kimberacp Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 What is a small base die? I have been reading up on the forum before I start reloading. I do a Redding FL sizing die and seating die but how can I tell if the FL die is a small base die? Would it be marked on the die? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Sierpina Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 A small base die is smaller at the base, for a little more forgiving ammo used in semi autos. They are marked as such. Although, Dillon dies are all supposedly small base. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskapopo Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 My Dillon Dies were not small base enough for a new build I have with a Krieger Barrel. I had to get a redding small base die for loads I make for it. Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickoli Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Does anyone know if the Lee FL die is a small base? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigedp51 Posted November 13, 2013 Share Posted November 13, 2013 (edited) The die will be marked "small base" or "SB" my RCBS small base die only makes the case .0005 (1/2 thousandths) smaller in diameter, BUT the die sizes further down the case. Below, I load for two AR15 rifles and a bolt action .223 and have several die sets. The bigest problem you will run into is buying Lake City brass that may have been fired in a M249 machine gun. The M249 has a much larger diameter chamber and you will need a small base die to get these cases slimmed down to fit in a AR chamber. I normally use the small base die on any once fired cases I buy and thereafter use a standard full length die. The normal AR15 Military type chamber is .002 larger in diameter than a standard SAAMI .223 chamber and should not need a small base die. Edited November 13, 2013 by bigedp51 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dauntedfuture Posted November 13, 2013 Share Posted November 13, 2013 dies will say SB if they are small base dies. Some dies will size more than others though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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