is there a special primer needed for 223?

bad brass, buy new brass and start over. you will be fine.

Military brass? If it is the crimped primers are causing the problem. You will need to remove the crimp before seating new primers.

Most AR reloaders I know recommend CCI 450 or 41 primers for the AR reloads. There are a couple more as well. The thicker cups help guard against slam fires.

Bet it's got a military crimp. You can swage that out, or you can cut that out. It will add time to your brass prep.

kmon1 is right - use CCI 450 and get rid of the crimp on the primer pocket

CCI 400 will work fine til you run out of them if you bought a ton, but don't expect them to necessarily shoot the same load/bullet the same as the CCI 450 if/when you switch.

Thanx. I’ll start with fresh brass and look for CCI 450. Have several 400’s but can use them with 350 Legend and 25-35
In case I get quarantined and really bored...what is best way to remove the crimp?

good choice

One that works to be used with your press LINK

For small batches I have used a counter bore bit and drill, but that is easy to take out too much material.

The RCBS is what I use. If you buy factory Hornady Match ammo, those primers are also crimped in.

Went to the link, after reading review some question if it will work with Lee presses
Appears to be made for RCBS

I'm in a similar place right now. Bought the RCBS swager and it isn't compatible with my Lee turret. I think I'll pick up a cheap single-stage press that I can dedicate to it.

Jeff

Same. I ran across an older Lee single stage o-press for cheap and jumped on it.

Still have single stage learned on and found swag set on Ebay for decent price...will give it a shot