Full Length Sizing Dies

[cysoto]

Are all Full Length Sizing Dies built equal or is there a brand and/or model of FL Sizing Die that is vastly superior to others?

I have a boat-load of once-fired .223 brass (shot through a semi-auto) that needs to be brought back to spec so I can run it through a bolt gun.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

I perfer Redding Type S bushing dies, and Forster non bushing FL dies, but in your case I recommend a small base die to reform the machine brass into bolt gun brass, I would buy a RCBS small base FL die to reform them and a Redding Type S FL die with the correct size bushing after they have been fired in the bolt gun.

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

I own dies of all kinds. I like Forster and Redding the best, and for neck sizing only I would recommend Redding's bushing dies above the others. I have a Forster small base 308 FL die in addition to my Redding bushing neck die set for sizing brass from my semi auto, and I am very happy with the Forster. I think any are equally capable of making quality ammo.

Forster FL dies are polished smoother inside than all the others in my experience.

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

"... is there a brand and/or model of FL Sizing Die that is vastly superior to others?"

No. If there were it would quickly dominate the market and put all others out of business; no one intentionally buys worst, or even second best and all brands have dedicated followers. Personal opinions abound and strong personal tastes vary widely but there is no effective difference between the primary function of any FL dies by brand or model, they vary as much within a brand as between brands. ANY brand of FL die will easily size your cases properly, it's a rare rifle that actually needs a Small Base sizer.

 

[cysoto]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

Thank you for the info folk!

Cy

 

[Beef82]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

I would not get a small base, they're almost never needed even for semi autos, marketing departments do a fantastic job of making you think they are though. Just to periodically FL size I'd probably find a cheap one with a good warranty, unless you have a custom super tight chamber if it won't size it small enough send it back, they'll make it right. For neck sizing, I dunno what's best, I simply use my Hornady for both, it works, maybe not the best, but I don't know if I would be able to tell a difference.

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

"I would not get a small base, they're almost never needed even for semi autos, marketing departments do a fantastic job of making you think they are though."

Don't know as I'd blame the die makers for people thinking "autoloader = S.B. sizer." Most of the BS I see about that comes from 'web experts.'

 

[Beef82]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Don't know as I'd blame the die makers for people thinking "autoloader = S.B. sizer." Most of the BS I see about that comes from 'web experts.' </div></div>

Good point

 

[Innovative]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

I prefer to always use FL dies. However, it's important to set your die height accurately, and that requires "measuring" the chamber clearance (at the shoulder) that <span style="font-weight: bold">YOUR</span> handloads have in <span style="font-weight: bold">YOUR</span> particular rifle.

This ensures your handloads will <span style="text-decoration: underline">always</span> chamber AND they'll be a very close fit.

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

I have small base and standard 223 dies. They both have their uses. There is no guarantee you will need a SB set of dies. There is also no guarantee you can use that brass from a loose assed auto, without one. I have a custom XP in 223 and the only way that I can remotely use brass from any other gun is to use the SB die. That is an extreme example I know and I don't often use surplus brass in that gun...actually rarely, I simply did it to make sure it could be done. If you plan to make Whisper or Blackout brass from surplus 223 I highly reccomend having a SB 223 die to run the cases through before forming. It certainly solved a few headaches for me.
Most people never need a small based die I completely agree.

 

[Mark Walker]

Re: Full Length Sizing Dies

"Don't know as I'd blame the die makers for people thinking "autoloader = S.B. sizer." Most of the BS I see about that comes from 'web experts."

Agree, and it's people who don't know how, or bother to, check their own headspace and set up their dies accordingly.