Quote Originally Posted by earl39
Quote Originally Posted by andrewst35
He suggested a small base die. Would this be needed for a bolt action? Would you try 55 or 62 gr bullets?
A small base die should be used for auto loaders and when working with range brass for the first resizing. A regular die will work fine for resizing and to set the should back for brass shot in your rifle. If all you buy is new brass don't worry about the small base die but if you buy once fired you need it. For short range nothing wrong with the 52's or 55's for longer range go with the heavier bullets. If you just want it simple find what your gun shoots best and stay with it.
I completely disagree with the highlighted portion. I've loaded very little other than range brass and has sized it with nothing but a Lyman or Lee FL die. It cycles reliably in my ARs and certainly has no problems in my .223 bolt gun. It is very rare that a small base die is needed and it's usually a problem with a tigh chamber on a particular firearm rather than an issue with the brass.