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.