Dies......does brand really matter......

[kevins750]

I have been reloading for a while now and I have watched videos and read articles about runout with different dies.....

Probably get some people mad but at 100-1000yds I don't see enough variations on the targets.

I have a $300 set of whidden bushing dies and a set of $40 Lee dies for 338lm and really don't see the difference in groupings. Same with my 308.

Are they the difference between 1/8" and 1/2" groups at 100?

Anybody personally done any testing?

In my experiences so far brass and projectiles have made a big difference.

[smoothy8500]

Are they the difference between 1/8" and 1/2" groups at 100?

Sure, for internet bragging rights...Just like single-digit SD numbers on anything shot less than 800yds or electronic scales that measure to .03 grains (or half kernel) of powder. For the actually capable shooters in Benchrest, F-Class, or PRS it's part of the process. Besides, 100yds doesn't really tell you anything. You need to evaluate a load's performance at 300yds or further to get an honest appraisal.

[kevins750]

Sure, for internet bragging rights...Just like single-digit SD numbers on anything shot less than 800yds or electronic scales that measure to .03 grains (or half kernel) of powder. For the actually capable shooters in Benchrest, F-Class, or PRS it's part of the process. Besides, 100yds doesn't really tell you anything. You need to evaluate a load's performance at 300yds or further to get an honest appraisal.

I was reffering to 100yd benchrest shooters and group size on that statement,

If you read the whole post I said between 100 and 1000 I see no real difference.

All this" best of the best" BS flew out the window when I shot a 600yd F class next to a guy with a JB weld bedded factory R700 SPS with a tasco varmint scope shooting 190's with X's in the mid teens.

[smoothy8500]

I was referring to 100yd benchrest shooters and group size on that statement,

Sorry, you weren't very specific. Since I don't participate in that discipline I can't comment.

However, as to F-class both MR and LR, what you have experienced is pretty common. Finding a node, (whether it's using the Satterlee, Newberry's OCW, or other methods) and adjusting seating depth/jump is far more important than an expensive die with minimal run-out.

As for the guy with the JB-Welded 700, I'm pretty sure I've seen him shoot at Santa Margarita GC, Burbank RR, and Coalinga.

[eric n]

[kevins750]

I can't remember who but fairly well known YouTube shooter took 20rds and shot the ten rounds with least runout vs ten with most and groups where the same at 100yds.

Again maybe downrange groups would differ but I haven't seen anything of note in my limited experience.

[eric n]