whats the difference between small base dies

[yoitsbruce]

and regular dies for 556/223?

[mstlaurent]

Small base dies resize the case to the minimum tolerated dimension. They are for resizing military brass that was fired from over-spec chambers.

[yoitsbruce]

choosing either small or regular base should be ok? what do cg'ers use most often?

[goodlookin1]

Use the regular full length sizer first (the dies usually come with one). If your gun shoots fine, then you're good to go. If your rounds are getting jammed up, not fully entering the chamber, then you need to get a small base die.

[GeoffLinder]

Regular dies should be used with bolt rifles, if you reload for a semi-auto you want to use a small base die.

Dillon is best choice for .223 SB die IMHO.

[smoothy8500]

Some AR rifles are fine with standard FL dies, others need the Small Base. My CAR-15 ate up all sorts of reloads using standard FL dies. My DPMS barrel needs SB sized reloads or will constantly fail to go fully into battery. Dillon and Redding are the most suggested. A friend gave me his RCBS SB die. Personally I have not had issues with it, but many people hate RCBS SB dies.