Reloading for AR15: Standard or Small base die?

[mtrmn]

I disagree that SAW cases are the only ones that need small base 223 Remington size dies.

Cases fired in one of my AR-15s then run through a standard full size die will not chamber in one of my other AR-15s. But they will chamber if I use a small base die.

If I segregate the cases by rifle they were fired in, then a standard resize die works fine.

And, yes the dies are set correctly and resize cases gauge properly in a 223 Remington case gauge. (Remember, most bottle neck case gauges do not gauge the body of the case, only overall length and shoulder position.)

THIS X a million or 2^^^^

Just because most folks' ARs aren't particular doesn't mean they're not out there. I have several ARs, 2 of which require the SB dies, and I refuse to segregate ammo for each one. My ammo better work in any gun of that caliber that I pick up or I have failed my mission.

The JP case gages check every dimension of the body, not just headspace length and overall case trim length.

 

[Mohave-Tec]

I have a JP Enterprises/Bravo Company AR15 that cost about $1700 to build not including optics or lights. I've replaced the receiver. I'm on the third barrel. The M4 feed ramps in the receiver and the barrel extension transition as smooth as glass. I've used multiple spring tensions. I've used 2.9oz and 4.3oz buffer weights. I've used adjustable gas blocks and standard gas blocks, mid length, and checked for gas flow on each.
I've been reloading for many years. I own Go/NoGo gauges. I have the Lyman, Wilson and JP case gauges. I've built my own and own the Hornaday chamber length measuring tools. I own the RCBS SB dies. I own the Redding body only die. I have standard RCBS and Lee dies. I've used every head stamp imaginable and several new makes of 223 brass. I've polished all my dies. I've crimped, not crimped, light crimped. Prepped brass to meticulous standards both chamber length and book length. I've used heavy and light loads with Hornady 55gr FMJBT, VMax, Remington bulk and others given to me. I've used Varget, 4064, H335, Benchrest and others. I've used Pmags and USGI mags. I've mic'ed barrel to receiver alignment. I've checked for any kind of snag of burrs in any part of the chambering path.
Probably 150 hours and 1000 custom built rounds this rifle will not fire 5 rounds without a FTE. I'm going to try one last thing before the smelter. I'm going to do one thing I swore many years ago I'd never do. I'm going to WalMart and buy some factory rounds and try those.

 

[cfullgraf]

The JP case gages check every dimension of the body, not just headspace length and overall case trim length.

Yes, the JP cases gauges check all dimensions.

Most folks, including me, seem to buy Wilson or Dillon case gauges and they are cut generously in the body dimension of the gauge.

 

[RainDodger]

I've never, ever, had a need for small base dies in any AR.

 

[jim243]

I've never, ever, had a need for small base dies in any AR.

It will depend on your rifle and if the chamber was cut to 223 standards or 5.56 standards. 5.56 is slightly (not much) wider and longer. I had one rifle that only could use SB cases all other of my AR's did not care. Since I never knew which I would be shooting, I SB all cases just because and never have a problem in any of the guns.

Jim

 

[savanahsdad]

A small base die is a gimmick solution for folks who refuse to set a FL die up properly IE a quarter turn INTO shellholder contact.

What isn't a gimmick for ar15 loading and is infinitely useful is a case gauge.

a gimmick ? LOL is right , there is a need for them in some guns and you set them up the same as you do a FL die ,

 

[RainDodger]

Jim, my statement stands. "I've never, ever, had a need for small base dies in any AR."

In my ARs (multiple) and those belonging to my friends (also multiple), my handloads produced in a standard die, have never failed to function.

I'm not saying you have had the same experience, merely that I have never needed one. I've heard of some (like you) that may need one.

(even in other calibers, notably .308 lever actions, I've not needed SB dies)

That's only my experiences.

 

[Mohave-Tec]

I take everything I read on the internet with a grain of salt. : )

 

[Walkalong]

I love a good ending.