Learn Me About the 308 Dies

[Theron]

So I finally got my dream long range rig, a stainless varmint Tikka T3x chambered in. 308. It's sitting in an FDE MDT ESS chassis.

Now I have been reloading for a few years on a single stage Rockchucker.. Mostly 30-06 and 22-250 for shorter distances. All I've used has been the standard RCBS Full length dies.. Honestly they've always worked, and I've never demanded accuracy more then that.

Now I'm stepping up to a longer range game to 500-1000 yards, I want to know if getting into some higher end dies is worth it... But I have to admit between all the different confusing terminology with the custom Redding dies, and separate collets, and neck sizing VS full length sizing it's a bit confusing...

What would everyone reccomend?

 

[Bluedevil25]

I use Forster dies in my Forster/Bonanza Presses. I only reload for hunting and I don’t have a specialty
Or custom rig set up. If I did I’d stay with Forster anyways as that’s what works for me. If RCBS has worked for you and you are familiar with their dies continue to use them.

 

[bigedp51]

Forster full length benchrest dies have a high mounted floating expander that greatly reduces neck runout. The case neck is held and centered in the neck of the die when the expander enters the case neck. And this method prevents the expander from pulling the case neck off center and inducing neck runout.

Below both the Forster full length die and their benchrest seating die are designed the reduce neck and bullet runout.

I have never had the need to have a Forster honed die because I use different brands of cases. But if you plan to use one brand of brass like Lapua the honed Forster dies are a good choice and better than a bushing die.

Weekly Gear Update – Forster Honed Dies
http://www.65guys.com/weekly-gear-update-forster-honed-dies/

 

[JEC]

I doubt you would do better than a Redding Type S FL sizer die with two bushings (not the “set”, just the single die) for resizing brass, and a Wilson In-Line seater die with a micrometer top for bullet seating. When ordering the seater, you may want to get an extra VLD seating stem as well. You need an arbor press for the latter but they are only about a hundred dollars.

 

[Keithjohn]

Use the dies you have and set them so it just sizes the neck and then a touch more . As far as the bullet seat dies if you use the same bullet they never need set again .

I have some expensive dies with the micrometer settings and never or rarely ever touch the set on them either