Redding .308 die choices

[walkstep]

Is this set worth the money:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=792423

or should I get this one?

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=589103

I am looking for repeatable accuracy.

Thanks

[Boots]

I think it may depend on what you are shooting with. Reading the specs on both, the National Match set is for gas operated rifles (AR-10, etc). If its a bolt action, I would go with the Competition set.

my .02

[walkstep]

Thanks Boot's...Rem 700p and POF .308.

[Boots]

Looks like you need both a full size and neck size. I would get the set for semi-auto and buy a separate neck sizer die. If you're not going to mix ammo between both the rifles, then you can get away with just a neck sizer.. but from what I understand, you will eventually need to full size brass. And if you are going to shoot the same ammo thru both rifles then go with the full size. Only issue with that is that the brass won't last as long. (gets hardened)

[killshot44]

Get this set instead...........

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=271533

Same Competition Seating Die but comes with a better full-length sizing die which uses interchangeable bushings to control neck tension. This you can use with either a semiauto or a bolt gun.

Redding is the bomb.

[Boots]

Get this set instead...........

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=271533

Same Competition Seating Die but comes with a better full-length sizing die which uses interchangeable bushings to control neck tension. This you can use with either a semiauto or a bolt gun.

Redding is the bomb.

Good call ! Yeah, forgot about the Type S dies.

[walkstep]

How do I choose a bushing?

[FLIGHT762]

How do I choose a bushing?

You measure the outside diameter of the case neck of a loaded round with a mic or I used a set of digital calipers, which worked (my dial calipers were not accurate enough). I used factory loaded ammo for my measurements.

You get your measurements and then subtract .001". That will be your bushing size. For Federal brass, I use a .337" bushing. For Winchester brass, I use a .333" bushing and for Hornady brass, I use a .331" bushing.

** This was with .308 Winchester ammo/dies**

You will then need to decide if you want the plain bushings (about $12.00 ea.) or the TiN bushings (about $22.00 ea.). I bought the Tin (Titanium nitride coating) bushings, no need to use lube.

Remember to remove the .308 expander in your sizing die(it comes from the factory with one installed) unscrew, it and replace it with the non expanding decapper nut which is also provided in the die box.

**Read the instructions thoroughly on how to install the bushings.**

[walkstep]

Flight762, thanks for the detailed info. I will get the mic out and start measuring different brands. It looks like the TiN bushings are the way to go.

[killshot44]

How do I choose a bushing?

The bushing size sets your neck tension. I would start .002 lower than the largest size you measure and get four bushings in decreasing size.
You want enough tension so the bullet doesn't move while chambering or from recoil while in the magazine. I never crimp my rifle cartridges.

For my .223, PMC brass I need a .244 bushing but for LC brass I only need a .246 due to the slightly larger casewall width at the neck.

The Type S bushing dies cannot be beat. Flight762's post is all right on. Don't forget to remove the expander ball!
I'm using the steel bushings and the Imperial Sizing wax works great with them, no binding.