difference between 2-die and 3-die sets

[SKSer]

Hi guys i was looking into reloading, I plan on buying a Lee Anniversary kit. I plan on reloading .223 and 7.62x39, I figured on using IMR 4198, just to give you guys an idea on what my load intentions are. My main question is what is the difference between the 2-die and 3-die sets? Which ones do I need? Also will I be able to load with just this kit or will i have to buy other tools as well. Im assuming dial calipers (will this work in place of a case length guage) and a way of cleaning the brass, but do I need a case trimmer as well? Thanks guys for the info. Gary P.S. just skip this thread if you fill like you ve answered this question like 2725 times

[ocabj]

Usually, a 2-die set comes with a FL sizer and a seater, and the 3-die set comes with a FL sizer, Neck-only sizer, and a seater.

You *need* at least a FL and a seater.

[joelogic]

I am pretty sure the 3 piece set is sizer, seater, and crimper. At least thats what all of my sets have been. Case gauge is the easiest way to check the case's shoulder. Cleaning = tumbling. The case gauge will tell you if you need to trim. Pistol brass no trimming. Rifle brass some trimming.

[bohoki]

ive loaded at least 2k 223 with the lee rgb dies (2 die set $12)

haven't had any problems with 55gn fmj

first you shrinkem, then ya seat em ,then ya shoot em
kinda oversimplified

223 almost always requires trimming oal to 1.750

[badreligion]

If you look at Randalls Sticky on top of the page about match ammo is too expensive there is a pretty good list of things you will need to start reloading. Also the Reloading 101 sticky is pretty good.

As you get into it you will be buying more things than you really thought you may need for differnt reasons. Such as I have 2-3 case holders for each caliber, one for the loader, one for a trimmer, one for hand priming. Case Guage to set up your dies, and check you sizing from time to time. Die Lock rings so your settings don't move. Lee universal de primmer. Several Note books so you can keep track of what your doing and how well your doing it. Walnut media, corncob media, nu finish, dillion case cleaner so you can clean your cases depending on how bad they are. Dillion case lube and imperial sizing wax so you can size your cases.

Basically there are a ton of little details and things you wil need to get started that you wont think of at first and no company makes or sells a truely complete begineers kit.

[SKSer]

thanks for the info guys, I just bought a house and got the tax credit so now im finally getting the reloading set up. Now for the 7.62x39 I have to stop buying wolf and start buying brass. Thanks again, Gary

[Texas Boy]

The main difference in die sets is full length re-size vs neck only, and do you get a crimp die.

A 2 die set will have a bullet seating die and either a FL or a neck only sizing die.

Most 3 die sets have a FL sizing die, bullet seating die, and a crimp. However, I have seen some 3 die sets that don't have a crimp and contain both a FL and a neck only sizing die.

If you are loading for a bolt gun and will only be reloading brass fired from that gun then a neck only die will give you the best accuracy. For anything else you will need a full length sizing die.

For rifle - a single stage press and some inexpensive dies (like Lee) will work great. Don't go too overboard on the accessories - a good scale, some case trimming tools, a good caliper and a tumbler will get you started. You can add more do-dads as you find you need them.

[ar15barrels]

Every brand of dies is different.
The only thing for certain is that a 2 die set comes with a sizer and a seat/crimp die.
Some 3 die sets will include a neck sizing die.
Some 3 die sets include separate seat and crimp dies.
Some 3 die sets include a neck expander die.
Some 3 die sets include a neck sizer and a separate body die.

It just depends on the SPECIFIC die set you are talking about.

[bohoki]

ps if you buy the rgb you need to buy a shellholder the rgb ones dont come with one like most of lee's sets

[Bongos]

How many rifles in 223 or 7.62x39 are you going to shoot? If it's more than one and you do not want to dedicate brass to specific rifles, you will not need the neck die. The advantage of the neck die makes the brass last longer, this a bonus as 7.62x39 brass is expensive and hard to find. Also since you are not full lenghting the brass as it is fire formed to your chamber, using the neck die makes sizing a lot easier. I shoot mostly bolt guns so single stage and necking works best for me.

I'd look at H335 or BL-C2, these are great in both rounds