Small Base Die

[Eraser]

I have a small base die in 223 I want to use in a bolt gun that does not require it. Will the extra sizing have any negative impact? I bought this for an AR that didn't need it either.

 

[rijndael]

It may overwork your brass, reducing the life. Sometimes they squeeze everything tighter, not just the base.

 

[RegionRat]

I assume you mean on target performance and functionality?
That would be similar to using factory ammo versus brass that is fire formed to the chamber and then only bumped to barely fit. Many will debate the effect of brass fit on performance till the cows come home...

So other than over working the brass, the ammo will function and it will take some hard work to see a difference between this brass and tightly fit brass when it comes to the difference at the target.

Now some friendly advice.
If you are going to bother to reload and burn ammo and your time, the cost of a regular die is in the noise.

Happy New Year!

 

[Ned Ludd]

I have a small base die in 223 I want to use in a bolt gun that does not require it. Will the extra sizing have any negative impact? I bought this for an AR that didn't need it either.

The phrase highlighted in red pretty much sums up the whole question, IMO. If it doesn't require it, why do it?

 

[Eraser]

Thank you Gentlemen. Point taken.

 

[Timberyote]

I use an SB die for .223 and .308 every loading without issues from the brass.

I use Norma brass in the .308 and have 200 that are on the 15th loading and still going strong. This brass started out, for me, as once fired.

 

[wildcatter]

If you load chasing high end node performance, you will notice heavier extraction with lower pressure than you would a case that's not crudely undersized to the chamber to start with.

My option, and mine only. A SB die is designed for one thing, assured feeding over concern for accuracy! That is the only situation I would ever use such a die for.

If it doesn't mean anything to accuracy, I would question why do those loading for the most accurate ammo in the world, use dies of the opposite design, from custom to factory body dies, that neither would allow feeding in firearms the Small Base die was designed to load for?

JMPO!

 

[Eraser]

The die in question is a Redding. I contacted them about the possibility of honing the die to standard dimensions. There replay was " We would not do that modification or recommend it." Along with "buy the correct die."
I'm not sure what to think about this. Do they just want to sell a new die or is honing a .001 from the very bottom a big deal?

 

[TimS]

You just have to try it to find out. I had one ragged hole and a SD of 2.6 fire forming 6mm Rem to 6mm AI.

 

[Mark611]

I agree! if it's not needed why do it? especially in a bolt gun! I load my bolt guns with a Redding body die a standard die, as has been mentioned, a small base is for reliable feeding mainly for gas guns, I know you have already got the point, but this is for other reloaders who may have the same question. JMO

 

[jepp2]

I'm not sure what to think about this.

Any other response from a die manufacturer would shock me. Too many Bubba folks out there.

What would you intend to use to open it up? Dies are very hard, and difficult to change. I hone die necks to the diameter I need (my name might be Bubba) and I learned how slow the process is even with the correct tools.

 

[6Creed73]

I only use a small base die for my 300 BLK AR, and only because I put lots of different brass through it, including range brass. I've come across range brass fired in sloppy chambers that need the small base die to cycle in a tighter chamber.

This AR is not a gun meant for ultimate accuracy, it's a plinking gun. For a bolt gun, I'd just buy a standard die...they aren't expensive.

 

[Eraser]

Any other response from a die manufacturer would shock me. Too many Bubba folks out there.

What would you intend to use to open it up? Dies are very hard, and difficult to change. I hone die necks to the diameter I need (my name might be Bubba) and I learned how slow the process is even with the correct tools.

My intention was to have the Mfg. do the work, but they said no. Probably because of the reasons you mention.

 

[Eraser]

I only use a small base die for my 300 BLK AR, and only because I put lots of different brass through it, including range brass. I've come across range brass fired in sloppy chambers that need the small base die to cycle in a tighter chamber.

This AR is not a gun meant for ultimate accuracy, it's a plinking gun. For a bolt gun, I'd just buy a standard die...they aren't expensive.

I have a new die on order.

 

[Bill K]

As mentioned, if it is not required to fit the case into your rifle, then just use a standard FL die, no need to work the brass any more than necessary.

 

[Rsadams]

I absolutely would not hone out my small base die... Just resize .001 .002 like normal and use it... I see you ordered another die and that is a good thing if it makes you feel better about it... I get plenty of reloads in .223 using small base dies...

 

[SecondsCount]

I have several different brands of 223 dies and some of them are considered "small base"

In a gun with a custom action and a Krieger barrel, I don't see any difference in accuracy between a standard and small base die. That said, I am careful about bumping the shoulder just enough to keep things snug and not overwork the brass.

 

[Rodney]

If you ever get clickers you can run the brass through the small base die to resolve maybe.

 

[aussiedave]

clicker fixer

 

[bozo699]

If you ever get clickers you can run the brass through the small base die to resolve maybe.

That’s what there for.
Wayne