Reloading Dies for an AR 308

bootsector

bootsector

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Being new to reloading, this is one of many question I have:

1) I have read that to reload 308 Winchester for the AR platform that it is suggested that you use dies made for the AR platform such as the RCBS small base die (whatever this means)

Is this the direction I should go ? Does it make a difference from a regular 308 die set ?

2) What is the benefit of a nitride die set ?
 
Depends on your gun. My PSA PA10 requires the small base die. From RCBS...The Small Base Die set is intended for use for ammunition to be used in auto, semi-auto, and lever action rifles so that the loaded round chambers and extracts easily. The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die.

Nitride is a anti wear anti friction coating. My dies are steel with no coating. They work just fine. Be sure and lube your brass before sizing. I use Hornady One Shot.
 
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I've been using the same set of Redding .308 dies since the early 80s, not small base and I've fed several of each M1As, FALs, and M1 rifles as well as bolt action rifles including Lee-Enfields that don't have a lot of primary extraction reserve. Never had a problem. That is just me, your experience may be different.
 
Yes, for auto-loading I suggest small-base dies. It's more of an issue with full-auto in that you don't want any stoppages or slowdowns if you've got a tight chamber and it starts to get fouled.

You may not need it- if your chamber is adequate and/or you screw down your existing dies to compensate it's fine. Also, annealing seems to help (at least with sizing). When I was struggling with chamber checking for my AR10, I actually shaved down my shellplate holder so the body of the cartridge could be further sized (it was a theory, not sure if it really worked) . I sold my AR10s, so I'm not in the market (I have plenty of 308 bolt-action, with both normal and neck sizing dies). If I were to get back into it and planned on any kind of volume, yes I'd get small base dies.
 
Sas quatch said:
When I was struggling with chamber checking for my AR10, I actually shaved down my shellplate holder so the body of the cartridge could be further sized (it was a theory, not sure if it really worked) .
Click to expand...
Yes, by doing that, you could size further down the case slightly, but you will also be bumping back the shoulder too much and end up with a headspace problem. I go the opposite way, I use the RCBS competition shellholders, and typically use the +0.006" shellholder that bumps the shoulder that much less than full resizing. It works the brass less so hopefully they last longer, but I also don't shoot hundreds of rounds before I clean my gun, either.
 
What kind of rifle/barrel is it? If it’s known for being a snug chamber, I’d start with small base dies. But like it’s been stated, you may or may not need a small base sizing die. Won’t know until you know unfortunately
 
Good info posted here - thanks.
My barrel is a Ballistic Advantage 16" Tactical Government Midlength.
 
My advice would be if you dont already own a 308 FL size die, get a small base die set from RCBS. If you do already own a FL 308 size die, try it and see. PA10's were/are notorious for being fussy about everything. The originals were/are way over gassed.
 
The only time that I use small base dies is on brass that I pick up at the range. After I shoot them one time I go to the FL dies.
 
Never had a need for small base dies.
1000s of rds for: M1a, fal(s), galil ace, vepr, ptr91, ar10 (criterion bbl)..

Ymmv.
 
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