Small Base Dies
Quote from Reloader on December 12, 2009, 2:59 pmI haven't seen this talked about on this forum, but RCBS says that they are used with (semi)automatic and pump rifles. I have read the postings here about moving the sizing die closer to the shell plate on my 550B , but I hadn't read any comments on small base dies. I am having trouble with my .223 reloading and would appreciate your thoughts.
I haven't seen this talked about on this forum, but RCBS says that they are used with (semi)automatic and pump rifles. I have read the postings here about moving the sizing die closer to the shell plate on my 550B , but I hadn't read any comments on small base dies. I am having trouble with my .223 reloading and would appreciate your thoughts.
Quote from Reloader on December 14, 2009, 11:44 pmAre small based dies a taboo topic or has no one ever used them? I don't particularly want to buy them, just want to solve the failure to load problem.
Are small based dies a taboo topic or has no one ever used them? I don't particularly want to buy them, just want to solve the failure to load problem.
Quote from Reloader on December 15, 2009, 3:35 pmsmall-based dies is mostly a marketing description. Any modern reputable die maker offers dies that size a case to fit a minimum-spec chamber. Before doing anything else, size a case and see if it fully chambers, the bolt locks completely, and the case easily extracts. Often this requires running the size die down not just until it touches the shellplate, but up to 1/4-1/2 turn beyond that, to take all the play out of the linkage, toolhead, etc. A headspace case cage makes it easier to adjust the size die, as it substitutes for your chamber, and indicates where maximum and minimum headspace are.
small-based dies is mostly a marketing description. Any modern reputable die maker offers dies that size a case to fit a minimum-spec chamber. Before doing anything else, size a case and see if it fully chambers, the bolt locks completely, and the case easily extracts. Often this requires running the size die down not just until it touches the shellplate, but up to 1/4-1/2 turn beyond that, to take all the play out of the linkage, toolhead, etc. A headspace case cage makes it easier to adjust the size die, as it substitutes for your chamber, and indicates where maximum and minimum headspace are.
Quote from Reloader on December 16, 2009, 11:42 pmThanks, I actually tried that while awaiting an answer about small based dies. Once I cranked the die down further, it fit perfectly and ejected the cases clear across my reloading bench.
Thanks, I actually tried that while awaiting an answer about small based dies. Once I cranked the die down further, it fit perfectly and ejected the cases clear across my reloading bench.