It must be something in the case geometry of the 223 .

When using new dies , Lee seems to be the worst but I can't prove that , whatever case lube your using, prelube the die with it . Don't be sparing either . Seriously if you don't get at least 2 cases back with lube dents you didn't get enough in the die , excluding dry lubes . You have fill in and smooth over the tool marks and open pores .

The last one I stuck was a 223 , there were a couple of 308 , and 06's before that . The lube pad operator was at fault for all but the 223 , which was how I arrived at run em' wet one step under lube dents for the first 100 . Actually if the shoulder doesn't crease you're still ok .

In case this sounds like brand bashing it isn't I have CH , Forster , Herters, Hornady, Lee, Lachmiller, Lyman, Pacific , Redding , and RCBS die sets .