Originally Posted By: fw707Originally Posted By: SDCoyoteCallerMaybe I am overthinking all this, also. Thanks.
You're not overthinking it. You're applying bolt gun methods to a semi-auto gun.
The body of the case needs to be sized back to function in the AR chamber.
If the case is a little too long in a bolt gun, the bolt won't close and you'll know you've got a problem. If the case is a little too long or the base hasn't been sized back smaller than chamber dimensions in the AR, you have a possibility of the case sticking in the chamber before it seats fully, and you can have the round fire out of battery. Then you'll know you have a BIG problem.
If you're lucky, the round won't fire, but the force of the bolt will have stuck the oversize case so tight in the chamber that you'll have to drive the live round out from the muzzle end.
Full length sizing is the only way to go for an AR. Some folks even go so far as to use small base dies for a little extra squeeze.
FW707,
This is exactly why I am asking. To avoid that situation. I may not be asking my question correctly. I should clarify that the way I set my die up currently is with it screwed in to touch the shellholder and then a bit more so the press cams over a bit. Based off of once fired Lake City brass, this sets the shoulder back .002" for brass shot in my bolt gun and .005" for brass shot from my AR. I understand what your saying, but I do think I am fully resizing my brass all the way to the base and not partial resizing. Like I said, the press does cam over a bit at the bottom stroke, so the brass is fully entering the die. I guess I just want to make sure I am squeezing it down enough to avoid the very problem you described above. The last thing I want is for the rifle to go off when out of battery. Thanks.