Neck sizing die

[XXX]

Which brand is the preferred die for neck sizing only? I currently am trying out the LEE neck collet die since it has many positive reviews. Have been considering a Redding S type neck sizer as I ultimately would like to shoot 1000 yards with my .308 Tikka.

[CSACANNONEER]

Preferred? I'd say a custom die cut with the same reamer that your chamber was cut with. But, for neck sizing, that's really not required. Redding, CH4D or some other bushing type neck sizer would be my choice.

[JMP]

This is the best one.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/160954/redding-competition-bushing-neck-sizer-die-308-winchester

For .308 Winchester, you will need neck bushings that vary as much as .331"-.338" depending on your brass and desired neck tension. Figure out the thickness of your brass's neck before you buy the bushings. Average brass will use .334" or .335", but Winchester, for example will need a smaller bushing and Lapua will need a larger bushing.

[gunboat]

What's wrong with just backing your full length die off about one turn?

[FLIGHT762]

[Enfield47]

I've had good success with the Lee collet neck sizing dies for my .30-06 and .303 British. The neck tension has been perfect for both calibers using HPBT and flat base bullets. You will eventually have to FL size after a few firings but it does save unnecessary working of the brass.

[LynnJr]

Redding neck dies are very popular.
You want to seat a bullet in the brass you will be using then measure the necks outside diameter and order a bushing 0.003 smaller than that.
Titanium coated bushings are highly recommended as they don't scratch your necks from insufficient lube like steel bushings will.

[J-cat]

What's wrong with just backing your full length die off about one turn?

It still overworks the neck.

It does not size enough of the neck on short necked rounds.

It does not work on milspec chambers cuz the case expands so much that the shoulder gets pushed forward as soon as the case enters the die.

[XXX]

Thanks for all of the responses fellas. I have been playing with the Lee Collet die a bit and it seems to be working ok. Fairly simple once you get the hang of it and you don't have to hassle with bushings. My 300 yard loads seem fairly accurate as well. If I run into issues, I will go for the redding neck sizing die.

[Gasman]

What kind of runout are you getting with the Lee collet neck die? How much improvement are you looking or expecting to get by changing dies?

One thing that you should bear in mind is that neck sizing with bushing dies is best done with either neck-turned brass or brass that is very consistent in thickness to begin with (as Lapua and Norma brass often, but not always, are). Otherwise, you're really just wasting you time.

[hanover67]

I used an RCBS neck sizing die for my .308 match rifle when I was shooting Highpower matches. I used Winchester brass, Sierra 168gr MK bullets, Federal 210M primers and IMR 4064 powder. I only neck sized brass for the 600-yard stage and it was fine. Of course it is up to you how far you want to go in seeking better accuracy. Part of my thinking was to simplify the reloading process so I could do more shooting.