die questions

[van7559]

What is the difference between f.l. die sets and a small base die set. I am assuming f.l. means full length? New to reloading here so please excuse the noobness

[Hoser]

Small base dies are intended for autos like the AR or M-14. Some say they squeeze the bottom of the case down a bit more/further. It just depends on the brand on if they are actually smaller or not.

[van7559]

So on my. 223 ar stuff should I pick up some small base dies instead.

[jerrymrc]

So on my. 223 ar stuff should I pick up some small base dies instead.

I myself would not just jump to a small base die. I load .223, 300blk, .308 and 7.62X39 using std FL dies and never had an issue in my autos.

[DSB OUTDOORS]

Small base dies are great like Hoser said. But after 2 - 3 reloads they need to be full length re-sized to bring it back close to spec. Like Jerry said, I have not had any issues with FL dies reloading .223, but I do small base most of my 5.56 nato, they have thicker brass. Most of my semi autos I don't have an issue with FL sizing.

[tmjohnson]

I have only run across 1 chamber that required small base die and it was a national match and I was using military brass

[spqrzilla]

Small base dies are great like Hoser said. But after 2 - 3 reloads they need to be full length re-sized to bring it back close to spec.
I'm not following why you would need to use a full length die on brass that had been through small base dies?

[van7559]

well I picked up some full length 30-06 dies, put the 223 dies back, I just plink with it anyway so I just cant see the saving loading it just yet.

[jmg8550]

Small base dies are full length sizer dies. Try the regular FL dies first, they might work just fine.

[DSB OUTDOORS]

I'm not following why you would need to use a full length die on brass that had been through small base dies?
Think of it like a rubber band keep pulling on it it gets stretched out and weak. The FL dies shove the brass back down toward the base. So you can stretch it out again.


Small base dies are full length sizer dies. Try the regular FL dies first, they might work just fine.
Small base dies DO Not touch the neck of the case and are not FL. The FL resizes the whole case. Thats why they also make a neck sizer die.

[Hoser]

Small base dies DO Not touch the neck of the case and are not FL.

I might have a few strange sets of SB dies. Mine are a FL resize and a small base die wrapped up in one.

However they sit on a shelf now days. I just use Dillon carbide. Smaller than a small base die by a couple thousandths and carbide so I dont have to use as much lube.

[DSB OUTDOORS]

The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die but it does not size the neck. this is from RCBS. I do prefer Dillon myself. But for small jobs I like the RCBS dies SB and FL they both work well.

[Hoser]

I must have an older die set.

Mine are stamped "Small Base FL Resize."

You sure you are not thinking of a body die?


The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die but it does not size the neck. this is from RCBS. I do prefer Dillon myself. But for small jobs I like the RCBS dies SB and FL they both work well.

[DSB OUTDOORS]

This is what I have.
http://imageplay.net/img/tya22292108/DIES.jpg (http://imageplay.net/img/tya22292108/DIES.jpg)

[sabot_round]

I've used only FL die sets for all my ARs without any issues. I don't see the need for a SB die set, while I've reloaded brass 5 or 6 times.

[spqrzilla]

DSB, I've never seen a small base sizer die described as you describe it. I think you are misunderstanding RCBS' description of what a small base sizer die is.

Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ?
A. The Small Base Die set is intended for use for ammunition to be used in auto, semi-auto, and lever action rifles so that the loaded round chambers and extracts easily. The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die. The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily.

The above is from RCBS' FAQ section. A small base sizer die is a full length sizer die that specifically sizes the shoulder to the head a bit smaller than a normal Full Length sizer die but still sizes the neck. If the small base die worked as you understand it, there would be little or no neck tension to hold the bullet. It would not be a successful sizer die.

If you have a small base die set, a full length die sizer is doing nothing for you. Well, except giving you a sizing cycle that is a bit less "work" of the brass than the other cycles.