AR-15 Reloading Die Selection, small base or FL?

[warthog97]

Sorry to be dense on this topic. I've reloaded for over a decade, but I haven't reloaded for the AR yet. Most of my reading up to this point has foot stomped that 'small base' reloading dies are a "must". I did some searching on this site and see some folks are using FL dies. I'm curious what the general consensus is? Are small base dies really required for a 5.56 NATO chamber, or are FL dies just fine?
I have to admit, I'd like to use the Lee collet die and a body bump die to reduce runnout. If that's not going to work, then an RCBS X die and quality seater seems like the route to go. Any thoughts? Thanks!
-bnw

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

I have handloaded for countless different ARs and have never needed a small base die...

I start by running the cases up on a Sinclar expander mandrel to square the case mouths, then I use a Redding type-s f/l die with the expander removed. Works like a champ.

 

[billmo]

The Redding "S" F/L bushing die is working fine for me. I size the entire length of the neck without an expander ball. The neck tension desired according to the general crowd is @ .004 and that seems to produce good accuracy in my RRA A4 Varminter. Bill

 

[warthog97]

WTxR, Billmo, WOW! Thanks for the fast replies. I suppose next I'll have to research powders for the heavier pills, like the 70, 75 and 80 grainer, but there seems to be a wealth of info out there on that topic already.

-bnw

 

[fdshuster]

billmo: Advice please. I noticed your are using the bushing die for AR loads. After many years of using the "standard" FL dies, without ever having to call an alibi in a match, I tried the bushing die that I use for my 223 bolt guns, properly headspace adjusted. Was bothered by the small ring at the shoulder/neck juncture, but loaded and tried them in a registered match. Had to call 2 alibis,, actually had 3, but was able to clear 1). Is the unsized area at the base of the neck not a problem for you? Chambers were cut by Frank White at CLE, Krieger barrels, so I know that's not the problem. Empty cases were trapped on the way out. Returned to the FL die and have not had a repeat of the malfunction. Any idea of what my problem might be? Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

 

[billmo]

FD, I have not been shooting nor reloading for an auto - AR platform very long but since I began a few months ago, I have not had that happen to me, but I also have only shot my RRA A-4 Varminter from the bench and single loading from the "SLED" I have done no mag. feeding at all. So, therein may lie the reason that I have not seen what you have. I have however read a couple of post here and did have concerns about that short area that the die never touches when I set up my dies originally. I 'm sure there are guys on here that will be able to relate to that issue more qualified than myself. Sorry, I could not help you more. Bill

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

A normal 5.56mm NATO chamber will work fine with a standard F/L resizing die. Many of the custom competition chambers are cut pretty small and the reloader will benefit from the use of a small base die. The use of a Redding small base body die will give you the best of both worlds. I use one because I own more than a few AR15's with different chambers. This allows me to stay with my F/L resizing die while using the body die to size the brass down for my rifles that are cut with smaller chambers.

 

[harvey13118]

I also sometimes have a live round extract hard. Hunting coyotes and moving set to set clearing the rifle.

I f/l, trim etc I have the RR A4 with a "Wylde",Spelling) chamber. HOWEVER I am not real generous with the sizing lub and may be restreching things as the casing comes back thru the neck mandrel.,Its just a thought as I worte this).

I am leaning toward the little extra lube I put on the new bolt carrier assembly and lugs.

I clean chamber with Carberator cleaner and a chamber brush so I hope/think I'm doing the job needed in that area.

Any other thoughts appreciated.

Harvey

 

[treeman]

I shoot the ar across the course. hornady new dimension custom grade dies size brass well/ around1-2th runout. My 600 yard load goes into 2" @300 yards . with a front post sight i don't think it gets much better._____treeman