Is it OK to use Small Base Die on Bolt-Action Rifles?

[JagerDog]

^^^ A few(about 15)years and you will catch up on hunting/handloading. Hunting is more than just going out in the field. You need to bring game home to be successful. I have been very successful here, in other states and SA.

I have hunted with a few of the neck sizer crowd as well as the ones who load just as long(OAL) as possible and other things. I have killed a number of animals that they could not due to feeding problems.

Yes I might leave one or two loads on the table. However I usually end up with neck splits before any other problems and NO I do not (& do not want to) anneal my brass. I have plenty. I also DO NOT load used brass for my hunting loads so most of the sizing issues etc mean nothing for my hunting ammo. Your ammo/bullet is the cheapest part of the hunt and it is what ultimately determines your success or failure. So even at $5+ per round it is cheap. "To me" no need to take any chance when loading hunting ammo. So no used brass. This does not apply for ammo used to shoot squirrels or PD's.

I had a Rem 740 in 30-06 that REQUIRED a SB die if you wanted it to function.
Sometimes they are NEEDED and sometimes using them does not hurt.

With hunting ammo,common hunting bullets,common hunting rifles there is not enough to gain with neck sizing to warrant its use.

I didn't realize I was talking to God. Maybe God doesn't read too well.

a) Someone mentioned adding a FL die. I merely opined if I was going to add, I'd add a neck die.

b) Is OP making hunting loads? Where was that discussed by OP?

c) Where did I say to neck size hunting loads? At most I mentioned that with proper checks, it can be an option. Maybe your hunting companions were "armchair quarterback". I really don't know or care.

d) Loads left on the table wasn't the concept, but rather accuracy left on the table coupled with improved brass life. Simply not debateable. Any benchrester will attest to that...along with other various uniforming techniques. Does it matter in the field? Likely not.

e) Who cares if YOU use new brass for hunting loads (or don't anneal, etc.)

f) So you had a finicky rifle and small base was your solution. Did someone mention they were having this issue?

g) If your hunting companions didn't convert on an animal due to feeding issues, they likely missed the first shot. I'd surmise that was a bigger issue in their lack of converting.

h) But I'm sure in another 15 years all my dies will be small base dies and the rest will be Christmas ornaments.

i) Who are you to say that "microscopic" gains in accuracy are useless? You haven't even defined the "game", but rather assumed a criteria.

It's fine to say "this is what works for me and this is my reasoning". It's quite another to say anything but MY solution (for which there was no stated problem to boot) is crap.