Bushing dies.. are they worth it!

S

schumy

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
89   0   0
Location
Canada
Alright, I'm in the market for a new set of dies for my .308, I currently have the LEE Ultimate set, and just do basic brass prep, FL size, and a slight crimp.

I splurged on a precision rifle, and I'm considering replacing my LEE dies with something of a better quality. I've been doing a lot of research on the topic and every single time, everyone ends up recommending the Redding bushing dies. My understanding is that these dies get rid of the expander mandrel, and use the bushings to precisely size the neck, and bump the shoulder. This reduces the amount of work on the brass and applies uniform bullet tension.

Those of you that have used this type of setup, is it worth getting this bushing die set?

And as a bonus question, is it worth it to get the kit with the FL sizing die and the competition seating die?
 
Do you have the Lee collet neck sizing die? If so I'd just use that. I used it for my Remington 700 and now for my Desert Tech srs-a1 without any issues.

The bushing dies put excess brass to the inside while the collet die puts it to exterior. Seems easier to turn the outside vs reaming the interior.
 
I had a rifle built in 6mm Dasher. Lee does not offer a Collet die in 6 dasher over the counter. Ordered a custom die from them ~$140 CDN and worth every cent.

This die will produce straighter ammo, neck tension will be consistent and your groups will shrink. And , an added bonus is your cases will last a very long time, no lube required and very little trimming.

The cost of Lee tools does not reflect their worth.
 
I have the deluxe set to which I added the factory crimp die to make it the same as your ultimate set.
I neck size for 3 firings before I would need to bump the shoulder back 0.002"
I was getting great groupings from that set which I now use for another rifle.
2 years ago I bought the Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die Set which is now selling for $340.00
To determine your bushing diameter you must measure a loaded round and subtract 0.001".
If you change brass, or if all of your brass is not the same thicknes you will need multiple bushings which go for around $35.00 each if you are talking Titanium Nitride coated ones.
At minimum you will be in for $375.00+tx. which is the same cost as 100pcs of Lapua brass and a box of 500 168gr Sierra Matchkings.

I did not see enough of a difference to justify the money I spent.



 
I have several sets of the Redding Type S Match die sets, and I am very pleased with them. They aren't cheap, but it's easy to adjust the neck tension, and the seating dies are also excellent.
 
I have been switching from RCBS dies to redding bushing dies. My concentricity has dramatically improved. I am regularly getting 0.0005-0.003" of runout on loaded rounds where as with my RCBS dies I was regularly having 0.010" of runout. That in and of itself satisfied me with the purchase. As for a competition seating dies. I have a few and they are nice for being able to make precise adjustments but they don't lock down so it can change every time you swap the die out. I kind of like the older style that you just lock down and check once in a while. Unless you are swapping between bullets regularly I don't think it is necessary but again, a nice feature to have.
 
BCBRAD said:
I had a rifle built in 6mm Dasher. Lee does not offer a Collet die in 6 dasher over the counter. Ordered a custom die from them ~$140 CDN and worth every cent.

This die will produce straighter ammo, neck tension will be consistent and your groups will shrink. And , an added bonus is your cases will last a very long time, no lube required and very little trimming.

The cost of Lee tools does not reflect their worth.
Click to expand...

100% agree

I have very expensive bushing dies from Redding for my .284. I loved the Lee collet die I use on my .223 so I ordered a custom collet die from Lee for my .284.

My Reddings are collecting dust.......

I still use redding body dies and various other dies but Lee dies are fantastic quality.
 
thump_rrr said:
I have the deluxe set to which I added the factory crimp die to make it the same as your ultimate set.
I neck size for 3 firings before I would need to bump the shoulder back 0.002"
I was getting great groupings from that set which I now use for another rifle.
2 years ago I bought the Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die Set which is now selling for $340.00
To determine your bushing diameter you must measure a loaded round and subtract 0.001".
If you change brass, or if all of your brass is not the same thicknes you will need multiple bushings which go for around $35.00 each if you are talking Titanium Nitride coated ones.
At minimum you will be in for $375.00+tx. which is the same cost as 100pcs of Lapua brass and a box of 500 168gr Sierra Matchkings.

I did not see enough of a difference to justify the money I spent.



Click to expand...

At what distance were those targets shot at?
 
I really like the Lee collet dies as well. They may need a little fine tuning and polishing when they're new, but once you use them I'm sure you would be very happy with them too.
 
The lee collet die is a very good tool. Many have claimed it is better than any bushing die. Quite simple, they just dont understand how the bushing works.
To use bushing neck dies, necks must be turned to all the same thickness ane mesured with a 0.0001 micrometer.
 
dero338 said:
The lee collet die is a very good tool. Many have claimed it is better than any bushing die. Quite simple, they just dont understand how the bushing works.
To use bushing neck dies, necks must be turned to all the same thickness ane mesured with a 0.0001 micrometer.
Click to expand...

derro what you said is right on, and to shoot small groups constantly you have to turn necks.the fellows I shoot with all turn necks and only dies these use
are Redding competition dies with bushings some also use Forester bushing dies with micrometer seater

100 Y 5shots

5 at 100 y

100 y 5 shots


Only 3 at 300

 
Dies such as Forster with interchangeable bushing dies are he best choice especially with Lapua brass. Check the winners circle!
 
I've own the Forster bushing dies and the collet die. I have to say my smallest group and most consistent ammo comes from using the Lee Collet die. I'm very happy the way my ammo has performed using a Collet NK die that I'm considering ordering a Custom Collet die from Lee. I haven't see to many reviews from owners of the Lee Custom Collets to pull the trigger on the purchase.
 
Last edited:
The comments thus far seems to sync with everything I read when I was looking at LEE collet vs bushing dies and that is the bushing is great for the <1/4 MOA top competitors shooting very expensive rifle in likes of 6-6.5mm. LEE dies were great for everyone else.

Gonna go with high BC caliber, do full brass prep with good brass to get the benefits of the extra hassle of bushing.

Given my 308Win is a low BC caliber I went with Collet die, Forester micro seater.
 
In all my precision stuff I use Wilson dies and an arbor press. I bump my shoulders every 3rd firing as well as anneal. 6 Br & Brx, 6.5x55, 6.8x284, 284, 308 and 300 WSM. In the end the best choice is what works for you. I've had rcbs plain jane FL sets produce some very consistent groups as well.
 
So how do you know exactly how much neck tension your putting on your bullet with a the Lee Collet?..measure the neck before and after you seat a bullet?..
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom