223 die

[pcolaboy]

I've been reloading 223 for my TC encore, no big deal it will shoot anything. Now have M4 and a mini 14 to load for, do I need the small set RCBS dies now, are the regular dies that I have now Ok ?????? thanks mike

 

[aviator41]

I would recommend trying the dies you already have first. If you have a lot of reloads that won't chamber, look into the small base dies.

my standard RCBS FL 223 dies work perfectly in my AR's.

Small base dies solve a problem not everyone has.

 

[7stw]

I'd recommend one but that's just my opinion based off my experience.

 

[Blitzfike]

None of the AR's, mini-14's, TC single shots, or bolt guns I have owned have ever required a small base die. I had one friend who thought he needed a small base die to get his stuff to chamber, but it turned out that he didn't have the sizing die set correctly and some of the shoulders on the range and surplus brass he had were out too far for his chamber. Once he adjusted the die to put the shoulder where it was supposed to be his problems went away. You may run into a really tight chamber and need a small base die, but I have never experienced the need in about 20 different guns I have owned in 223 and 5.56. I'm with aviator41, try what you have and you will probably be pleasantly surprised. Blitzfike

 

[okietom]

I have an AR and I don't need a small base sizing die. If you did find out you need one you might save a few bucks by getting just the sizing die and not the full set.

A small base die makes the brass smaller so it will fit in a tight chamber. If you don't have a tight chamber and you use a small base die you are working your brass more than you need to and it could cause your brass to wear out faster.

If I had a tight chamber it might be better to polish it and get a little more room. A small base die would be easier.

Small base dies exist because there is a need for them. I would not get one unless I needed to.

 

[Glocktogo]

You could always have your chamber cast and know for sure which die will give you the best mix of accuracy and reliability.

 

[dennishoddy]

None of the AR's, mini-14's, TC single shots, or bolt guns I have owned have ever required a small base die. I had one friend who thought he needed a small base die to get his stuff to chamber, but it turned out that he didn't have the sizing die set correctly and some of the shoulders on the range and surplus brass he had were out too far for his chamber. Once he adjusted the die to put the shoulder where it was supposed to be his problems went away. You may run into a really tight chamber and need a small base die, but I have never experienced the need in about 20 different guns I have owned in 223 and 5.56. I'm with aviator41, try what you have and you will probably be pleasantly surprised. Blitzfike

This ^^^^