Small base Die question

[powdergun]

I will be loading for a .243 win on a bolt action rifle. The dies I have for .243 are small base dies designed for levers and autos. My question is are there any serious issues around safety and accuracy if I use these dies.

Thanks

 

[p-17]

They're absolutely fine. If you're worried, back the die off so you're only neck sizing.

 

[303carbine]

small base dies

I would just buy a neck sizer die for your caliber.

 

[foxbat]

I will be loading for a .243 win on a bolt action rifle. The dies I have for .243 are small base dies designed for levers and autos. My question is are there any serious issues around safety and accuracy if I use these dies.

Thanks

The only down side is that the small base dies 'work the brass'...i.e. 'squeeze'
the brass more to make sure that they will feed in a semi-auto...
This can reduce the number of times it can be reloaded without the case
splitting or failing...
Other than than, apart from possibly causing a minimal reduction in accuracy in a match type rifle, there's really no down side to using them.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

I doub't you'll notice anything at all.
Brass is worked a bit more, but, most brass working failures occur in the neck area, and that's not where these dies are doing their work.
You might find they feed easier than traditional dies, and, depending on your rifle, you might, and it's a big might, see a small difference in accuracy (worse).
you may be able to back off the die slightly, your rifles' headspace permitting, and thus not squeeze the base so much.