Small Base .223 with .380 die

[mattman]

Can I small base size a .223 case with a carbide .380 acp die? The carbide ring is actually just smaller than a actual .223 small base die and allot cheaper. Can anyone see any problems other than working up a reduced load?

[ar15barrels]

You can until you pull the carbide ring out of the 380 die because it will fit so tight.
After that, then you get to buy another 380 die AND a 223 small base die.

[mattman]

I have already sized a whole bunch this way without lube and no problem with the die. Its the same reason you don't need lube on the pistol cases in a carbide die. There is still the same about of surface area of the die touching the .223 case as the .380 case.

[ar15barrels]

There is still the same about of surface area of the die touching the .223 case as the .380 case.

That's true, but the rifle brass is harder because it works at higher pressure.

My answer was literal, not sarcastic.
You can use the 380 die until the carbide ring pulls out.
It may never pull out for you.
In that case, you can use it forever.
I know several people that have had the carbide ring come out of dies even with pistol brass that was particularly blown out and oversized.

[EBR Works]

My answer was literal, not sarcastic.

Trying something new, are you?

[Beelzy]

223 brass is way thicker than .380 near the base of the case. Section a case
you will see.

You will be working that die really hard to compress those cases. Also, that
carbide ring WILL come out of that die eventually if you keep using it.