Best die set???

[alpha6164]

I reload mostly for my 308 rifles. When i got my press, i purchased the RCBS standard die set and i have used it for loading my bolt guns and semis 308. I prefer to full size every brass whether it is for my bolt or semi. I can say i have gotten pretty decent results being able to hold 1/2 MOA on my GAP 308 with that setup. Even though part of me says dont mess with something that is not broken, i am wondering if i should invest in a different die set for my precision loads?

I was on Midway and simply overwhelmed by all the damn options and brands. I know Forster is a high quality brand. I also see RCBS makes a competition diet set that has good reviews along with Redding.

So here are some questions:

1) Do you recommend even changing from what i am doing
2) have a separate diet set for semi and precision
3) Do you guys usually go with same brand die for your sizing and seating? The reason i ask is i see a lot of reviews where people love the Foster Ultra seater but dont like the Foster Bench rest full sizer.
4) If you are choosing a new die set for precision which set would you recommend? Forster Ultra set, RCBS Competition, or Redding?

 

[Jrb572]

Re: Best die set???

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...556#Post1128556

 

[lightman]

Re: Best die set???

Theres nothing wrong with your current set-up.I doubt you would see any noticeable improvement in your group sizes with another set of more expensive dies.Been there and done that.If I did anything,I would watch for Midway to put the Redding comp seating die on sale.I have had a few older RCBS dies that were bored crooked,and made crooked ammo.Thats not a problem for you,if you are shooting 1/2 moa with the dies that you have.I replaced those crooked dies with Redding,but another brand would have worked just fine. Lightman

 

[alpha6164]

Re: Best die set???

I am pretty much set on a Redding Competition seating die. As far as resizing goes. Can someone explain the Redding Type S Full Bushing sizer vs the same bus small base vs the Small Base Full Length Sizer? This really confuses me.


If i dont wanna mess with the bushings, what do you guys think about using the Redding 308 body die and the Lee Collet die for the neck? I know it adds an extra step but wondering what you think about that combo?

 

[jkonzal]

Re: Best die set???

I recommend the Forster Bench Rest set (FL, NS, Bullet Seater), if you are going to change. I also agree with not fixing something that's not broke!! I would also recommend that after your brass is fire-formed to your GAP chamber, only NS. FL sizing is just shortening the life of your brass.
One thing I would like to add about the Forster bullet seating die, is that I seldom get more than .001 runout on my rounds!!!

 

[Temp9]

Re: Best die set???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am pretty much set on a Redding Competition seating die. As far as resizing goes. Can someone explain the Redding Type S Full Bushing sizer vs the same bus small base vs the Small Base Full Length Sizer? This really confuses me.


If i dont wanna mess with the bushings, what do you guys think about using the Redding 308 body die and the Lee Collet die for the neck? I know it adds an extra step but wondering what you think about that combo?</div></div>

Small base dies will resize the bottom of the case further. It's really not necessary unless you're having problems with chambering large brass. Type S refers to their bushing dies.

What are you hoping to gain by separating your body and neck sizing operations? I don't think you would gain anything from using the collet neck sizer with a body die vs using a bushing FL die.

 

[tolnep]

Re: Best die set???

this is what i bought for my 308

redding body only resizer
forster microometer bullet seater
redding competition micrometer neck only die (uses bushings).
lee deprimer (thats all it does)

this has worked well for me. i have just ordered the same hardware for a 260 i am getting.

as far as dies go, this is probably as good as anything and better than most.

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Best die set???

Good dies are good, it seems you have a good set now. How much more accueracy could flawless dies get out of your rig anyway?

 

[wilecoyote]

Re: Best die set???

1)reload & shoot happy with what you have until YOU feel the need of changing_2)with the time and the practice,YOU will find the best tools to handload YOUR particular type of rifles,following YOUR goals and therefore YOUR handloading style_ 3)Foster Ultra Seat.are very good,and far better finished than the Forster B.R.Full Sizers in my possession_the laters seems shrink too much my necks,by the way_4)I don't apply the "law of the entire set"; I find myself using more a Lee Univ.Decapper,Lee Collet or Redding and Wilson with bushings on the necks,Redding or Redding S for the body,Forster Microm.BR Seaters_ That's for my .308 bolt and semi,adding a Lee Fact.Crimp_but the recipe remain more or less the same for my other rifle calibers_ My opinion is about upgrading gradually,only if needed,and NOT buying entire sets,testing any buy on the target_

 

[alpha6164]

Re: Best die set???

The only reason I have been hesitant using the bushing type full sizes is that I don't turn my necks and I have read that if you dont the bushing type sizers can actually increase the run out. I am thinking maybe using the Forster Benchrest Full size die along with the Redding competition seater and call it a day.

 

[wilecoyote]

Re: Best die set???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only reason I have been hesitant using the bushing type full sizes is that I don't turn my necks and I have read that if you dont the bushing type sizers can actually increase the run out. I am thinking maybe using the Forster Benchrest Full size die along with the Redding competition seater and call it a day. </div></div>That's the reason because I have talked about different "handloading styles":I think that the only real good answer can come from reading the targets,after_(About the "full",I have both, Redding and Forster,but I prefer go with Redding,given a choice)