Reloading die help.

[Cdpp880]

I have been reloading for a while but have not gotten into major brass prep/comp dies. I have been just using rcbs FL size dies and regular sizing dies. I’m happy with the loads i have been able to get from this but I also have really never shot much at all past 400. I got a new 300WSM and want to start shooter farther. How much better would say a Redding competition die set versus say the Delux set or one of the basic FL die set be.

 

[45-70]

Well I have to admit right up front that I'm a little confused by your post. I have read it a few times and do not see where I might be missing anything. So, I will start off with what I feel is the best, most basic straight to the point answer.

The dies that you use will have not one effect on your ability to shoot farther.

If you are reading stuff on long range competition shooting message boards you are on a slippery slope. Leave that stuff for competition at the range. For hunting, spend your energy on improving your methods and practices on each and every step of the reloading process. In my opinion, as hunters our goal at the reloading bench should be focused on making quality, accurate and reliable ammunition. Any well known brand of dies will accomplish this if you do your part. For every person that hates brand X there will be someone who swears it is the best brand. Find what works for you.

 

[Cahunter805]

Redding competition dies are great dies! Way better than the standard RCBS dies. Simpler to use and the micrometer seater is awesome. Runout will also be reduced using a quality die set which does help long range accuracy.
If your going to try to build the best long range ammunition I'd suggest you invest in a neck turner and bushing die. Consistent tension is one of the factors I've found really helps.
As stated above good ammo does nothing without a proper rifle and practice.

 

[Cdpp880]

Thanks, I can see where the above is confusing. I shoot well at the ranges I have been shooting. I have been able to get under an inch in pretty much everything I have loaded and shot so far, and that is not all with a led sled. I know that it’s not that hard to get loads that are accurate at shorter distances. But know that at farther ranges which I am wanting to start shooting, things start to multiply big time. I am asking if upgrading from say a standard Redding FL die set to say a competition die set will make that big of a difference or eliminate some problems that could arise from just basic loading from standard FL die set.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I know people will argue. But I don’t think it really matters 99% of the time. Yeah you can change neck tension with a bushing die and it’s easier to measure with a mic on the seating die. But most of the time if you get the proper shoulder bump and aren’t working your brass to death you will be just fine with the RCBS. I’ve had this talk with Todd from Redrock Precision a few times. They make damn accurate LR ammo without a single Redding die in the house


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[gbflyer]

No better. I really like Forster Coax.

 

[Cahunter805]

Ryan

Just curious what dies/setup do you prefer?

 

[Ryan Avery]

Ryan

Just curious what dies/setup do you prefer?

Redding


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[ramont]

I'll throw my 2 cents in to this one. I've been reloading for over 40 years and I prefer Redding dies because they make the process easier and they provide features that I like. That being said, just about any company that makes dies can provide you with the same quality and features. I do like to be able to adjust neck tension (it will effect group size and velocities) and I prefer the Redding neck bushing setup so that's why I stick with their product.

While Redding is considered a high end die by the average shooter they really aren't in the same class as some of the custom dies that you can buy but those custom dies aren't really of any value to the average shooter unless you are concerned with reducing your groups by 0.1" increments. The custom dies provide you with the ability to specify unique dimensions for your case and they usually do a slightly better job of ensuring case neck concentricity - but then you need to turn and ream your necks to take advantage of the concentricity improvement.

 

[Muley Buck]

I love my Forster press and dies. Very simple, very easy. I can't think of a problem I have with it, and I can be pretty damn picky. Although in saying that, I think QUALITY brass and components are key. I do agree most dies will be just fine as long as you aren't running garbage through them.

I have always used Norma brass when loading for my 7mm Rem Mag. I have never needed to turn a neck or ream a case or anneal for that matter, and I'm on 7 loadings with them with no problems in sight. In addition, I have not had a single loose primer pocket either. In my experience it has always been worth buying and using quality brass in order to achieve my desired results without the extra processes.

Just my $0.02

 

[wind gypsy]

I use Redding, Forster, Whidden, and Hornady dies in FL and Bushing configurations. Overall I prefer the features of Redding Bushing dies but the Forster FL sizing dies are a great deal and you can get them honed to match your chamber or just the neck sizing dimension desired.

Really it's mostly a preference based on die features. I do like the ability to control neck tension and minimize how much necks are being overworked with bushing dies or custom honed FL sizing dies. However, bushing dies do not size all the way to the shoulder so with brass that I neck turn (6.5 SAUM formed cases or any brass that develops a donut) i like to use a FL sizing die prior to turning the necks to feel better about necks being a consistent diameter from neck/shoulder junction to the mouth.

For pure accuracy, using quality consistent brass and being consistent in your process should make a much bigger difference than high $ dies IMO.

 

[Cdpp880]

I have been using rcbs fl dies for years and got my first Redding die set about 9momths ago. I will fore sure be buying Redding dies from now on just trying to figure out what set to order for my 300WSM.

 

[mtswampfox]

subscribe to a bench rest forum. Those guys can debate reloading dies down to lot numbers!IMHO shooting beyond a couple hundred yards is more like br shooting.....