I have just finished using the 'search' feature of this site to get some info on X-Dies. I didn't find much detail and hope some folks may help me understand these dies a bit better.

I found through the search that there are two basic comments regarding these dies. These are:

1) They work well and are great

2) The trade-off between case lengthening is an
increase in neck thickness.

My questions are fourfold:

1) What is your general experience and feedback
regarding these dies?

2) If it's true that the trade-off is neck
thickening vs an increase in OAL, does that
increase the need for neck turning?

3) Is the neck area the only part of the case that
thickens, or is it the entire case, shoulder
etc?

4) Given that I am interested in the X-Dies to
save time (as opposed to increasing case life)
am I giving up other criteria (ie case wall
thickness, concentricity) to attain a reduction
in case growth and the associated trimming?

My goal is accuracy for long range shooting at paper as opposed to hunting and I go through quite a few rounds pursuing this sport so I'm always trying to reduce my reload (esp case prep) time.

Thanks for reading this post and any / all comments are welcome and encouraged.

Cheers,
XWind

I use the X dies for the same thing you are looking to use them for. I think they work great. I am getting 14 to 18 loads from my 22-250's useing the X dies. Nickle plated brass seems to work the best for me with them. The neck can"?" get a little thick but that's not a bad thing. Brass flows when fired we cant stop that but the X dies are the best way i have found to deal with it.
A little twist of the neck chamfer is all it takes to get my nickle brass back to COL when the X die is properly set up.
Get a set, hell i think thy're cheaper then a three die set anyway.
GOOD LUCK

Thanks Bear Lake, I think I will try a set. Have you had any negative experience with these dies? One thing I always wonder about when new wonderful widgets show up on the market is why doesn't everyone use them? Probably just another excuse to be tight with my wallet

Thanks again for the info.

XWind