2 or 3 die sets for accuracy

[figuy]

I want to try some reloading for accuracy and I'm trying to decide on either a 2 or 3 die set for reloading .308 win. I haven't found any info on if there is any difference in accuracy between the two. Any input would be appreciated. Also has anyone had any extraction issues or any other issues with bolt action riffles when neck only resizing?

[Red9]

I believe, most 2 die sets are sizer/seater.
3 dies just include a expander.
Redding is a bit different. I think its alacart with them. Sperate sizer, neck size, seat, crimp.

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[JackEllis]

Also has anyone had any extraction issues or any other issues with bolt action riffles when neck only resizing?

Yes. I had problems chambering once-fired cases that had only been neck sized. The rifle was a Tikka T3 Lite in .243. Prvi Partizan ammo, which appeared to be made with once-fired cases wouldn't chamber in that rifle either. I

I suggest you get a full-length sizing die and start off by full-length sizing your brass for the first firing. When you're ready to reload that brass again, neck size a couple of cases (no powder or bullet) and see if they chamber in your rifle. If so, you're probably good to go with neck-sizing only if you decide that's what you want to do.

Choice of powder, charge weight, bullet type and seating depth are going to be more important than how you size the cases.

[kcstott]

Best brass life will come from a die that neck sized and shoulder bumps.

Accuracy of loads didn't change between full length sizing and neck sizing only. But there again i'm also running a factory Remington 5R barrel and may be at the limit of what that barrel can produce.

I run Forster dies for all my match grade reloading, Micrometer seater, and bushing bump neck sizer, I also have the full length sizer and use it for my 308 gas gun

[smoothy8500]

Redding 3 die set has Neck, Seater, and "Body" die. Body die does shoulder bump and body only without touching the neck.

[smoothy8500]

When you're ready to reload that brass again, neck size a couple of cases (no powder or bullet) and see if they chamber in your rifle. If so, you're probably good to go with neck-sizing only if you decide that's what you want to do.

The one thing about "neck sizing" is that after a number of reloads, anywhere from a bunch down to one or two depending, the case expansion will eventually require a FL sizing anyway. You will start feeling slight resistance on closing the bolt. Bolt camming has a lot of force that can overcome the expansion, but only to a point. Then it's suddenly "Oh, oh..."

[Calif Hunter]

My neck sized brass has a bit of a crush fit from the get go with once-fired brass. No problem. If hunting dangerous (or expensive guided) game, I full-length size so feeding is smooth. Part of the benefit of neck sizing is not to work the brass as extensively as full length sizing for longer brass life and hence the bit of extra force to chamber. For a semi-auto, I full length size only. Neck sized ammo for each particular gun is more accurate in my rifles. Often/usually you cannot use neck-sized ammo from one gun in another gun in the same chambering. I have to keep my .223 brass sorted by gun, for example. My Savage fired brass will not fit well in my CZ if neck sized only.

[fx1974]

You might consider Forster's bushing bump neck sizer die that <Kcstott> mentioned. I have just started using this but it does bump down the shoulder a bit and so far I had no issues with chambering or concentricity.

Same with others, when I used to size-neck only the ammo would eventually fail to chamber after a few firings, then I had to full size.

Also, if you want the best accuracy in your loads, in my opinion better go with the micrometer seater dies right off the bat. Costs you more now but you will never buy another seater.

[JagerDog]

For neck sizing, I like the lee collet sizer.

[LynnJr]

If your after really accurate reloads shoot 4 rounds in your gun and have Warner Tool make you a sizing die.
Neil Jones is another source.

[J-cat]

If you want to load accurate ammo then assemble your own set of dies that allows you to precisely control and manipulate case dimensions, neck tension, and bullet seating depth. Two die sets are for making basic hunting ammo, and are not designed for accuracy, though they can make accurate ammo if one wants to suffer.

[popeye4]

What kind of rifle are you loading for? Gas guns (like an M14) are a whole different game than a bolt gun.