which dies do you prefer for precision reloading?

[mtenenhaus]

While i've had great luck with Forster's .308 dies unfortunately I haven't been as satisfied with their 6.5x47 lapua die set (full length sizing and bullet seating dies).

I've tried to duplicate a sizing/load shoulder set back but can't seem to ever get it as close as i'd hoped. With my .308 it went so easily just twisting the die down a hair and checking a couple of times with a comparator.

I know they also sell shoulder bushing dies and i'm considering it but thought i'd ask here if there were a generally preferred brand/maker for more precision reloading.

It's not that they don't make nice dies but in this case they're not performing as i'd hoped.

Appreciate your suggestions. thanks

[smoothy8500]

I use Forster dies also. It might be worth sending the sizer along with the shellholder to Forster to confirm if the die or shellholder is within spec.

[fguffey]

I had rather be able to determine if the die is a precision die and then there is the shell holder. My shell holders have a deck height of .125", other reloaders believe the manufacturer of the die must match the die manufacturer.

It takes skill to size cases that measure from minimum length/full length to infinity or a more practical .002" over field reject length at the minimum cost.
I do not believe I have the advantage but my presses and dies have threads.

F. Guffey

[fguffey]

Forgive: I have C&H dies from El Monte, California, Pacific, Texan, Lochmiller, Lee, Hornady, Weatherby, Luger, Hollywood Gun shop, RCBS in the lime colored fiber box, RCBS in the dark green fiber box and three different plastic cases etc. etc. etc.

And shell holders: My shell holders have a deck height of .125", I also have shell holders that do not have a deck height of .125", not a problem; again my dies and presses have threads.

F. Guffey

[kcstott]

For a 6.5x47 I like Forester but I use the benchrest dies. Micrometer seater and benchrest sizer. But I'd also get a Forster bushing bump die. I've had great success with it on my 308.
After using David Tubbs dies for the 6xc I wish he made other calibers. I love the bushing with the full shoulder profile machined in. Makes it real easy to control shoulder setback.

I made a new bushing last night out of Prehard 4140 with a neck size of 271. Now I only have .003" neck tension with .003" shoulder bump when I cam over my press. This keeps my cartridges -.003" of minimum headspace so I should have no issues with bolt lift. and my SD's should drop even more due to the reduced tension.


There I think that's enough trigger terms

[divingin]

There I think that's enough trigger terms

I think he's self-triggering.



I usually use LE Wilson dies on an arbor press for general neck size and seat.

If I need to full length size I run it into a Redding body die then go back to the Wilson dies to size the neck. That happens every 5 to 10 firings, when the cases start to show some resistance to chambering. I'm not shooting competition so a chambering problem is just an annoyance rather than a deal breaker.

[mtenenhaus]

thanks for the information.

kcstott...i ordered the bushing dies, thanks

smoothy.....i called Forster and i sent them the dies and some fire formed cases, some projectiles and the shell holder.....thanks

[micro911]

I use Redding competition dies. It produced very accurate cartridges for me.

[Novaholic]

Mighty Armory dies

[C.G.]

Mostly Forster and Redding dies here, and couple of Lee, which are not that good but at the time they were the only available for that caliber. I think Redding is slightly better than Forster but not sure if they are worth the higher price tag for some.

[Switchbarrel]

Redding Type-S full length bushing dies
Wilson in-line seater with 21st Century hydro press

[bsumoba]

I use custom dies from Whidden. Non-bushing, small base die with all the dimensions to make it they way I want it based on my reamer. This minimizes overworking the brass and I have what I consider perfect dimensions for bullet release and as consistent of a neck ID as I can get.