I have a Browning semi auto and a Win bolt acton, both 270s. I use small base dies for reloading the BAR. What is the pros and cons for using the small base dies for reloading for the Win bolt action ..... or put another way what are the implications of interchanging ammo in the two rifles when the ammo is loaded with the small base dies? Thanks.
small base dies vs regular
- Thread starter 270fan
- Start date
Charlie-NY
Handloader
- Mar 11, 2005
- 1,418
- 845
Small base dies REALLY work your brass. They are unnecessary in most rifles, including many auto-loaders. The ammo would likely fit in either rifle but it would be much small than desirable in your bolt gun.
It is also possible that the brass from one rifle will not fit in the other rifle even after FL sizing.
It is also possible that the brass from one rifle will not fit in the other rifle even after FL sizing.
rick smith
Handloader
- Apr 6, 2005
- 1,249
- 0
Use to shoot a BAR in 30/06. Neck sized for the first two loadings then a PFL. Never had to use a small base die. Also never used one for several BLRs in several calibers.Rick.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,162
- 8,419
The Small Base diew will really work your brass and reduce the case life.
I would seperate each rifle with its own brass. You should be able to neck size the M70 brass which will prolong the case life for that rifle.
JD338
I would seperate each rifle with its own brass. You should be able to neck size the M70 brass which will prolong the case life for that rifle.
JD338
G
Guest
Guest
rick smith":nzgrl6bq said:
Just curious on a couple of things, Rick. First, you neck sized for a BAR? I have one in 243 that I am working on getting ready to load for, and would love to keep brass life a tad longer by neck sizing. You had good experience with that, I assume? Also, on a separate note, how was cycling, and what powders did you use with your BAR?
Second question, what the heck is a PFL? I assume it is something to do with full length, thus the fl, but I am lost.
Charlie-NY
Handloader
- Mar 11, 2005
- 1,418
- 845
Not Rick but:
If you intend to neck size for a BAR it is a good idea to avoid maximum loads which cause the greatest amount of case stretch. A mid-range load would probably be your best bet.
PFL = Partial Full Length
If you intend to neck size for a BAR it is a good idea to avoid maximum loads which cause the greatest amount of case stretch. A mid-range load would probably be your best bet.
PFL = Partial Full Length
rick smith
Handloader
- Apr 6, 2005
- 1,249
- 0
As Charlie said, PFL=partial full length sizing. Do a search for explaination.
The BAR I was loading for at that time was a 30/06 and I used IMR-4350, cycled without a problem. I have also loaded for a number of other autos and have used a small base die only once, M1A1, at the owners request. Worked without a small base die but he had always been told to use a small base die.Rick.
The BAR I was loading for at that time was a 30/06 and I used IMR-4350, cycled without a problem. I have also loaded for a number of other autos and have used a small base die only once, M1A1, at the owners request. Worked without a small base die but he had always been told to use a small base die.Rick.
Alaska
Handloader
- Aug 20, 2006
- 943
- 379
The RCBS SB Dies were made for the BAR and use to say on the Box years ago. I use them in my 742 and BAR to get the brass back to factory spec. I know my 1973 BAR has a close tolerence chamber and I have to use either new brass or brass thru the SB sizer die.
I too use IMR 4350 in my 30-06 BAR @ 56.0 with 180 Nosler or 57.5 w/165 Sierra BTHP.
Same as above brass life is short with SB dies.
I too use IMR 4350 in my 30-06 BAR @ 56.0 with 180 Nosler or 57.5 w/165 Sierra BTHP.
Same as above brass life is short with SB dies.
G
Guest
Guest
Thanks for the update. I know what a partial full-length resize is. I just didn't think about it.
Actually small base dies will resize cases a tad smaller than factory spec's for ease of operation in semi/levers if sticking is a problem.I used to have a BAR in 30-06 that i had to use small base dies on or extraction was a problem.My BAR now in 308 seems to work just fine with full length sizing.Any of my bolts i just neck size except my 338 win.mag.that likes PFL sizing or the bolt handle gets a little sticky when trying to extract.My other 308 is a heavy barrel winchester sharpshooter and i use competition dies on it.
