Question on dies

[powdergun]

Thanks in advance for all your help.

My question is: I've seen RCBS dies for around the $40 range. However, I see there is a competition die set for a little above $100. In terms of accuracy would the more expensive dies produce a significantly better result ( All other factors being equal ) ? That is could it turn a 1.5" group to a sub 1" group.

The rifle that will be using the ammo is not a top of the line bench gun but good gun none the less with a match grade barrel. ( BTW TC venture )

Once again thank you for all your advice.

 

[Silverado]

The competition die set probably includes a straight line or inline seater, which will do a better job of seating bullets with minimal runout, and will likely have a micrometer adjustment stem, which makes adjustments to seating depth precise and repeatable.

These 2 things can produce better accuracy in your ammo, all else being equal.

Does it include a FL sizing die, or a neck die? Neck sizing can also help with accuracy, as the cases will be fireformed to your chamber.

 

[powdergun]

Set had a seater dies as you describe and a FL sizer. I did not read or notice a neck sizer die.

BTW who in Canada has good prices on these ?

 

[Silverado]

Can't help you there... I use Lee dies every time.

 

[curtmg]

If you're shooting 1.5" groups, you'll get better results from more practice, better load work ups or accurizing your rifle a bit (bedding, crown, better scope, rings, bases, etc), than you will from better dies. Regular RCBS dies are more than capable of making under 1" groups, presuming the gun and shooter are upto the task. Now, if you were shooting .7" or better with RCBS dies, then the step up to competition dies would probably help you get a little bit smaller groups. But once you reach that stage, you're into the area of diminishing returns, in that it will cost more and more, for smaller and smaller increases in quality.
The comp dies would make more consistant ammo easier to make, but they aren't going to be the difference between missing a barn door and shooting a flies left nut.

 

[yippert]

For a source and good advice contact mysticplayer on this site or Google Mystic Precision.

 

[444shooter]

I prefer Hornady or Lee dies because of the smooth expander. Can't stand the knurled expander on RCBS. Just a pet peeve.

 

[Silverado]

Me too actually! I'm not sure why a part that is intended to slide through the neck would be knurled?

My one greatest pet peeve about RCBS is the brass set screw for the locknut; I find the hex head strips before it locks the lock nut in place.

 

[b72471]

Competition dies

To answer your question, no the Comp dies will not make much difference in the groups you shoot. I use the redding bushing dies and the lee 3 die set, in long range rifles and find both are good. At the moment my tendancy is the Lee dies.
Bill

 

[downwindtracker2]

A trick with RCBS dies is to use a piece of lead under the set screw. Better yet, buy some Honady or Foster split locking rings.

 

[Eagleye]

On those RCBS dies, did you really take a good look at the expander. The knurled part is smaller in diameter than is the expander button itself. The knurling is to facilitate a decapping pin change once you break or bend one. The knurled section of the expander button never comes in contact with the inside of the case neck, so what difference does that make? As for the lock rings, I am not fond of the new RCBS type, and just swap them out for the Forster design, which works best in my Co-Ax anyway. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[Silverado]

I will admit that I never put a caliper on the knurled section; your explanation makes sense.

@dwt2: I do like the Hornady dies much better than the RCBS, but most all my dies are Lee and I've never had a problem with any of them. I'll buy Hornady if I can't get Lee in the die set I need at the time.