What is correct die for M1 Garand reloading?

[Garand-Garand]

Okay guys, here's my question, What is the correct die for reloading the M1 Garand? I saw on ebay that sellers mentioned that the 30-06 die set was short base or small base to be used with semi-auto rifles, one seller also states you need this type if your reloading your Garand. I want to buy new and I don't see the die sets listed as short or small base at retail stores like Cabelas or any where else. With a 2 month wait for ammo from CMP I have decided to start reloading but I don't want to buy the wrong tools. Thanks for any advise!


Julies to Vincent " Did you see the size of that gun? it was bigger then he was" Vincent to Marvin " Why didn't you tell us there was a guy in there with a f......ing hand cannon, did it slip your mind? (Pulp Fiction)

[tl_3237]

Here's a thread on the subject:
http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/reloa...mes;read=31555

I never heard of the need for the small base dies. My friend just started reloading for a Garand and he bought Lee 30-06 regular dies. No problems. Make sure that you full-length resize the cases.

[Lambo]

I Load for the Garand using the RCBS 30-06 springfield Full Length resizing Die Set. No problems, work great!

[rwilson452]

I use Lee 30-06 dies. Loaded lots for my Garand no issues.

My Garand gets all LC brass

[Farbmeister]

Small base dies are not really needed for anything. I guess if your chamber is so bad that you need to size that extra couple of mm at the head of the case then OK, you need one.

Use the Lee .30-06 full length die and be done with it. There really is no difference in resizers... mostly different neck sizer techniques (ball vs taper etc).

[Xringshooter]

I use/have used standard 30.06 dies (RCBS) and have had no problems at all. Sounds like someone is trying to make them out to be something special (worth more).

[Steve in PA]

I reloaded for a while using the regular RCBS FL dies with no problems or issues. A little more than a year ago I switched to the regular X-die to extend the life of my brass, again.......no problems or issues.

[snuffy19608]

The only time I used SB dies was for my AR's- had a stuck case within about the first 50, bought regular Lee dies and had no problems reloading the next several thousand until I sold the AR's for my AK's. As for Garands, I loaded many many rounds of milsurp and civilian brass with regular dies-no problems.

[762xIan]

Good results with my Leed dies in .30-06, all different types of brass reloaded for feeding my Garands.

No problems here, and honestly I never heard of it. I keep my Garand loads consistant to military specs. Hot loads on a Garand will make for a bent op-rod and other problems.

[41 madman]

Garands have a generous chamber. Small base dies are needed for match chambers.