Redding Small Base Body Die

[chuckw2]

Does the small base body die re-size the case body differently than the regular FL-S type body die. I know that it does not touch the neck. Does it size the case down a little smaller?


Chuck

 

[FClasser]

Chuck:
Normally, they are used to size down the base of 308 brass that has been shot in a gas gun. We used them a lot when we were picking up 308 LC Match brass and sizing it down for use in a bolt gun. Hope this helps
Tom Nichols

 

[chuckw2]

Thanks Tom for your input. I was shooting with two guys this past weekend that were shooting Nesika bolt guns in a 6.5 x 384, both of them used a Redding small base die to re-size the body, then a Wilson neck die to re-size the neck. What is the advantage of this?

We were shooting in a big match and I did not get a chance to talk with them after the match.


Chuck

 

[WayneShaw]

For the most part, when you have the "click" at the top of the bolt lift, the case base needs more sizing. This is the primary extraction that is built into the action. Unfortunately, Redding only makes so many small base dies.

 

[chuckw2]

Wayne,
I have that click at the top with my 6.5 X 284

Chuck

 

[SF340Driver]

The "click" could also be the firing pin falling into its notch.

Some bolt guys use small base dies when the chamber is cut to fit tighter than the standard spec. The brass coming out of the chamber is smaller than the standard sizing die base so they need a tighter die. It's usually recommended to go with a custom cut die in these cases, but they are a bit more expensive. If a small base die will work, why not use it.

 

[WayneShaw]

Yep, it is common to have this condition with well done match chambers. The chamber is tighter than the usual sizing die. When I go to a match, there are many that have the "click". I'm dealing with one myself right now. I have made a die that should size the brass fine, but I'm waiting on a couple more die blanks to come in before sending it off to be hardened.