..small base dies for 5.56x45 NATO???

[Montana Griz]

....With regard to buying a set of Dies for reloading for the 5.56x45 NATO (LMT Mfg) (stainless barrel with NATO Chamber & Throat)................what reason(s) would indicate the purchase of a "small-base" Die Set vs a Standard Die Set?

 

[codefour]

I have had zero chambering issues using the RCBS small base die sets. For semi auto .223/5.56, they seem to feed a bit better that standard FL sizers.

 

[Sport45]

what reason(s) would indicate the purchase of a "small-base" Die Set vs a Standard Die Set?

I might consider a small base die if my regular dies didn't work. But I doubt it would come to that.

 

[cfullgraf]

From my experience, generally speaking, small base dies are not needed if the cases were fired in the particular rifle that they will be fired in after sizing.

If the cases were fired in a different firearm, small base dies may or may not be needed. The most extreme situation is cases fired in a machine gun.

That said, I have several ARs in 223 Remington/5.56 NATO and a couple different standard full length sizing dies. I cannot reliably swap ammunition between the rifles without chambering problems when using the standard full length sizing dies. So, I have started small base sizing all my AR ammunition. I don't have to segregate ammunition by rifle.

These comments apply only to standard, "factory" chambers. All bets are off if the chamber is a custom, tight match style chambering.

 

[Walkalong]

Most times they are not needed. Buy a case gauge and use your standard sizer to size to fit the gauge.

 

[MtnCreek]

What’s your brass source? 95% of my 5.56 brass is once fired military and probably 75% of that is MG fired. If you decide to go with a SB die, check out the dillon carbide, it really makes sizing a smoother process.