Anyone using Dillon's Carbide Dies for .308?

[bhart89]

I have a dillon 550b which I am getting ready to pick up dies to start reloading .308

I see that dillon offers carbide dies (3 dies set) for $140 and their standard dies are only $63. From what I've read you still need to use use lube even with the carbide dies.

Does anyone use the dillon carbide dies? If so, do you recommend them?

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Anyone using Dillon's Carbide Dies for .308?

I use the carbide dies on my 550. And, as you said, you still have to use lube on the cases. To be honest I am not sure of the difference between the two different dies but you can call Dillon and I am sure they will go into great detail for you. They are usually very helpful when I call.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Anyone using Dillon's Carbide Dies for .308?

I'm using the carbide dies in 223. Yes you have to lube all bottleneck cases. I will be getting carbide dies for 308 next spring.

Read the instructions, or better yet, get the video. You'll do fine.

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Anyone using Dillon's Carbide Dies for .308?

I have one in .223. Feels a little smoother than standard dies.

 

[nicholst55]

Re: Anyone using Dillon's Carbide Dies for .308?

The primary advantage to carbide dies is that they will outlast regular steel dies tenfold. Yes, some people <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">have</span></span> actually worn out sizing dies. For a relatively 'normal' shooter (whatever <span style="font-style: italic">that</span> is), it usually takes 30+ years, but it has been done.

When loading for a belt-fed, it doesn't take anywhere near that long. Mike Dillon <span style="font-style: italic">does</span> like his belt-fed MGs, so that's why he sells carbide sizing dies in rifle calibers.

If you want to try some sizing that is slicker than snot on a glass doorknob, lube your pistol brass before running it through your carbide sizing dies. You'll probably never size unlubed brass again!

 

[9sigman45]

Re: Anyone using Dillon's Carbide Dies for .308?

My boss uses Dillon's carbide .308 dies on a 550 press to load his "precision" long range rounds. Most folks would laugh at the idea and consider him a greenhorn to reloading. In reality its true because he only started shooting F(tr) and reloading about 18 months ago, However, in the last four months he has finished 3rd in our f-class state match and 5th in the f-class national match (where he lost fourth to X count) at Camp Butner, NC. I've used them myself for many years loading handgun ammo, but knowing what I know now I'd say Dillion products are good to go for rifle ammo as well.

 

[tlsmith22]

Re: Anyone using Dillon's Carbide Dies for .308?

I load my 223 stuff on Dillon carbides too. I actually tested some 10 shot groups last week. I loaded with just the Dillon 550 running them thru wide open and then I loaded them by hand, measured every powder drop. Case prep was the same, only difference was I primed and charger with Dillon instead of single stage. Would you believe that the 550 stuff was right with if not slightly better than the single stage loads. I was loading Varget too under 69 SMKs and it was tested at 392 yards.(groups averaged around 2 inches, one under 2) I have been very fortunate with the Varget powder throws on my 550. The carbide dies do a good job, but I think the regualr dies are just about as good. My 308 stuff is all Redding comp though.