Do I need to use small base dies for first reloads of 7.62 Nato Brass?

[uneasy_rider]

I am about to begin loading a bunch of 7.62 Nato brass. This is LC brass. I am not sure what kind of gun it has been fired through, but could be machine gun.

Should I use small base dies? I don't want to load a bunch up and realize part or all of it wont feed through my M1A.

 

[stubbicatt]

Only a suggestion, but perhaps load up 20 or so, go to the range, and see if they function the way you expect them to do.

 

[Sport45]

If you are reloading for a M1A a case gauge is almost a necessity. If the sized case will drop in the gauge it will chamber in your rifle. I'm betting you won't need the SB die.

 

[uneasy_rider]

Only a suggestion, but perhaps load up 20 or so, go to the range, and see if they function the way you expect them to do.

The problem with that is that some of the brass is machine gun brass. I don't know what is and isnt machine gun brass. So I am not sure how representative a 20 round sample would be. I don't want to load 1000 rounds, then discover 10 percent won't feed.

 

[NuJudge]

You can always size and trim say 35, then see if the bolt gently closes over the empty cases.

I have not had a lot of statistics, and it was 20 years ago, but I did a lot of statistical studies in a Steel Mill, and samples of a population have to be at least about 35 to give meaningful info regarding the population. If when the bolt is closed gently, the bolt does not rotate freely home, you have your answer.

Having done this kind of thing before and gotten burned, I would just Small Base size them all.

CDD

 

[USSR]

uneasy_rider,

When you buy once-fired, non-match, 7.62x51 brass, assume that it is machinegun fired. The problem with most of this brass is, the web area of the brass is blown out way beyond specs. With most FL sizing dies, the web portion is not brought back in enough to chamber in a normal size chamber. Some guys with Lee dies have reported success with a standard FL die, but I have never used them. I have always used a small base die initially on this brass, and once it has been fired in my rifle, I move back to a standard FL die. I only buy LC Match brass now, so I no longer have to contend with this.

Don

 

[uneasy_rider]

Thanks, thats the info I was looking for. Basically I think I would just feel more secure by using the small base die the first time.

Another question:

Can I use a Lee shell holder with an RCBS small base die? Or do I need an RCBS shell holder?

 

[dmftoy1]

I had to use a small base die to get it to chamber in my savage 10flp. (LC once fired brass from midway).

You can use your Lee shellholders with an RCBS sb die.

If you're using a bolt action you can FL resize a case, seat a bullet (no primer/powder) and see if your bolt will close. In my case maybe 2 out of 10 would close the bolt (with ALOT of effort) and 8 out of 10 I couldn't even close the bolt until I used a SB die.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[1911user]

Make sure to use good lube with the SB sizer and MG-fired brass. The odds of a stuck case go way up with this brass; lots of sizing going on.

 

[uneasy_rider]

What lube do you suggest?

I have been using Hornady One Shot spray on lube without a problem. Do I need something better, and if so, what?

 

[USSR]

I have been using Hornady One Shot spray on lube without a problem.

Uneasy_rider,

You are indeed blessed. It's not a question of IF Hornady One Shot will cause a case to stick in your die, it's only a question of WHEN. Get yourself some Imperial Sizing Die Wax as sold by Redding if you value your dies.

Don

 

[Jim Watson]

Imperial Wax.

One Shot on much-expanded brass will get you a case stuck in the die, sooner or later. I only use it on cases going back into the same gun that I do not neck size for, like AR and Winchester single shot and lever action.

 

[Zippy06]

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[stubbicatt]

The Imperial wax is a good bet, and a little bit goes a long way. The Lee lube sold in the toothpaste tube is also very good. Never stuck a case with the Lee, but the One Shot has stuck more than one.

I have a partial can left if you want it?

 

[FM12]

You're going to have to resize it any way, use the small base. No reason for havinbg to do it twice in case the f/l dosent work. Another vote for Imperial Wax. NEVER a stuck case!

 

[Navy_Guns]

Thanks!

Y'all have saved my bacon... I have a BIG batch of 7.62 LC brass that I know was put through a belt-fed and stupid me would probably have tried to attack the whole pile with a standard die and One Shot lube.