I have a couple .223 guns and happened along an extra die set over the years. So I have been planning on using one die set for one gun and the other for other gun. So today I start to set up loading for my AR, which I have not done yet, and realize the two dies are different. Both RCBS die sets. The one I bought years ago is 11101 FL die set .223. The one that came in a component purchase off a buddy is 11103 SB die set .223. What is the difference? The SB apparently means small base per RCBS website, but that is about the only difference I could figure out. Little help here? coincidentally, I have been using the SB set for loading my single shot. I have an NEF single shot and an AR that I want to load for at this time with plans of getting a bolt gun sooner than later also. Which die for which gun? or doesn't it matter?

Upon further review, I did manage to find a description and I have been using the wrong one. Opps. Extraction has been great though! hahaha. I guess I need to re-set things and use the SB for the AR and the standard one for the single.
For those that might not know, the SB is designed to reduce case size a touch below SAAMI for tight chambered semi auto and lever guns per RCBS website. And the guy I got it from was loading for a mini-14 so that would explain that.

using a SB die for automatics and such is not writ in stone. It kinda depends on the individual rifle. And usually the problem is feeding not extracting. If the standard die works okay with the AR, then it doesn't matter which die you set up for which rifle.

^^^^^^^

What he said.



I use the SB die for everything in .223

I have a 20 Practical on a Ruger action....and it has a very tight chamber...

to form brass to fit it, after some sacrificial experimentation with about 25 pieces of brass, I found to form brass for it...

1. Size with RCBS Small Base 223 Die..

2. Start neck down process with a 204 Die I have

3. Finish Necking down with a Hornady 20 cal neck die..

if I don't do it any other way with what I have,

the brass won't chamber, IF it didn't get the neck crushed just trying it out with the Hornady Neck Sizing die first..or start the necking down with the 204 Die...

The Small Base 223 die has been a life saver.. borrowed it from a friend, who let me have it for a pound of Unique... so "Good Trade"....

Boy, that sure sounds practical.

Stillbee has it right, and we're happy you've learned a lesson. You should use SB dies only if you need to. If both guns chamber fine with the regular FL die, great. If not, SB. And, for the bolter, it might even be smart to get a neck-size only. The less you can work good brass, the better off you are.

Well utilizing what I have at the homefront...

but after the brass is formed...the neck sizing die is really all that is needed.. until the shoulder needs bumped and the Redding Body die or the 223 SB die..

just testing loads out so far with 5 pieces of brass, after 6 firings, only the neck has had to be resized so far...

I've reformed 300 pieces of 223 brass, so that ought to serve the needs for a while...

then AFTER ya form the brass, then it is Practical...

besides, it fits the title of the Thread...