.338 Lapua Die Set question?

TheGreatOutdoorsMan

TheGreatOutdoorsMan

Member
Rating - 100%
42   0   0
Location
Timmins,Ontario
Well, I finally broke down and took the leap and baught my first 338 lupua. I have been reloading for decades now and will freely admit it is a continual learning experience, and impossible to know everything. Looking for info to help me achieve the best results possible with this load. What is everyone using for dies? I am a RCBS/ LAYMAN fan for die sets but have many lee die sets that do very well for me over the years.

I also see in many of the posts here that H1000 seems to be the powder of choice and heavier projectiles. Whats the deal with the hornady brass though? Are people having trouble with this brass in the FL die?

Hoping for some great feed back.

Take care and happy shootin.
 
I have RCBS FL die set. It works, but I wouldn't mind something better. I have been using IMR 7828 with 225 gr Hdy SSTs and H1000.

The Hornady brass just seems to get a little defromed when it's fired. I had bought a box of the Hdy and after firing, every single case was wicked hard to FL size. I gave the stuff away. have been using Lapua brass and not had a single case be that hard to FL size.
 
Hornady brass in .338LM is generally considered 'single use' (use once, then destroy). Now, that oversimplifying things a little bit, but it's nowhere near the same quality as Lapua and it seems to be very 'soft'.


On another note, the #14 shell holder RCBS makes/sells (specified for .338LM) only fits Hornady and Nosler? brass. The Lapua is a little larger and you need to modify the shell holder to fit, or use a different # or brand shell holder. However, it seems that RCBS has changed the sizes of the #14 at some point, so if you get one, it may or may not fit Lapua brass. 10 seconds with a dremel solves the problem though.
 
is there any 338 lapua die that fits the standard size reloading dies?
(edit: yes, forster dies :p, and I think redding fits)

Lets say I want to reload 338lm on my forster coax press, it doesnt take the larger dies.
(seems like 338lm is ok)
(probably never getting a 50 bmg anyway, and probably never getting a 338lm anyway, unless I get really too rich)
 
Last edited:
I purchased my first set of Redding dies for my .338.

You can sure tell the quality difference, they all will work but they just feel so much better.I so much prefer being able to adjust the seating depth by finger than a blade screwdriver and wrench.
 
Forster dies are typically cheaper but are harder to come by on the shelves in Canada. From what I've read Redding took Forster/Bonanza's die and came up with their own copy when some patent expired? Both Redding and Forster crank out quality ammo.
 
I have never had any problems using RCBS for .338LM, but a couple of guys I know swear by Redding (they keep telling me I should try them).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom