I have owned and have reloaded for over 100 individual semi auto weapons in the past 30+ years. I have never used nor felt the need for small base dies. Nor have I had any problems. Brass by nature work hardens. Any time you size your brass more than is absolutely necessary you are diminishing the life of your brass. I had this discussion with an engineer at RCBS some time ago. Small Base dies are for the exception not the rule. Regular dies are designed to return your brass to factory dimensions, which is all that is needed. If the small base dies were needed then all dies would be small base dies.
7.62 and .308 cases
Gentlemen:
There are some incomplete data points as to reloading these cases so here are the correct dimensions plus my long term experiences and suggestions:
7.62 //// .308 Win
Location on Case:
Neck Inner Diameter: 0.308" / 0.308"
OD of Neck .343" / .344"
OD below shoulder .454" / .454"
OD near base .470" / .471"
Case Length 2.015" / 2.005"
Case: Base to
shoulder top 1.711" / 1.712"
Case: Base to
shoulder bottom 1.560" / 1.560"
Case Web thickness .200" / .200"
Shoulder wall thickness .0196" / .0202"
Base Wall thickness .0394" / .0405"
Typical total length* 2.810" / 2.810"
Total case volume 53.458gr / 53.008gr**
* bullets are not uniform length unless meplat is uniformed with tool
** Case volume varies by manufacturer and type as National Match cases are less internal volume and Remmy is more volume ( thinner brass) and volumes determine pressures.
READ THE 21 PAGE ARTICLE: http://www.jarheadtop.con/article_handloading.html
To reload properly, a SMALL BASE DIE ( RCBS TYPE) MUST , repeat must be used!!!!! to resize the cases. Those dies are specifically for semi-auto rifles so that the cartridge fits and feeds. Unoficialy, H-4895 and Varget ar very close to being the same burning rate with Varget being less temperature sensitive. I use only CCI primers seated 0.003" below the case head. Read my primer post. Since I have been at this reloading game to the point that my grandson is a reloader, if you have a specific load question, send me a PM and I will gladly spend computer program time to help you with an expected "Quick Load" answer for pressures and velocity. Read my primer data!!
Trim and inside chamfer all resized brass after running them through a case gauge. To trim I have a cutter in my drill press and case holder on a rotary table; it is fast ,accurate and very cost effective as is the reloading process.
HEADSPACE: I am not speaking of adjusting the Browning, rather, adjusting the length of our cases to fit the mechanical adjustment for "feeding" headspace. Find and read the post I made about competition shell holders. PLan B is to adjust the resizing die so that we have about 1.630 inches--normal maximum to a .400" datum line on the shoulder with a max-max of 1.634".
Cleaning range brass: when Momma is away, find and old sack or pillow case and load it up with dirty brass and place in the washing machine with detergent only; never ever use amonia!!! It attacks the copper.
We are entering into times of shortages through high prices and O?S scenarios so reloading makes fiscal and practical sense. ps I have zero to sell just info to share--Cordially, Overbore
There are some incomplete data points as to reloading these cases so here are the correct dimensions plus my long term experiences and suggestions:
7.62 //// .308 Win
Location on Case:
Neck Inner Diameter: 0.308" / 0.308"
OD of Neck .343" / .344"
OD below shoulder .454" / .454"
OD near base .470" / .471"
Case Length 2.015" / 2.005"
Case: Base to
shoulder top 1.711" / 1.712"
Case: Base to
shoulder bottom 1.560" / 1.560"
Case Web thickness .200" / .200"
Shoulder wall thickness .0196" / .0202"
Base Wall thickness .0394" / .0405"
Typical total length* 2.810" / 2.810"
Total case volume 53.458gr / 53.008gr**
* bullets are not uniform length unless meplat is uniformed with tool
** Case volume varies by manufacturer and type as National Match cases are less internal volume and Remmy is more volume ( thinner brass) and volumes determine pressures.
READ THE 21 PAGE ARTICLE: http://www.jarheadtop.con/article_handloading.html
To reload properly, a SMALL BASE DIE ( RCBS TYPE) MUST , repeat must be used!!!!! to resize the cases. Those dies are specifically for semi-auto rifles so that the cartridge fits and feeds. Unoficialy, H-4895 and Varget ar very close to being the same burning rate with Varget being less temperature sensitive. I use only CCI primers seated 0.003" below the case head. Read my primer post. Since I have been at this reloading game to the point that my grandson is a reloader, if you have a specific load question, send me a PM and I will gladly spend computer program time to help you with an expected "Quick Load" answer for pressures and velocity. Read my primer data!!
Trim and inside chamfer all resized brass after running them through a case gauge. To trim I have a cutter in my drill press and case holder on a rotary table; it is fast ,accurate and very cost effective as is the reloading process.
HEADSPACE: I am not speaking of adjusting the Browning, rather, adjusting the length of our cases to fit the mechanical adjustment for "feeding" headspace. Find and read the post I made about competition shell holders. PLan B is to adjust the resizing die so that we have about 1.630 inches--normal maximum to a .400" datum line on the shoulder with a max-max of 1.634".
Cleaning range brass: when Momma is away, find and old sack or pillow case and load it up with dirty brass and place in the washing machine with detergent only; never ever use amonia!!! It attacks the copper.
We are entering into times of shortages through high prices and O?S scenarios so reloading makes fiscal and practical sense. ps I have zero to sell just info to share--Cordially, Overbore
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