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Posted: 3/31/2010 7:00:40 PM EDT
How many of you use the RCBS FL standard dies and how many use the small base dies I didn't know there were 2 kinds untill today I have about 300 reloaded in the standard dies for use in my NITB Stag when I can pick it up. Will they work?
Bird-dog1 |
| I use the standard RCBS dies and have had no problems at all. Just make sure the sizing die is adjusted properly, so you get a bit of "cam over" when the ram is at the top of the stroke, and check a case occasionally with a gauge to make sure they're coming out right. |
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You should always use short base dies for semi automatic rifle cartridges as they reform brass narrower at the base to allow for better extraction. That doesn't mean full length dies won't form brass that will work, just a more efficient way of sizing brass and being reliable in semi auto mode.
Better answers and info in the reloading section on these type of questions. Doc |
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I was gonna link to the RCBS X die but I don't see it in 223/556 on their site. What's up? Here it is on MidwayUSA http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=807582 It's magic |
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Start off with standard dies, odds are very high your loads will work nicely. I've reloaded for many different rifles since 1972. I've never met a military type rifle that needed SB dies. Even civilian rifles like the Browning BAR and Rem 742 or Win 100 didn't come close to needing SB dies.
"Needing" small base dies for auto rifles is a bunch of gunwriter BS that's been perpetrated for years. Years ago I used to believe this crap until I got more and more experience. My experience with SB sizing actually CAUSED problems. Start with standard first, no point in overworking the brass if you don't have to. |
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Standard full-length dies for AR's ,differing manufacturers, with nato and wylde chambers, M1 Garands, Rem 30-06 model 742, no need for small based sizing dies. I do recommend getting a case gauge to measure the amount you push back the case shoulders. A tool such as the RCBS Precision Mic or Hornady's headspace gauge set works well. I'd go with a full-length sizing die and the rare possibility of needing a small based die, you could buy the SB sizing die by itself rather than a complete set.
http://www.inlandshooters.net/index.php?contentid=99 http://www.realguns.com/archives/035.htm |
I've been using RCBS SB dies (for .223), I bought them by accident. They've worked fine so far, sure does seem like alot of pressure needed on the press to get them resized. Haven't used FL dies, but what I'm learning and reading now about loading for rifle (been loading for pistol for years) does indicate SB isn't necessary with most ARs, most of the time.
Just waitin' to see how much these things shorten case life. If it's that drastic, I'll be buying and trying out FL dies. |
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I have been using SB in 308 & 5.56 for over thirty years & when the brass is done ,its done . Doesn't matter what dies you are using. No problems with chambered rounds.
You have to ask your self , what are the dimensions of a unfired factory case ? Full length dies will work ,in most applications , but not always . |
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Redding Type "S" FL bushing dies are the best dies on the market even for an AR, pick a bushing that barley sizes the neck down enough for proper neck tension and bump the shoulder back .003-4" (plenty of room for more since my die doesn't even touch the shell holder for .004" bump)and your ready to roll. These dies are made for precision loading and limit run-out(I get .001-.002" run-out at the necks after sizing most .223 LC & WCC cases). I compared a premium Rem. factory loaded Accupoint round yesterday and it had .008"+ run-out at the neck from the factory, that's horrible so I checked a few more and they were no better. And we wounder why our reloads shoot better than factory ammo, I get less than .001" run-out on my 6.8 Hornady brass after sizing with a Type "S" die and that is outstanding for a factory case that has NOT even had the necks turned.
Redding FTW! |
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