What is the difference between the RCBS F L Die Set #15501 and the S B Die Set 15503? I know the F L stands for full length and the S B stands for small base but what I don't know is what they do differently if that makes sense. My coworker is trying to get into reloading and bought the small base die set for his .308. I told him to look for the full length set. He is asking me but I don't know what the didference is between these two.
Die Question
- Thread starter Maelstrom
- Start date
A small base die is basically the same as a standard FL die.
It has smaller internal dimensions then the normal FL dies, but work exactly the same.
And something you most likely will want if you buy once shot LC machinegun brass fx, for ar or a bolt action.
They was originally made for use with semi autos breech lock, lever actions etc to make 100% certain the case will chamber and extract after being fired.
If you do something like range pickups of brass it might be a handy tool to have though.
If your friend is shooting a 308 bolt action, with new brass, there should normally be no reason to use one, and as they work the brass more case life will be shorter.
And they will certainly not give you better accuracy.
from RCBS web site.
Notes:
Applies a roll crimp.
Small base sizer dies are usually required for reloading ammunition to be used in automatic, semi-automatic, pump, slide and some lever-action rifles.
These dies size the case somewhat smaller in diamter and also set the shoulder back slightly more than a Full-Length sizer die to ensure proper functioning in the actions of these rifles.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR AMMUNITION IN BOLT-ACTION RIFLES.
Shellholder NOT included.
It has smaller internal dimensions then the normal FL dies, but work exactly the same.
And something you most likely will want if you buy once shot LC machinegun brass fx, for ar or a bolt action.
They was originally made for use with semi autos breech lock, lever actions etc to make 100% certain the case will chamber and extract after being fired.
If you do something like range pickups of brass it might be a handy tool to have though.
If your friend is shooting a 308 bolt action, with new brass, there should normally be no reason to use one, and as they work the brass more case life will be shorter.
And they will certainly not give you better accuracy.
from RCBS web site.
Notes:
Applies a roll crimp.
Small base sizer dies are usually required for reloading ammunition to be used in automatic, semi-automatic, pump, slide and some lever-action rifles.
These dies size the case somewhat smaller in diamter and also set the shoulder back slightly more than a Full-Length sizer die to ensure proper functioning in the actions of these rifles.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR AMMUNITION IN BOLT-ACTION RIFLES.
Shellholder NOT included.
Last edited:
RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Guide to Reloading
Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ?
A. The Small Base Die set is intended for use for ammunition to be used in auto, semi-auto, and lever action rifles so that the loaded round chambers and extracts easily. The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die. The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily.
Is you friend loading for a semi-auto, a bolt action, a lever action, a break top single shot?
A little more information would be helpful.
Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ?
A. The Small Base Die set is intended for use for ammunition to be used in auto, semi-auto, and lever action rifles so that the loaded round chambers and extracts easily. The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die. The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily.
Is you friend loading for a semi-auto, a bolt action, a lever action, a break top single shot?
A little more information would be helpful.
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The only thing I might be able to add to the above excellent explanations , is a description of body dies. Body dies only size the body of the case below the neck and shoulder. They will not touch the neck (and I believe will not touch the shoulder). Mine are made by Redding, and I've used the small base body dies to shrink the bodies of brass where I'd already sized the neck and shoulder to correct dimensions. I found this to be necessary on brass for my gas guns after I'd used a FL die to initially size a large quantity of brass, and didn't want to work the neck any further. Had I initially used a small base FL die, this wouldn't have been necessary. Body dies come by caliber, and either in standard or small base.
He will be loading for an FN bolt action. I am going to recommend he try to return them for a full length size die set. Thanks for the information and help.
