got a couple of .308s and might as well invest in an expensive one...also I assume they full length resize and then you neck size from then on...

You might enjoy the Redding S series neck dies. You can get them 2 ways, one that neck sizes only and one that fl sizes the body and uses the bushings to neck size. I think you should start with the body style first. Their micrometer seater is also quite nice. Measure the neck of a loaded round and order bushings .002 and .003 smaller to go with the die................DJ

I use the RCBS Competition Die. I really like the micro dial for seating depth adjustment and the "window" that you just drop the bullet into.

I have had exceptional results with Forster Ultra Die Sets.

I personally use the Redding bushing dies and am quite satisfied for sizing. But I use an older Bonanza co-axial seater which gives me very little runout. The other dies mentioned will also provide you with quality reloads. The best part with the bushings is the flexability and control they offer. I developed a "taste" for them from my benchrest forays. Which brings us to the Wilson type seaters and neck dies...

thanks everyone maybe I shpould be clearer. I already have an in line seater die and a hornady neck sizing die.

What I am looking for is the best doe when I have cases that were once fired in a different gun...

Do you still recommend the Redding S dies then?

Mike, Yes... but the full length version.

Mike,

I am using some of the Redding bushing type S full length sizing dies and I like them. A big benefit is that you don't have to lube or size the inside of the case neck although they come with a button and also a small holder for just the decap pin.

I am not a fan of Reddings customer service however nor the fact that Redding does not put an air vent hole in any of their FL dies. My Redding WSM FL dies dent the sides of the case just below the shoulder. These are conventional dies and not bushing dies. I have replaced them with RCBS dies.

I did just buy a new RCBS bushing die for the 243 and it's very good and of the same design as the Redding. I suggest that you give the order to RCBS for the reasons mentioned above.

There is a little bit of calculation to do to get the ideal bushing diameter. It's in the instructions and if your going to order a bushing die just ask. Since you asked just mike the OD of a loaded round at the neck and then order a bushing .003" less. Most of us end up playing with the bushings and order at least two for start up. It's only money.

That design is the best FL die that I know of.

RCBS Gold Medal Dies

Wilson.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike_Dettorre:
What I am looking for is the best doe when I have cases that were once fired in a different gun...

Mike, it sounds like you would like to have one die, and be able to use the cases sized with that die in multiple rifles. Correct?? In that case, as other posters have noted, you'll most likely need a FL die, which I believe is also what you are looking for.

Be aware though, that you are unlikely to reap the benefits from an improved sizing operation, if you have to set up your die as a compromise between different chambers. In the worst case, you might end up in a dangerous situation, where cases sized for one chamber might be too small for another chamber, and thus (over time) increase the risk of case separations. Unless you are willing to re-adjust your die every time you switch from one chamber to the next, you really need a die for each chamber, and you need to keep the brass separated. Sad, but that is the ideal solution both from a safety as well as from an accuracy point of view.

Exactly what dies you'll need depends. Sometimes a particular chamber is cut to work well with a particular die - dimensions vary as much in dies as they do in chambers. So, nobody here will be able to tell you exactly which die will work well for you. At best you can gather what has worked well for other folks, just be aware of that.

The Redding type S die has the advantage of using bushings to control the neck tension. This is a very flexible system, and allows you to play with bushing size to obtain the optimal neck tension for your load/gun. Furthermore, although the dies come from the factory with an expander, with the right bushing size you can use it without the expander, thus elliminating a common source of runout.

Although bushing based dies have certain advantages, there is also evidence that the use of bushings has drawbacks. In particular, a fixed die (used without an expander) often produces the least runout. Of late, I have had very good results with a Forster FL sizing die, modified by Forster (for the princely sum of $10 plus shipping) to have a specific internal neck diameter. You can even have the expander ball removed, allowing you to size and decap in one operation, yet aviod the use of the pesky expander. With that setup, I routinely get runout of less than .001" on sized cases - all for a very modest price of maybe 20-30$ for the basic die plus the cost of the modification. I don't know if that setup will work for you, but it certainly does for me.

- mike

P.S. there is a never ending debate about whether to NS only, or use a FL die either every time or at least occasionally (when your cases workharden enough to chamber hard). Even in BR circles, there is no clear message of what works best, although it seems as if FL sizing every time is becoming more and more popular. Part of the reason for that is that a FL sized case will allow BR shooters to chamber and extract cases with the least disturbance to the gun on the bags. Although this may be an advantage particular to the BR sport, it also indicates NS is not the panacea for accuracy it was once believed to be. In particular, you have to look at the results of your sizing operation, and see if a particular die and way of using it produces the results you'd like. Traditional NS dies have a nasty habit of producing a lot of runout, in particular if used with an expander.