One more question

[farmerboyMT]

...and this one may be really basic.  Is there a difference in set up between small base dies and full length, by that I mean in the press should the sb dies be screwed in an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn after touching the shell holder like the full lenght dies?   I can't get a hold of RCBS so any info would be helpful.
Thanks for all the help
Bryan Danley

[bigdaddytacp]

...and this one may be really basic.  Is there a difference in set up between small base dies and full length, by that I mean in the press should the sb dies be screwed in an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn after touching the shell holder like the full lenght dies?   I can't get a hold of RCBS so any info would be helpful.
Thanks for all the help
Bryan Danley

.............Yes and NO.....you can just set the die firm on the shell holder and size away.....but in some chambers that will be shorter than the brass is after it is fired and this will let the die set the shoulder back.....fine for fuction but it works the brass more and makes it wear out faster and sometimes isn't "quite" as accurate as fitted ammo can be.......you can test the fit of your fired brass sized in the small base die with the die a turn off the shell holder and half off and firm aganist the shell holder.....this firm is with a shell in the die.....a Stoney Point headspace or RCBS Precision Mic and other tools can help you actually measure the amount of shoulder setback or you can try to feel the action lock up on a couple of loose die loads........but MOST dies are set for the short end of specs to make sure all loads work in all gun chambers.......It won't HURT to just size them with the die firm on the shell holder but it is something you can experiment with later if you see short brass life or want to try for a little more accuracy? don't let this be your last question.....when you aren't asking you aren't learning and you aren't really living......I load for dozens of cartridges and worked at a commerical loading company and still learn new little tidbits from the boards and the great people that come here to learn and help...good luck and good shooting-loading!!

[Thomas Krupinski]

The answer to your question is that you would want to set them just like you set your regular full length sizing die.  The only thing different is that the base diameter will be a little smaller than the full length sizing die.  The shoulder will be the same.

When you call RCBS with that question they will tell you to adjust the die so that the play is taken out of the press and the die is touching the shell holder.