Dies

[shotgun64]

Hi guys
What dies are guys using for long range 1000 yards?? I am buying a 6.5 creedmoor and was wanting some decent dies??
I was looking at Redding Deluxe 3 dies set with the micrometer bullet seater or RCBS competition die set??
No major competiton shooting.

Thanks

 

[Lead hammer]

I just got the Redding set with mic seater die for 6.5 Creedmoor. Have not used it yet, waiting for my comparator to show up.

 

[b_w.]

Using Forster

 

[Clocked92]

Tagged. In the past I've only used RCBS 2 die sets but I am also getting a Creedmoor for precision shooting and was looking for some better dies.

 

[BadAsMo]

Redding Bushing Dies is the way to go.

The key is to be able to idealize your neck tension according to neck wall thickness and still compensate for spring back that changes as you work harden the brass over a number of firings.

Over time you will need progressively smaller bushings.... unless you start annealing (which I don't recommend for the faint of heart.)

The micrometer adjustable version is obviously the most versatile.

You'll also want separate body dies and neck only dies so you can work with fire formed cases. Fire formed cases provide higher and more consistent velocity with better accuracy.

For 1000 yards, you'll also want at least a 2 decimal place scale... or better yet and 3 decimal place model.

 

[6MT]

....

 

[SteveB]

Whidden are generally considered very good dies. Redding Competition dies are usually very good. However, most do not use RCBS from my knowledge. However, what you want is straightness and proper neck tension. If you have access to plain ordinary Redding and RCBS dies test them because they can produce very good ammo also however, usually they have too much neck tension.

 

[peterdobson]

We'll mention Forster as they are good enough to be copied by Redding and are at least equal and probably superior, according to some top shooters who have used both.
Whidden are finished the best. Inline dies BR are the quickest.

 

[b72471]

I've used the redding competition type S bushing, 2 die RCBS and the LEE three die set. They all work well however neck tension is important, so understanding this and being consistant with the process of resizing is a great help. The two greatest problems for 1000mtrs is conditions and the shooter.
enjoy

 

[kolik1]

I bought the Redding deluxe 3 die set, didn't get the micrometer set however.

 

[Markus]

I used to use rcbs 3 dies sets but the run out I would get with those was horrible for consistency. I switched the Redding bushing dies and have really liked them but they are expensive. I recently bought some very inexpensive Lee collet dies but haven't had the chance to use them yet to see how they do with run out.

 

[Haagen_Dazs]

Jerry Teo of Mystic precision made a post back in like 2007 that is what I went off (and still do) when buying dies. Basically, the BIG thing is to never use full length resizing dies as it is bad for both brass life (excessive work hardening of the brass) as well as concentricity.

To achieve the best concentricity as well as reducing the damage you're doing to your brass at the reloading bench, use a dedicated neck sizer (I use the Lee neck only die as they are way cheaper than the Redding ones suggested above and IMO, do as good of a job, but he raises a fair point about work hardening and neck tension). Buy a dedicated body sizing die (Redding is my pick, and the only one that comes to my mind). Use that body sizer ONLY when you notice it's hard to close the bolt on a fresh round, for my 223 this is usually once ever 4 loadings.

Bullet seater dies are easy; I use the Forster ones myself; I like the box they come in, nice and big and closes over my Hornady quick change bushings. I have both a micrometer seating die for 308 and a non-micrometer seating die for 223. The micrometer is nice, but not really that important.

 

[Murtis]

Foster all the way!!!

 

[AP]

I recall years ago the man contracted to load .308w ammunition for (international) Palma matches tested numerous dies and settled on Forster Bonanza Benchrest dies as they produced ammunition with the least runout of the available dies at the time. I am sure CNC equipment has advanced the capability of dies today. But Forster are always at the top tier. The Lee collet dies are a very clever design that avoids the seldom discussed problems with expander 'balls' which have a tendency to drag and stretch brass/pull necks... and not always in a consistent fashion.

 

[Magmalis]

I have Forster micrometer dies for 300wsm, Redding competition for 260 and Whiddon for my 338 lapua imp.
Out of them all I like the Forster the best and Redding/Whiddon are also excellent. The like the micrometer on the Forster best and the sizing/decapping dies are equal. I honestly like the Dillon decapping sizing die the best because of the ability to remove stuck brass easily.