Small Base Dies

[alanwk]

This message is from Lee.s website. What say you? Agree or not?

If you have the Lee Ultimate or PaceSetter die set with a full length-sizing die, you shouldn't need a small base die. Other manufacturers make small base dies on the premise that semi-autos require cases sized to the minimum allowable case dimension for reliable feeding, but in reality, most semi-autos have chambers cut on the large side for that same purpose. The result is overworked brass and shortened case life. If you have any chambering problems with ammunition that has been sized with a Lee full length sizing die, return the die and a couple fired cases to the factory for free adjustment.

 

[Nicholst55]

That's a mighty bold statement, IMHO. Unless they cut all of those sizing dies with new reamers... Just saying. Size some brass fired in an HK rifle or a machine gun, and see how it works out.

 

[Dawico]

I have run machine gun fired brass through a Lee sizing die and had zero issues using it in a bolt gun or tight autoloader after.

In very limited situations a SB die is needed but are few and far between. I have always used Lee dies and never seen the need for a SB die.

User error is a way bigger concern than the need for a SB die.

 

[contender buff]

No need for SB dies . Lee dies work just fine. Never had a problem.

 

[RePete]

FWIW I use SB dies for .223, .260 and .308 and I don't have any problems with brass dying on me from sizing.

For the .260, I use a .308 SB die without the decapping rod and then the .260 die complete.

YMMV.

 

[Havok1]

I don’t use small base dies. I’ve seen some people say they’ve needed them though.

 

[crashdummy38]

I had to use them for an older DPMS 308, never needed one for any other autoload rifle