Help me learn about these dies...

[ExtremeX]

RCBS 2-Die Set 307, 308 Winchester

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/564956/rcbs-2-die-set-307-308-winchester

RCBS Small Base 2-Die Set 308 Winchester

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/681255/rcbs-small-base-2-die-set-308-winchester

RCBS Neck Sizer Die 308 Winchester

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/482163/rcbs-neck-sizer-die-308-winchester

I'm more curious about the Neck Sizer die. Is this for someone who may be loading for a bolt action rifle, and only for their rifle?

Would the neck sizer dies be used in conjunction with a full length sizing dies or would it replace it?

[9mmrevolver]

Neck sizing is used for bolt guns. Brass is fire formed to your chamber so u get a better seal. Full length is done with new brass or brass used in an auto. Can't remember why people use small base. I've never needed it. Are u loading for multiple guns in same caliber? Are u using a bolt or auto platform?

[ExtremeX]

Its for my .308 Remmy 700 bolt gun. I dont plan on using my reloads in anyone elses rifles and the brass i am reloading from is factory new and once fired from my rifle...

Sounds like the Neck sizing die is what I need.

[gunboat]

Generally folks that use a neck sizer, reload their cases several times until they need to full length size. So yes, you do need a full length sizer as well as a neck sizer.
Neck sizing is also generally done on cases to be used in the same weapon they were fired in.
Small base dies are used to restore cases fired in auto rifles if a normal full length die will not restore the case.

[ExtremeX]

Thanks for the tip. Depending on how many reloads I can get out of these cases only neck sizing and trimming between reloads may be sufficient. I could just toss the cases after their service life... Or is the full length die needed for shoulder maintenance as well? The rounds will be only used out of one rifle.

Is the full length sizing kit really needed? I was thinking of just pairing that neck sizing die with a Redding Competition seating die...

[Bill Steele]

Depending on how many reloads you get out of your brass, you will likely need a full length sizer to bump the shoulder back.

I prefer the Lee Collet neck sizing die, I think it is a superior design.

[JagerDog]

For neck sizing, I'm also a fan of the Lee collet die. I do have a Redding neck die for .264 cuz Lee doesn't make a collet die for it.

I do feel you should have a full length die for any caliber you are reloading.

Many would say, for hunting use full length sizing and for targets use neck sizing.

[Cheap Shot]

I thought...

...you could use the lee full size dies and adjust for neck only sizing. You might even be able to do this with other manufacturer's dies.

[huckberry668]

Others already expressed neck sizing functions and opinions. I also use Lee Collet dies.

There is a difference between loaded ammo spec (SAMMI) and chamber spec on guns. On a high level, the largest ammo spec has to be smaller than the smallest chamber spec. Check out page 66 on ammo and chamber specs differences.

http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/206.pdf

The regular sizing die has to size the brass under smallest chamber spec.The small base sizing die sizes the 'body' of the case even smaller to ensure proper auto loading function.

[FLIGHT762]

Is the full length sizing kit really needed?

Yes. I neck size no more than 4 times, then F/L size again. In a bolt gun, you cannot neck size forever. Eventually, you will get a case that will get stuck in your chamber and you will have to beat it out.

It's a real pain to get a loaded round stuck in the chamber and it won't come out. Had a friend that this happened to. Stuck so bad, he had to take the rifle to a gunsmith who had to remove the barrel, deactivate the round and then remove it. It was very costly.

I've had it happen a few times, but luckily, I was able to get the round out. That's why I only neck size 4 times then they get F/L sized again.

Redding S dies are the way to go, but are pricey.

Lots of reloaders use a regular F/L die set then buy a separate Lee collet neck sizer for their N/O sizing. I now use Redding S bushing dies, but have used the Lee collet neck sizer in the past. It loads accurate ammo.

Another way to F/L size is to buy a separate Redding Body die. It F/L sizes and bumps the shoulder, but doesn't touch the neck. You can then use the Lee N/O collet sizer.

There's a few ways to skin the Cat.

[9mmrevolver]

I would think the only way to skin a cat would be with a shotgun

[Southpaw45]

Small base dies are needed if your making loads semi auto rifles only. They size slightly smaller that standard dies for more positive feeding ammo. I use them in .223 for this purpose..