Small Base Die Set Up Question

[MarkV]

I can't find instruction on set up for my small base dies. The instructions that came with the dies are only for full length and neck sizing. I'm such a noob at this (I can reload pistol just fine) I don't know which one is which, or if they are the same.

So if you use small base dies please tell me how to set them up. Sizing and bullet setting.

These are RCBS and I'm loading 223 for my AR15 by the way. Thanks.

 

[USSR]

MarkV,

Small base dies are no different than regular rifle dies, other than the cartridge body is resized to the dimensions of brand new brass. Since you have a pistol cartridge reloading background with straight walled cases, I will try to give you an idea as to how reloading bottleneck cartridges differ. Primarily, it lies in the fact that the cartridge base to shoulder dimension (headspace) is critical. You cannot simply screw your dies in your press and expect to get correct headspace. If your resizing die is producing brass where the distance from the cartridge base to the midpoint of the shoulder that is too long -- your cartridge will not chamber. If your resizing die is producing brass where the distance from the cartridge base to the midpoint of the shoulder that is too short -- your cartridge may not fire and case life will be short. Anyone who reloads for bottleneck rifle cartridges needs a tool with which to measure the headspace of the cartridges they are resizing. I use the RCBS Precision Mic, although there are other measurement tools available. Hope that helps.

Don

 

[MarkV]

Thanks I think I can make it work.