I need to purchase a set of custom dies for my .338-06 imp. Who makes the best quality set made for your particular custom cut chamber these days? Last ones I bought, I sent 5 fired cases to have the dies made. Suggestions?

You'd be better off sending the reamer, if you can. Redding does a good job. I like my Forsters with the raised expander ball, but I am not sure you can get custom built dies from them anymore. There are lots of custom die makers who advertise in Precision Shooting or in the classifieds on Benchrest.com or 6mmbr.com.

I've simply had the last several wildcats I built made by Hornady. Send in several cases about 6-8 weeks later you have a set of dies. They are cheaper than some others I have and I can't tell the difference.

I've had custom dies from both RCBS and Hornady...both are fine dies....Hornady is about 1/2 the price.

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Originally posted by amamnn:
You'd be better off sending the reamer, if you can. Redding does a good job. I like my Forsters with the raised expander ball, but I am not sure you can get custom built dies from them anymore. There are lots of custom die makers who advertise in Precision Shooting or in the classifieds on Benchrest.com or 6mmbr.com.

Ya, I know, however, it was cut by Mr. Bob West, and he passed away a while back, so no way of getting my hands in it. But sounds like the usual suspects do OK with their custom die sets. All of mine so far have been RCBS, but have not had to buy any lately, and have heard the quality has dropped. Yes, no?

I have used Hornady to make custom dies for hunting rounds of late. Send in some fired brass and a couple of bullets, and they will make FL and seating dies for you. I found the price pretty reasonable (about $100 for the set) and the resulting tools very acceptable. In particular, it is possible to specify the die neck internal diameter, which allows you to use the FL die without an expander. Not only does this make sizing super smooth, it cuts down on case runout no end.

For competition type cartridges, you may want to look at dies from Neil Jones, Jim Carstensen or the like:

http://www.neiljones.com/

http://www.6mmbr.com/CarstensenJLC01.html

- mike

Might try this outfit as they have 333x06AI listed 4 different shoulder degree 24,28,30,40 for $78.

http://www.ch4d.com/

338 - 06 Improved 24 2 F $ 78.25 6 C
338 - 06 Improved 28 2 F $ 78.25 6 C
338 - 06 Improved 30 2 F $ 78.25 6 C
338 - 06 Improved 40 2 F $ 78.25 6 C

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found the price pretty reasonable (about $100 for the set) and the resulting tools very acceptable.

Like everything else subject to price increases. I bought a set in 4/08 and ordered a set last week. Current price is $145 for a two die set.