Do I need a small base die to save my brass?

[stainlineho]

Are you competition shooting? Because if not it'll definitely save them. I have been doing it for 223 and 308, my groups aren't necessarily larger, but they do seem to have slight differences in point of impact. I'd 100% work with your powder charge and COL with lands in mind, because your pressure will be slightly higher with a narrower case.

No competitions right now but working up to trying PRS. I’ll try the small base on a handful cases and see how much accuracy degrades. If it’s too much then I’ll dump the brass. My standard is 1/2 MOA at 600yds for a 10 shot group. Right now I have the poorly sized brass loaded with 130gr ELDs shooting .3-.4 MOA consistently for 5 shot groups at 100yds. Appreciate the input.

 

[stainlineho]

Federal Power Shok 140gr chambered and extracted just fine. I moved on to the Lapua 1x fired stuff that I resized using the chamber test method. Every single round chambered and extracted just how I was used to on my old barrel, flawless. Precision was outstanding as well.

Now I'm wondering since I have about 450 cases of the 1x Lapua should I just move on to that and not waste the time, money and components resizing and fireforming all the old brass again. For now I'm leaning towards just putting it in some bags and save it for when I decide to upgrade sizing dies to maybe a SAC and try it again. Opinions welcome on that.

Here are the three 5-round groups from this morning, and also the brass. The .19 MOA is the best group I've ever shot.

 

[alexs2006]

Photos didnt post or wont load. But I'd just roll with the lapua brass since you have plenty!

 

[CorvZ061]

The photos you posted showing the brass you’re having issues with look to me like they’re showing signs of pressure. You have a new barrel, essentially a new gun. You need to start fresh.

 

[Trapper]

I have had tight chambers that lead to extraction problems. In fact some ammo wouldn't even feed. I am not a pro but take it to a gunsmith to see if it could use a reamer to clean up the chamber and just take off a hair off material. That might solve your issues with other brands of brass. I have had to do that on new barrels to help with extraction issues. I am just some spouting out some possible problems.

Good advice