I have decided on my starting setup for reloading except for which dies to get for my 7mm-08. Price is not a huge factor as long as I can get them for under $75 or so. I Think I will stick with a full lenght sizer for now. I will be hunting and some plinking. 1 moa is fine with me. Rifle is a Rem. 700 mountain with a 22 inch stainless.

Am looking at the following

RCBS X-Die Full Length Sizer Die 7mm-08 Remington $21.74
will need a seating die as well should I use RCBS?

Forster Bench Rest Full Length 2-Die Set 7mm-08 Remington $54.45

Redding 2-Die Set 7mm-08 Remington $29.95
I looked at the redding bushing dies but they seem to be more than I wabt to mess with right now?

Any sugestions on theses or others?

Get the redding. If you don't want to mess with the bushing die, and it's really not hard to set up, you can always get the full lenghth set and buy the bushing die later. Their quality and finish is top notch, I wish they made bushing dies in bigger calibers.

Another vote for Redding. They're easier to adjust than RCBS, and the die st includes shell holder and a spare decapping pin. A bit more savings....

sounds good, simple and high quality is what I am after

most of my starting outfit is redding, powder trickler, case trimmer #1400, deburring tool, 3BR powder measure, Case prep kit #18,

already have a RCBS scale.

Only simi uncertanty is the press

Right now I am planning on purchasing the Lee classic press ,,,havn't heard a single bad review of it from anyone who has it, Supposinly it is wayyyy above and beyond andthing else lee makes. it was that one or the Redding Big boss. The lee press drops spent primers down the ram, has a larger opening, and the handle adjust from right to the left the way I want it. I plan on installing lock and load bushings.

What ya think about this press?

I have one set of RCBS X dies and I wish all my dies were RCBS X dies since I detest trimming cases..Most all my dies over the years have been and are RCBS and I'm more than satisfied with them on all counts...Have never had to send one back in 50 plus years..

I cannot imagine why RCBS dies would be difficult to set if you know how..All dies must be set to fit the chamber of the gun regardless of the make, and you do that the same with all makes as far as I know

I like Redding dies also, but no better than RCBS..

Pposey, You don't need expensive dies for the 708, either the thing will shoot or it won't, I've been using Lee dies for the last 15yrs., only because that's the only dies the shop owner had at the time, I've got the deluxe version(I believe they're called)with the scoop, shell holder. $22.99 is what I believe I paid, without going downstairs and looking. Though If I had to buy a new set today, I'd get Hornady or Redding. Jay

Forster benchrest sizing dies
Redding competition seating die or Forster Ultra seating die.
Never gotten a bad die from either company. can't say the same for RCBS.
In their defense, RCBS did make things right almost instantly on 2 different occasions.

Covey16

After having the linkage break on 2 separate occasions on my Lee press I bought a Redding boss and haven't looked back. Best way I can describe the difference is like closing the door on Mercedes vs. a rusted Ford escort.

PPosey-
I would go with either the RCBS X Die Set Yes they do come in SET's and will save you $,or thier standard die set.

Lock stock and barrel also has X dies on sale at about $23.00...Hard to beat that..you gotta use the X to appreciate it..

KevinNY ,,,

Was that one of ther new lee classic presses that kept breaking???

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/317831

I have heard they are a step above anything lee has ever had before. If not the lee classic then the big boss is my choice,,,the handle is just on the wrong side.

mmmmm Redding or Forster????? Xdies tooooooo

Yet another vote for the RCBS X-Dies. I got the set for my .270WSM and am very happy with them. I have also used dies made by Dillon, Hornady, Redding and Lee. IMO, the RCBS is as good as any and better than some. Their customer service is also top notch. Good luck.

It was one of the challenger presses, if they make the linkage from steel now the problem should be solved, but I would still buy the Redding. Remember these things last forever, don't save a few bucks now.

Mr. Atkinson a question if you please.
What exactly makes the XDies so good? I am always tinkering and experamenting with new reloading equipment to see if I can get better more consistant accuracy out of my rifles. Do you have any idea how XDies would compair to the Redding dies I use at present?

Thank you,
Art.

I am buying Redding dies as of late. A bonus is you can get TC expander buttons up to .338.