Which dies?

earthquake

earthquake

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Minuteman
    • Jul 30, 2009
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    #1
    For 6.5 Creedmoor, I am thinking of getting Redding dies. I've never reloaded, but am slowing gathering equipment to do so. Midway has some in stock now and I get their b-day pricing, so I figure I better get some now.

    Though, i don't know what I need.
    blush.gif


    Bolt gun, 6.5 Creedmoor. I take it I need a neck sizer die, and a seater die. Should I spend the extra dough on the cometition seater die, or are the lower cost ones sufficient?

    Just looking to load myself some really nice custom ammo eventually.
     
    #2
    Re: Which dies?

    The 6.5 Creedmoor permits extreme accuracy. To realize its full potential, you'll want quality tools.

    It's almost impossible to go wrong with Redding. Since you're running a bolt rifle, here is what I would recommend:

    Type S bushing neck sizing die. Measure the diameter of a loaded round that uses the brand of brass and bullet you'll load, and subtract about .002" to get the bushing size.

    Body die. At some point, you'll find your cartridges becoming tough to chamber. You'll need the body die to bump the shoulder back.

    I would spring for the micrometer seating die, simply because it makes it easier to adjust how far off (or into) the lands the bullet projects. You'll need a special gauge and prepared case so you can exactly measure the cartridge length as the bullet just touches the lands.

    I like to use a Lee hand priming tool. They're one of those great little items that don't cost much and that work.

    Cheers,
    Richard
     
    #5
    Re: Which dies?

    I haven't yet fired my 6.5 Creed build, but I use basic Lee & Hornady dies, and get well under sub-MOA in numerous calibers / guns.(typically 0.50 - 0.70 MoA)

    I use a Lee Turret press.

    Don't waste your money on gimmicky marketing ploys like "precision" and "tactical."

    Accuracy has FAR more to do with (1) your gun, (2) your attention to detail in powder charges / case trim length / quality components and (3) a regiment before and after you break the shot than it does the press / dies you use.
     
    #6
    Re: Which dies?

    While I am a fanboy of redding products, the extra benefit of the special dies over the already quality redding 3 piece dies is, in my opinion, limited. I have a set of these and do well with it.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Redding-260-Remi...=item5aed6b789e

    I have used the specialty seating dies from redding for my 308, and it may have been worth it, but when I reload on my 550, I use my Redding dies, and they provide a great product without spending $300. I have sold all my RCBS in favor of redding dies.
     
    #7
    Re: Which dies?

    Thanks for all the advice. I just scored an 8-lb. jug of H4350, so I better get on the ball with buying my reloading equipment!
     
    #9
    Re: Which dies?

    Just buy a Hornady FL die and a Redding Comp seater, the Hornady die is tailor made for there Brass, Redding Comp seater is the standard for which all others are judged by, the Forster Micrometer is just as good but the Redding IMHO has better fit n finish.
     
    #10
    Re: Which dies?

    Forester dies until Redding does something with the soft-steel seating stem in their dies. There's another post of someone having problems with their Redding seating die here.
     
    #11
    Re: Which dies?

    I'm kinda with FNP, all my dies are Forster or Redding. I use nech size bushing dies that will bump the sholder for all sizing for BA rifles (no reason to FL size for a BA rifle) and micro seating dies to seat. They are so much easier and quicker to get set and make slight adjustments during the run if need be (which is rarely with Redding and Forster equip.). Once you set the lock ring, theirs no reason to break it loose again until you use it on a different rifle or change bullets. RCBS Rock chucker is a standard in single stage press's, if you want to step up a bit...Forster Co-Ax. A great multi station would be Reddings T-7. The Lee hand primer works great until it starts to wear out, then for a very reasonable price, you buy another. I like RCBS's hand primer better, you can buy it for a bit more and you'll have a piece of equip that will last you a lifetime. Good luck and be safe.

    Okie
     
    #12
    Re: Which dies?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: COfox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would THIS be the "buy once cry once" solution to my question? I can get it for $287 </div></div>
    Although it would be a "cry once" situation, I think it would be overkill. I have the micrometer sizing die for one of my cartridges but don't think it's necessary. Possibly more useful for the true benchrest shooters.

    Right now, the thing to do might be to get whatever good dies you can to get your foot in the door, and later, if necessary, upgrade one or two components.

    And congratulations on finding some H4350. I'm having no luck finding Reloader 15 for my match .223 loads.

    Cheers,
    Richard
     
    #15
    Re: Which dies?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: COfox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Should I spend the extra dough on the cometition seater die, or are the lower cost ones sufficient?</div></div>
    As stated by someone else, the lower cost one is sufficient ...unless you plan to load more than one bullet type. If so, the indexing die allows you to set up for that bullet using your recorded settings. An alternative is to purchase a lower cost seating die to dedicate to each bullet type unless you don't mind the time it takes to change the seating depth each time you change.
     
    #16
    Re: Which dies?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RG1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: COfox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would THIS be the "buy once cry once" solution to my question? I can get it for $287 </div></div>
    Although it would be a "cry once" situation, I think it would be overkill. I have the micrometer sizing die for one of my cartridges but don't think it's necessary.

    Cheers,
    Richard
    </div></div>

    I assume you meant seating die?
     
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