Dies for LAR-8 .308 and Colt 5.56 Nato

[BGD]

The only rifles I have that I have not reloaded for yet are my LAR-8 .308 and Colt 5.56 Nato. I like RCBS. Should I buy the small base dies? Is there a carbide die available that will work? Do the small base dies work the brass to much? I have not reloaded for an auto loader and usually just neck size for my bolt guns. The way supplies are now it will probably be next year before I will be able to assemble all the components necessary. so I am in no big hurry. I was just going to back order the dies and wait.

Thanks

 

[billymarr]

Check the chambers if they are tight yes get small base if they are true NATO spec standard will work. Yes they work the web the most.

 

[blarby]

Unless your are attempting to resize brass that has been fired in very generous machinegun chambers, you will probably not need small base dies.

It has to be really out of spec to need a small base die.... To me, if I would need a SBD to make that brass work properly- its more than likely brass I wouldn't want anyway.

In short- No, you do not need the SBD... I resize brass for autoloaders in both calibers you mention, using standard RCBS dies, and the ammunition functions flawlessly.

My .223/5.56 chamber is "Tight tight Tight"- Like "men in tights" tight, and the RCBS standard dies work just fine.

Now, if you plan on purchasing a lot of MG fired LC brass- Small base dies may work better for you- just don't expect long case life if thats the "case".

If you plan on using range pickup, reloader trades, or just your own fired brass- the standard sets will work just fine.

 

[cfullgraf]

If you do not already own any dies for 308 Win or 223 Remington, I recommend getting small base dies for semi-auto rifles.

While the chance you actually need them is very small, if you resize cases not fired in your rifles, you could end up with chambering problems when using standard dies.

If you already own dies, then go ahead and use them but remember the slight potential for problems when buying once fired brass or using range pick ups.

If you only reload cases fired in your rifles, standard dies would be fine.