Die choice for new build.

2 or 3 Die Set


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CyaN1de

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OK here's my dilema:

I am building a 6.5-08 HABU F-Class competition gun soon and need to order dies.

I use Redding comp dies for my 6BR. They are awesome dies but I really don't need a micrometer adjustment on my neck sizing die.

So I have opted for Reddings S Type Match dies which still includes the Micrometer Seating die but the Neck Bushing Die is the traditional style.

I am up in the air whether to get the 3 die set Neck Bushing/Body Bump/Seater or to just get the 2 Die FL Neck Bushing/Seater set.

I know that having the Body Die allows me to run a loaded round through to bump the shoulder if the occasion arises (and it has with my 6BR) which saves me from having to pull the bullet, empty powder, remove and replace primer, then replace powder and bullet.

OTOH, If I am resizing every time then theoretically there should never be a need to bump a loaded round.

I am a firm believer in the Neck Size only until the brass expands enough that it requires a bump in which case they get run through the body die. I did read an article on 6BR.com where a shooter found that bumping the shoulders .002 each firing was not detrimental to brass life and was actually more accurate in his rifle.

So what say you?
3 Die Set or 2 Die FL set?
 
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I'd go with a micrometer seater and FL bushing die. I use to only neck size until I had difficulty closing the bolt,then FL with the body die. now I FL size every firing. I have noticed zero effect on accuracy, maybe even more accuracy? With the ammount I shoot I found it a pain to run an extra process of the body die anfter necking the brass every third firing or so. Way quicker to just FL every time.

For a third option I would go with the above and also order a true shoulder bump die that does not squeeze the body down.. I know Harrels makes one and maybe forster? I believe they offer it with a bushing. That would be great compromise.
 
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Richard, if you're building a 6.8-08, you better bring that barrel back and get the right one. You bought a 6.5...also, don't bother to get me 6.8 dies, I'm building a 260 :)
 
You've been shooting pretty good lately, Richard. Maybe you should let me fix you up with some special custom dies to give you more of a challenge! Regards, Bill.
 
What are the base dimensions for your FL die, your brass and your chamber?

Same goes for the shoulder diameter, taper, neck length, and shoulder angle?

Unless your wildcat is dimensionally identical to the 260R, you are going to have issues with over or undersizing your brass. Even dies which are stamped for the same cartridge vary.

I would go Type S bushing neck die, body die and Forster BR seater if you want to save a few dollars. I use the Forster BR die with excellent results in my 6.5 Mystic.

Jerry
 
You've been shooting pretty good lately, Richard. Maybe you should let me fix you up with some special custom dies to give you more of a challenge! Regards, Bill.

Awesome...thanks Bill. :D:D

I love the shooting community, even a fellow competitor is there to lend a hand when Help is needed. :50cal:
 
I would go Type S bushing neck die, body die and Forster BR seater if you want to save a few dollars. I use the Forster BR die with excellent results in my 6.5 Mystic.

Jerry

Jerry,

I really like the Redding competition die with the micro seater. The only reason I did not go with the full Comp set was I found the Micro Neck sizer a waste of $$.

I like the fact that I can visually adjust seating depth and not have to #### around with the traditional style stems where it's a lot of trial and error if I want to change bullets and need to adjust seating depth to accomodate that.
 
Have you looked into getting a custom Forester bump die? I use one for my 6mmBr and I love it. It is designed to size the neck using a bushing and bump the shoulder back at the same time.
 
Have you looked into getting a custom Forester bump die? I use one for my 6mmBr and I love it. It is designed to size the neck using a bushing and bump the shoulder back at the same time.

I have one of these bushing "bump" neck dies from Forester and I LOVE it. I am actually looking to get some more of these for my other calibers now. I will not buy three die sets anymore.
 
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