How a size die is supposed to work

[mr.big]

Bump shoulder .0015 and squeeze the base .0010

 

[vonb]

Great post. Range pickup brass always has me adjusting the die.

 

[mr.big]

Great post. Range pickup brass always has me adjusting

Having a fl die that will size the base to the extractor groove without pushing the shoulder back over .0020 is the trick

 

[jlanecr500]

I made one for my 300PRC. Brass from any other gun would not chamber after full length sizing without a fight. Also, after a few firings, it had the same issue with brass fired in my gun. I looked for a small base die but came up with a modular die that is $300. I already had a bushing die so I cut a full length die just below the shoulder and took .020" off the base. It basically sizes the base and then the cartridge can be full length sized as normal.

https://shortactioncustoms.com/product/modular-sizing-die-300-prc/

 

[mr.big]

I made one for my 300PRC. Brass from any other gun would not chamber after full length sizing without a fight. Also, after a few firings, it had the same issue with brass fired in my gun. I looked for a small base die but came up with a modular die that is $300. I already had a bushing die so I cut a full length die just below the shoulder and took .020" off the base. It basically sizes the base and then the cartridge can be full length sized as normal.

https://shortactioncustoms.com/product/modular-sizing-die-300-prc/

Sounds like your chamber/reamer is a little small.

 

[DomG]

Nice.

So called once-fired range brass.....

I use a gutted crimp die as a finishing step on pistol brass.

The so called Glock-Buldge is real, and pushing the brass through a gutted crimp die really works well for me.

My estimation is 30-40% of the pistol brass I process must be pushed through the gutted crimp die (edit: with moderate force).

The Lee kit works well for that as it is one of my few-remaing Lee tools.

Most of my disappointments came from surplus .308 that must have been fired from a machine gun...

So I bought the RCBS small base die sets, then proceeded in the process to go back and properly....pull, resize and reload...all....those.... cartridges....

 

[DaveB]

Had some problems with once fired Federal 308 brass, reportedly match grade.

Awful time of sizing and then chambering the brass and having to crank the bolt closed. Got the SB die, all gone away.

Be sure to keep your brass lubed or that you own an easy out.

 

[vonb]

I use a Forster F/L die for .223. I tried a Redding small die years ago and man did it push everything back (too much). I stuck with adjusting the Forster and shoot for pushing the shoulders back .0015.

 

[MUP]

Had some problems with once fired Federal 308 brass, reportedly match grade.

Awful time of sizing and then chambering the brass and having to crank the bolt closed. Got the SB die, all gone away.

Be sure to keep your brass lubed or that you own an easy out.

Unique. Or a wax equivalent. One Shot doesn't cut it for .223 in my experience.

 

[DaveB]

Unique. Or a wax equivalent. One Shot doesn't cut it for .223 in my experience.

Yes, afraid my experience with spray lubricants is also not very good. I own easy out(s).