Topic: Best full length case sizing die

[rnrphoto98]

We will be reloading .243 for a few different guns, so we need to re-size cases so they will fit in all our guns.  Right now we only have the neck re-sizer.  What would you recommend as the best full length case sizing die?  There are a few out there and I would like to hear your recommendations.

Thanks

Rob

[J Mack]

I use a Redding small base body die plus bump the shoulder to minimum on any ammo that will be used in various guns.
It’s important to check some factory ammo shoulder height and match it and don't assume it's correct by setting up the die as per manufacturer's instructions for best results in your scenario.

I learned this lesson the hard way.

[RGinIdaho]

I look for Redding first but have also purchased RCBS and Hornady dies.

J Mack is right on about headspace. If you don't measure, it may cause you problems. Overworking your brass due to excessive sizing is a safety issue as well as an economic concern.

[birddog1989]

RCBS

[emathey]

I use a Redding small base body die plus bump the shoulder to minimum on any ammo that will be used in various guns.
It’s important to check some factory ammo shoulder height and match it and don't assume it's correct by setting up the die as per manufacturer's instructions for best results in your scenario.

I learned this lesson the hard way.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought small base dies resized the brass smaller than full length sizing for semi-autos?  If he's using a bolt gun, would he not be better off with a full length sizer to work the brass less?

[44magnut]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought small base dies resized the brass smaller than full length sizing for semi-autos?  If he's using a bolt gun, would he not be better off with a full length sizer to work the brass less?


Yes that is true, you do not need a small base die for a bolt gun unless it is a tight chambered gun.

[RGinIdaho]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought small base dies resized the brass smaller than full length sizing for semi-autos?  If he's using a bolt gun, would he not be better off with a full length sizer to work the brass less?

It's your brass, over work it as much as you want. 

[birddog1989]

It's your brass, over work it as much as you want. 

Huh?

[J Mack]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought small base dies resized the brass smaller than full length sizing for semi-autos?  If he's using a bolt gun, would he not be better off with a full length sizer to work the brass less?

If you’re shooting a SAAMI spec chamber than a standard base die will work well for you regardless of gas or bolt.
If you’re shooting a match or anything tighter than a SAAMI spec chamber than a small base die will size the brass back to minimum factory brass sizes.
You will not necessarily over work your brass by using a small base die for example I don’t own a SAAMI spec chambered gas or bolt rifle and my brass grows very little over minimum factory spec for given factory cartridge so for me and the guys I shoot with a standard F/L die will not resize the brass to an acceptable level and a small base die moves it very little, on the other hand if you only shoot a SAAMI or loose chamber a small base die will unnecessarily under size your brass. 

[RGinIdaho]

Huh?

I was having a bit of fun.

Using a SB die and going to minimum specs when your chamber does not require it, will over time, work harden your brass shortening it's usefull life. Using any die without checking headspace in your rifle first, can create the same problem.

Just adjusting dies per the manufacturer's instructions can cause issues if you get a tight die and a looser chamber.

Pretty easy to measure and function check when setting up your dies.

Didn't FJ40 recently have an issue with an oversized chamber and a die adjusted to set the shoulder back too far? A 6.5mm if I remember correctly. Seems he was loosing brass prematurely.

[fj40mojo]

I was having a bit of fun.

Using a SB die and going to minimum specs when your chamber does not require it, will over time, work harden your brass shortening it's usefull life. Using any die without checking headspace in your rifle first, can create the same problem.
Just adjusting dies per the manufacturer's instructions can cause issues if you get a tight die and a looser chamber.

Pretty easy to measure and function check when setting up your dies.

Didn't FJ40 recently have an issue with an oversized chamber and a die adjusted to set the shoulder back too far? A 6.5mm if I remember correctly. Seems he was loosing brass prematurely.

My problem was following mfg instructions for setting my sizing die up and assuming that it was sizing the brass correctly, a practice that worked for 26 years and many calibers. My chamber was spec, right in the middle of the allowable tolerance matter of fact. My sizing die when set to the mfg's instructions was setting the shoulder back .014" creating excessive headspace and killing my brass. Lesson learned, don't assume that the gear you buy is manufactured correctly. Now that I own the equipment to measure correctly I will never again make this mistake.

[birddog1989]

I was having a bit of fun.

Using a SB die and going to minimum specs when your chamber does not require it, will over time, work harden your brass shortening it's usefull life. Using any die without checking headspace in your rifle first, can create the same problem.

Just adjusting dies per the manufacturer's instructions can cause issues if you get a tight die and a looser chamber.

Pretty easy to measure and function check when setting up your dies.

Didn't FJ40 recently have an issue with an oversized chamber and a die adjusted to set the shoulder back too far? A 6.5mm if I remember correctly. Seems he was loosing brass prematurely.

I guess my mind was dwelling on the fact that it's Friday and I don't have to go back to work till Thursday!!  Now I get it.