Just got some FL X dies in .223 and .308. Got about 200+ .223 and .308 cases that need to be trimed. Figured it would be a good time to give them (X dies) a try. Anybody use them? Likes, dislikes? What has been your experience with them? Anything to look out for? Any actions that this type of die has a problem with? M1A, Mini 14,etc? Thanks in advance. Mike.

I don't think there is anything to worry about--just follow directions.

BUT, I am curious.....do you have a concentricity gauge? It looks to me like the way the x-die works it could make really good straight ammo.

Never have used a "concentricity gauge". Have been reloading for lots of years and never felt the need for one. Maybe I'am missing something?! Never had a problem with my reloads but, theres alyays something different to try.(More toys) Sounds like "you" might use it? What advantage would I gain in it's use? Other than the "dented necks" from too much lube and the "plugged" vent hole, I havn't heard too much about them,(X dies) thats why I posted the question. Thanks Mike.

I bought a 22-250 X-Die a coupe months ago to try because I'm tired of continually trimming after one firing! Just starting my cycling of a couple hundred cases through it now. No problems with the first (40), but not enough experience to judge yet. Everything I've read seems to indicate they work; but rarely do writers say much bad about a product!!!

Got em in a few calibers, 270, 270 WSM, 300 WSM, are a few, they all work just as advertised. After tweaking the expander, using the 'Kraky' method, they all make really concentric ammo--less than 2 thou runout on all mentioned.

Regards--Don

My M1A is real hard on brass. Lots of "stretch" in the cases so I thought I would give the X Dies a try. Like I had said, got a batch to trim so it should be a good test to see just how well they work. Thanks for the input. Mike

I've seen these. I understand they reform the shoulder by pushing it into its correct location every time you run them through the die, correct? Sounds like a good idea, but I'm old school and like to trim them myself. It makes me feel like I have done as much to the case as I can before reloading it.

From what I have read about them (X Dies), the design keeps the case from being stretched from the expander ball pulling the neck up on the resize stroke. After being resized on the regular die, over 50% of my cases are over max length so they have to trimed. (sometimes 200 to 300 at a time) My thoughts on the X Dies were to eleminate the need for triming on every other reload. Should cut down on the "extra" work and make the brass last longer. I keep about 2000 rounds loaded and ready for my M1A so every time I go to the range I burn about 200 to 250 rounds. Thats when the work "starts all over again". No matter how much work is involved, it can't keep me off the range. The thought of "less" work makes me want to burn "just a little more ammo". And thats not a bad thing! After a trim on all the needed cases, the X Dies will get their workout! (RCBS Power Trimmer) Not hard work, just takes time! Should be very interesting to see the results.