Difference in Neck die vs Full Size

physikal · January 25, 2010, 01:05 AM

I inherited a bunch of reloading dies from my grandfather. A lot of them are fairly old.

How can I determine if they are neck sizing or full size dies? Is there an appearance difference or what? Most dies are 2 piece dies. Some 3.

These are the dies I have and am mostly concerned with.

Thanks!

Jobfix · January 25, 2010, 01:54 AM

RCBS Dies in picture : FL = Full length NK = Neck Size

physikal · January 25, 2010, 02:00 AM

Thanks so much Jobfix! Do the full-length dies do the same thing as these RCBS "X-Dies" I hear about?

Jobfix · January 25, 2010, 02:10 AM

Physikal, Sorry but I have no knowledge / information on these dies...

Jobfix · January 25, 2010, 02:32 AM

Physical, Looked at those dies you mentioned in Midway Catalog, these dies could help stop the case necks from growing, but I don't know if they stop brass flow from the base of the cartridge. That's where big problems are caused. Cases like 220 Swift, 243 Win. to name two.

Powermwt · January 25, 2010, 03:29 AM

S.B. on those dies stands for small base.

This question/answer should help you.

Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ?

A. 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. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die. The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily.

http://www.rcbs.com/questions/dies_questions.aspx

physikal · January 25, 2010, 10:33 AM

Thanks so much for the Q&A, that is a great resource. Thanks for the link, I know what I'll be reading today!

January 25, 2010, 01:05 AM	#1
physikal Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 135	Difference in Neck die vs Full Size I inherited a bunch of reloading dies from my grandfather. A lot of them are fairly old. How can I determine if they are neck sizing or full size dies? Is there an appearance difference or what? Most dies are 2 piece dies. Some 3. These are the dies I have and am mostly concerned with. Thanks! Last edited by physikal; January 25, 2010 at 01:27 AM.

January 25, 2010, 01:54 AM	#2
Jobfix Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Location: "A Facist Subject" California Posts: 64	Full Size Dies / Neck RCBS Dies in picture : FL = Full length NK = Neck Size

January 25, 2010, 02:10 AM	#4
Jobfix Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Location: "A Facist Subject" California Posts: 64	RCBS "X" dies Physikal, Sorry but I have no knowledge / information on these dies...

January 25, 2010, 02:32 AM	#5
Jobfix Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Location: "A Facist Subject" California Posts: 64	RCBS "X" dies Physical, Looked at those dies you mentioned in Midway Catalog, these dies could help stop the case necks from growing, but I don't know if they stop brass flow from the base of the cartridge. That's where big problems are caused. Cases like 220 Swift, 243 Win. to name two.

January 25, 2010, 02:00 AM	#3
physikal Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 135	Thanks so much Jobfix! Do the full-length dies do the same thing as these RCBS "X-Dies" I hear about?

January 25, 2010, 03:29 AM	#6
Powermwt Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2000 Location: Selah, WA Posts: 326	S.B. on those dies stands for small base. This question/answer should help you. Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ? A. 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. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die. The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily. http://www.rcbs.com/questions/dies_questions.aspx

January 25, 2010, 10:33 AM	#7
physikal Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 135	Thanks so much for the Q&A, that is a great resource. Thanks for the link, I know what I'll be reading today!