Stuck case in Redding small base full length 308 die

[cfullgraf]

Are small base dies really needed?

I will agree with USSR that small base dies are rarely needed for semi-auto rifles but...

I have found that tolerances between chambers and a standard full length die can cause chambering issues. The body of the case is not resized enough for a case fired in the larger chamber to fit the smaller chamber. I have such a combination of 223 Remington AR rifles and a full length sizer die but I have another standard full length sizer where it is not an issue.

Since I do not necessarily want to segregate cases by rifle, I have elected to small base size all my 223 Remington cases and avoid the chambering problem.

I recommend for 223 Remington, 308 Winchester or 30-06 used in semi auto rifles that a small base die be purchased if one does not already have a standard sizing die.

Replacing a standard sizing die with a small base sizer is probably not necessary but be aware of what the cases were previously fired in.

Cases fired in your rifle will most probably not be an issue but be aware of purchasing once fired cases or using range pick ups.

 

[zxcvbob]

I bought a SB die to use just for the first reloading of .223 and 5.56 brass that I don't know what it was fired in. (I haven't used it yet ) I've had chambering issues in my Mini-14 with range-pickup brass, and that's what I'm trying to solve. Once it has been fired once in my gun, it doesn't seem to be a problem.

 

[Innovative]

Handloading can be like being a machinist. It you want your work to come out as good as possible, be sure to "measure" your work accurately.

Don't guess when resizing.

 

[USSR]

Will they shorten case life? Not if set up properly.

Perhaps I should elaborate on the above. The little additional sizing down in the web area does not contribute to case head separations. I argued this point with a guy on another forum, and to his credit, he took measurements and was surprised at how little additional case sizing actually takes place with them. What causes case head separations is an excessive headspace situation caused by bumping the shoulder back too far. If you use a SB die and bump the shoulder back .001" or .002", and size another case with a standard FL sizing die and bump the shoulder back .005" or .006", want to bet which case will show signs of an incipient case head separation?

Don

 

[Innovative]

Don.....

Perhaps I should elaborate on the above. The little additional sizing down in the web area does not contribute to case head separations. You're right. I argued this point with a guy on another forum, and to his credit, he took measurements and was surprised at how little additional case sizing actually takes place with them. That's correct. What causes case head separations is an excessive headspace situation caused by bumping the shoulder back too far. I agree 100%. If you use a SB die and bump the shoulder back .001" or .002", and size another case with a standard FL sizing die and bump the shoulder back .005" or .006", want to bet which case will show signs of an incipient case head separation? Neither one.
However, only a SB die (or a really tight FL die) can plow brass back over the web of a case. That can eventually make cases too tight to fit back inside the same sizing die . . . . thus shortening case life.

Larry

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Anyways I picked up a regular full length sizing die kit so that i could finish my batch I was working on. This time I made sure to apply the lube to the bottom of the case not in just the shoulder area( pretty sure this is why I got it stuck before). Man it was smooth as butter resizing the cases after that, almost no effort at all to run the press and my bench didn't want to tip over.

Just a note, you shouldn't lube the shoulder at all. You should lube just below the shoulder all the way down to the base. With Imperial Sizing Wax very little goes a long way and I usually apply it to the case by running my index finger and thumb over the lube and using those 2 fingers to apply the lube to the case. It's quick and easy and as you found out, that lube works very well when applied correctly.

It sounds like Redding is doing right by you. That's good yo know...

 

[Walkalong]

If you use a SB die and bump the shoulder back .001" or .002", and size another case with a standard FL sizing die and bump the shoulder back .005" or .006", want to bet which case will show signs of an incipient case head separation?

Why the one that pushed the shoulder back .005 to .006 of course, because that is exactly what causes case thinning near the web. But you knew that of course. So does Larry, and avoiding this is what his nifty headspace gauge is for.

From his website:

This gauge improves accuracy by making your handloads fit much better than factory ammo, and it also reduces case run-out. It provides longer case life by helping to reduce case stretching, and that eliminates the possibility of case head separation.

http://www.larrywillis.com/

 

[USSR]

Walkalong,

I suspect Innovative thought I meant with just the one sizing; hence his answer "Neither". No, it will probably take several resizings and firings, but in the scenario I described, the standard FL sizing die which bumps the shoulder back too far will produce an incipient case head separation situation before the properly set up SB sizing die will.

Don

 

[Innovative]

USSR .......

Actually, the FL die only bumps the shoulder too far ONLY if it's height is set too low. Neither die shortens brass more than the other (whether you resize cases once or several times), unless you are plowing brass rearward over the web with an excessively tight fitting die.

It's important to adjust die height accurately according to what your particular chamber needs.