Small Based Dies

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Bigdoggdon

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Can someone explain the concept of Small Based Dies. How are they different from Full Length Dies? I've heard you need Small Based Reloading Dies if you are loading for a Semi-Auto, Pump or Lever Action.

Can Small Based Dies be used to reload for a Bolt Action Rifle? Would that work? What potential problems would/could that cause?

I've been trying to find a die set for a 6X45 wildcat but the only thing I've been able to track down is a small base set, and even then it's a backorder.

Thanks

BDD
 
Sure they'll work. They resize the base of the case a bit more than regular dies. This is desirable in semis so that that reloaded cases chamber and extract freely.
 
Commonly used for semi autos or if you are using the same brass in different rifles of the same caliber. Also good to use if you are using range pick up brass.
 
To clarify, they reduce the diameter of the base to minimum dimensions. They are not automatically needed for any type of action, but are supposedly worth trying if you are having trouble with regular dies.

I load for at least half a dozen semis and have never used them. But, I have a Savage 99 in .250 that gives problems, and I've considered seeing they help with that.
 
Small base dies can be helpful for autoloaders that may allow brass to stretch out further than standard dies will resize to. It's not 100% required on every semi auto rifle. If you can size it back to spec using a standard die then you don't need them. A case gauge is an easy way to check, your rifle chamber will also work.

What you don't want to do with some semis (particularly those with floating firing pins) is partial size your brass like you might for a bolt action. You are asking for cartridges not chambering fully or worse- you could have an out of battery discharge.

If you are loading in quantity for multiple rifles a small base die can be really helpful as they resize aggressively and should allow the cartridge to chamber in any rifle. The downside to them is that they do work the brass more so brass life is reduced, but all complete FL sizing does that, too.
 
I started reloading my own ammunition in the early 1960's
I have loaded for literally scores of different rifles.

So far, I have not found a need to use small base dies for
any rifle [including pumps, levers and semi-autos]

I am not saying they are NEVER needed, but it is seldom,
In my experience. Dave.
 
Small base dies are sort of like the Willis tool. Nobody needs either (or thinks anyone else does) until they need one. After that they have a epiffeny of sorts; a i"llbedamned moment and change sides.

I use mine on some tight chambered target guns where a standard die just wasn't doing it. On the other extreme I've needed them for sizing cases shot in one rifle that wouldn't chamber in another. Over time the collection grew.
 
Dogleg said:
Small base dies are sort of like the Willis tool. Nobody needs either (or thinks anyone else does) until they need one. After that they have a epiphany of sorts; a i"ll bedamned moment and change sides.

I use mine on some tight chambered target guns where a standard die just wasn't doing it. On the other extreme I've needed them for sizing cases shot in one rifle that wouldn't chamber in another. Over time the collection grew.
Click to expand...

I am sure that they are needed sometimes. I have had some custom rifles that had pretty tight chambers.
A thinner shellholder has sufficed to size these enough to chamber. I do have the Willis' tool for belted magnums.
Have not used it a lot, but I do have a 308 Norma Mag that will not accept cases fired from a different chamber
unless I reduce that base area down a bit. Dave.
 
Got my Willis tool when I had 300 .257 Weatherby cases that wouldn't chamber. A gutted .300 Win SB die took care of some and the Willis did the rest.

The trouble with slim shell-holders (and shortened FL dies, and the feeler gauge trick) is that in order to squeeze the body a little bit extra you have to push the shoulder back a lot extra. Could be trading one problem for another one down the road, but having said that I've done it enough times. :)
 
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