If you are someone who is quite passionate about using rifles for shooting sports, then you probably have to know loads of things that will enhance your shooting experience. One such thing is learning about rifle dies. While you may have read about 556 reloading dies, when it comes to using rifles, you can achieve the best accuracy and consistency using rifle dies only. So, whether you are new to reloading or a seasoned veteran here to improve your knowledge, this blog will uncover all you need to know about rifle dies. We will cover everything from discussing its purpose to the different types available.
Rifle Dies: Introduction
There are two main or primary types of rifle dies that are required to complete the reloading process. The first one is the resizing/deprimming die, and the second one is the bullet seating/ crimping die. Both dies are used in conjunction to ensure your brass casings are in good shape and sized correctly. To understand it better, let’s discuss each of them in detail with the basics of how they work.
Resizing/Depriming Dies
One of the first things you have to understand is that you must resize the brass. This is because when you fire the cartridge, the case expands to fit the camber. The case must be resized to factory specs when reloading in order to ensure reliable functioning. As all rifle dies are made of steel, you have to resize the brass, and case lube is also required. Now, you may wonder why we would need a case lube?. The answer is case lue will prevent the case from getting stuck in the die. Lastly, Sizing dies come in two main styles, one full-length and one neck. Both of the styles of dies remove the spent primer from the case while resizing the brass. Let’s discuss each Sizing die in detail.
Full Length
The full-length die does what it says. It helps resize the brass back to factor specs from the neck all the way down to the base of the case. This die is very useful when loading semi-auto and pump action rifles. Another useful feature of full-length resizing dies is that it ensures that the reloaded ammunition functions properly in all firearms.
Small Base
When we talk of small base dies, they are a bit different from reloading dies for 5.56. It is a specific type of full-length die that is used when reloading semi-auto rifles. The small base die functions the same as the full-length die, but it compresses the brass casing a bit more. It also pushes the case’s shoulder back slightly.
Neck Sizing
Neck sizing only resizes the neck of the brass. They are primarily used when loading one rifle. Usually, it is for bolt action. The belief is that sizing only the neck back to factory specs will enhance the accuracy of the cartridge.That’s because it will fit the chamber of a particular rifle better and will allow less case expansion. Neck sizing dies are not recommended for multiple firearms in the same caliber unless brass is kept separate for each rifle.
Seating/ Crimping Dies
Crimping dies are used to apply a slight crimp to the cartridge case, which helps secure the bullet in place and prevent it from moving during the firing process. The seating/crimping die basically pushes the new bullet into the case and is adjustable for depth. . Generally, there are many variations available in seating dies, but all of them perform the same function. Additionally, seating dies can also be adjusted to crimp the cartridge around the bullet.
This feature is sometimes required in semi-auto actions and tube-fed firearms so that the bullet doesn’t move in the case during the recoil process. Most of the manufacturers offer many variations in seating/crimping dies. These resizing and seating dies are most commonly purchased assets but can also be purchased individually, all depending on personal choice.
Final Words
Reloading ammunition, including the use of rifle dies, requires careful attention to safety practices. Following proper reloading procedures, using the correct components, and adhering to recommended load data is crucial to ensure safe and reliable ammunition.
In conclusion, rifle dies are indispensable tools for reloaders seeking to achieve precision, consistency, and customization in their ammunition. Understanding the different types of rifle dies, how to use them effectively, and the benefits they offer can greatly enhance the reloading experience. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hunting enthusiast, or simply enjoy the art of reloading, rifle dies play a vital role in shaping the performance of your ammunition.
