small base die/.223

[kimberacp]

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

[Dan Sierpina]

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.

[Alaskapopo]

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

[Nickoli]

Does anyone know if the Lee FL die is a small base?

[bigedp51]

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

[dauntedfuture]

dies will say SB if they are small base dies. Some dies will size more than others though.