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Re: best dies for hunting ammo

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12 November 2004, 10:11
mho
Re: best dies for hunting ammo
I like the following combination: Lee Collet die for neck sizing, in combination with a Redding Body Die when you want to FL size (note, neck still needs sizing in a separate step), and finally a Forster Competition Bullet Seater Die (Ultra if you feel rich, otherwise the regular Comp Seater will do fine). That is about as good as you can go for about 80-100 US$. Now I know that is quite a bit more than a set of Lee or Hornady dies - even if you add the NS die. The combination above is about as good as it gets without having to go to specialty dies, though.
Good luck - mike
13 November 2004, 17:53
Atkinson
I like the RCBS X die, mostly because I hate to trim cases...

All of my dies are RCBS, but the Redding dies are top notch also, maybe better, but whos counting, both are good.
12 November 2004, 11:11
Swede44mag
I would buy a Redding 3 die set consisting of a Full lenght, Neck die, and Seating die. Bushing dies are nice but it all depends on how much money you have to spend.
12 November 2004, 12:56
vapodog
RCBS
12 November 2004, 13:18
AOWM
LEE collet for sizing use only brass that was fired in the same rifle to avoid fl sizing in a bolt gun I have found crimping to be a wasted effort if you must crimp LEE fatory crimp is my choice for bullet seating I have used RCBS&LEE and am not really pleased with either will be trying a FORSTER
12 November 2004, 17:07
lawndart
I have a plain (non-bushing) Redding die set for my 6,5x55. It works GREAT. I just added a Lee factory crimp die and now I'm shitting in tall cotton.

JCN
13 November 2004, 17:25
turtle71
What I get is a Hornady die set because I really like the seater die. The bullet guide is sweet. And a Lee collet neck sizer. You're not likely to need a crimp die using the Lee collet sizer. If I was full length sizing I'd get a Lee factory crimp die. Full length dies don't give consistent neck tension IMO.
15 November 2004, 02:11
Geronomo
Ditto on what Ray said. You are talking about hunting loads. I'm sure the other advice you've gotten here is very good, it's just a lot more than you probably need for accuratereloading (couldn't resist the pun) in a hunting 'iron. In most circles RCBS and Redding are the two dies used by the majority of everyday shooters for, and for good reason. Both are usually well made, accurate, and reasonably priced. Both have good customer service departments to boot.

Geronimo
15 November 2004, 05:09
djpaintles
I recommend that you try RCBS dies at first preferably with a X-die. Then if you want to move on to specialty dies try the redding bushing dies etc. I use both and think that the Reddings are a little nicer finished but their sizer dies don't have a shoulder relief hole and it's easy to get dented necks if you're not super careful about how much neck lube you use.
Forster dies are expensive and IMO aren't worth the extra cost.
Lee collet dies are a great design but like most Lee products are made somewhat cheaply.
Most of the best loads I've ever developed were made with RCBS dies, and other than for some specialty uses I don't find that in general other brands are appreciably better...........DJ
15 November 2004, 05:44
Hornetfan
I like Redding dies. I do not use the bushing type. I have RCBS that work well also.