SAC does not currently offer 300NM, nor does Area419. Both of them are supposed to size the base smaller than regular dies. I am using a recent-production Redding S-Type and I'm having a terrible time with clickers on the 3rd firing because it isn't sizing the base enough. I've found only two other options that might solve the problem - 1) Cortina Mandrel Expander die that also resizes the base smaller than a normal sizing die, and 2) Micron Precision bushing die that sizes the whole case, including the base to a smaller dimension than regular dies. The Micron was out of stock and was expected to be a month out so I ordered the Cortina Mandrel die on Friday, primarily just to resize the base. Then I checked today and the Micron was back in stock so I sucked it up and ordered it too. Hopefully, one of them will stop the clickers. Interesting to note is that I've been using the Redding Type-S in 338NM (same case except for the neck) with no problems since 2014. I have to wonder if my 300NM Redding die (recent production) is out-of-spec.
I did OK until my 3rd firing. Keep us posted. Mine might be out-of-spec?
Some great info thanks for sharing. What size bushing are you using? 335?
I’m using Lapua brass and Berger 245’s.
I bought the jgs 35 norma imp aw reamer and a micron die to match. Had to send it back as it was overworking the body by about 6 thou iirm.
Nice die but it wasn't the best cs. I did eventually receive a working die. 8 sizes in and no clickers but I do get the weird line above the web like most folks at matches I see running 300nm imp chambers.
I top out at 3060 with 87 gr of retumbo and the newer 230 smk
Nice die but it wasn't the best cs. I did eventually receive a working die. 8 sizes in and no clickers but I do get the weird line above the web like most folks at matches I see running 300nm imp chambers.
I top out at 3060 with 87 gr of retumbo and the newer 230 smk
Have you tried it yet? I’m curious if there’s a measurable difference in accuracy/precision?
Also, how much is that die compared to a quality off the shelf?
-TIA-
Really interested in the Cortina Mandrel Sizing die. Sizing of the brass is the one thing about this cartridge that seems to be a PITA to get right. Very inconsistent if I would get a clicker or not. I have learned to bump it down 3-5 thou to get it to chamber and not all of the Lapua brass would do it either.
No, have not yet tried this custom die…it arrived yesterday.
I have been using Cortina’s mandrel expander dies for .300 PRC, .300NM, and 33XC. All do a nice job of sizing the case body to eliminate “clickers”.
I will report back once I’ve used Cortina custom sizing die.
As for pricing: contact Clay or Mitch at Cortina Precision.
I have been using Cortina’s mandrel expander dies for .300 PRC, .300NM, and 33XC. All do a nice job of sizing the case body to eliminate “clickers”.
I will report back once I’ve used Cortina custom sizing die.
As for pricing: contact Clay or Mitch at Cortina Precision.
I believe once you have a case that is giving you clickers you are not going to be able to get rid of it with a tighter fitting/resizing die, even a small die. Those will most likely prevent them but I don’t see it squeezing the web back enough. I don’t think a 7/8 die is thick enough for .585 cases also. Best to jump up to 1-1/4 dies. I’ve fought this same issue with the .338 Norma. Less die options for that too. The only thing that has cured clickers is the universal Rollsizer. F class John did a nice review on it. I saw it at shot show this year. Ended up buying one. And it’s legit. It works very well. It’s expensive but considering lapua 338 Norma brass is $400 a box now I justified it.
Did you purchase the hand crank RollSizer or the 110v powered model?
If you have the hand cranked version how laborious is it to base size 50 or so magnum cases in a session?
If you have the hand cranked version how laborious is it to base size 50 or so magnum cases in a session?
BC Micron bushing sizing die is back in stock.
Almost - I use 83gr of N565 with 220 LRHTs in one of my barrels. I think N565 is well suited to 210-230gr bullet weights. For the heavy 245-250gr bullets N570 & N170 are a better fit.
Don’t discount N565 for the heavier 245gr class of bullets.
81.5gr of N565 is getting me about 2930fps with a 245 LRHT - mind you, the barrel is 30” long, but still very consistent with SD’s around 3-4.
For whatever reason, I could not get N570 and my barrel to get along at all.
81.5gr of N565 is getting me about 2930fps with a 245 LRHT - mind you, the barrel is 30” long, but still very consistent with SD’s around 3-4.
For whatever reason, I could not get N570 and my barrel to get along at all.
Man I haven’t even touched my new AXSR 300 norma barrel. I had one about 4 years ago, and had to sell some shit with financials, but I had a lot of issues with dies with 300NM. I’m shooting my PRC since SAC makes dies. Should be another month or two and they’ll have 300 NM and 338 LM dies done in told.
Did you try the Micron die? I’m assuming your issues involved insufficient sizing at the base?
I did. It seemed to size them fine, however when I got the die it would not thread into my a419 press. The threads were way out of spec.
Keep in mind I had a bunch of dies that worked just fine in the turret head. When I called to resolve the issue they guaranteed me their die was not the problem, it’s your turret head on that damn press, yadda yadda yadda. I end up having a friend clean up the threads and got it to work, however I never was happy with how everything went. Shortly after, I sold the rifle.
I can’t think of one single time I’ve ever had an issue with anything SAC. Every time I use them, barrel vise, sizing dies, seating dies, etc…every time I’m like wow, this shit is nicely made and works really well.
It was probably both the die and the turret. Both companies are using very tight tolerances on their thread patterns, so the Zero will accept normal die threads with minimal slop, and the Micron will screw into normal press threads with minimal slop, but the Micron won’t screw into the Zero. This is now stated in the FAQs on the Micron site. They supposedly relaxed the tolerance on their threads a little so they will now fit the Zero, but I just had to send one back because it would not fit my Zero. I just had them hand select another one that fit (albeit tightly) in their own Zero turret and send it to me. We’ll see it this one fits, but if not I’ll probably have the threads relieved a little as you did. I may still buy the SAC die if it ever comes out, or the Area 419 M-series, if they EVER do one.
Don’t count on the SAC die working in your Zero. They’re supposed to be a 1” die.
Unless A419 is going to make a hybrid turret with a 1” hole instead of the 7/8” and 1-1/4” holes, I think we’re shit out of luck.
Unless A419 is going to make a hybrid turret with a 1” hole instead of the 7/8” and 1-1/4” holes, I think we’re shit out of luck.
I had not heard they were 1” threads. The ones they make for 300PRC and 300WM are 7/8”. Have you heard the 300NM will be 1” instead?
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Yes. Phone conversation with SAC mentioned 1” dies for the Norma/Lapua size cases. I can only speculate as to why, but that’s the information that I have. I hope that’s either outdated information or they’ll reconsider, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I can see the rationale for doing it, to keep the wall-thickness up for the larger bore of the die. I haven’t seen anyone definitively show that it is necessary, though. As you said, I guess we wait and see.
Ahhh so it is an issue then lol. I have no rash feelings about the experience. I’m not against them by any means.
I will say, I got two A419 dies and mandrels for 22cm, 6CM, and 6.5 cm. The die is very nice, and the micro adjust is awesome but I will say, I don’t like not being able to select neck bushings. I feel as if it’s sizing them down way to far, then the expander opens them back up to -.002. When I use lapua brass, and sometimes alpha does this too, pulling the case back through the mandrel takes some serious force even for something as small as a 6CM…
I’m getting fine results, low single digit sd’s, but I hate how much force you have to use on some stuff. Something to think about for someone looking to buy.
My SAC dies take 1/4 to 1/2 the force at the handle as the A419.
I agree about the M-series neck sizing. I have one in 300PRC and wish I could size the neck less.
Also, the threads are 1"-16 instead of 1"-14, so existing adapters for RCBS and Redding presses wont work. It will only work in the Nexus as far as I can tell.
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Is this a unique thread pattern for SAC? I don't recall any other die makers using that thread off the top of my head.Also, the threads are 1"-16 instead of 1"-14, so existing adapters for RCBS and Redding presses wont work. It will only work in the Nexus as far as I can tell.
I've been begging them for 2 years, every chance I get. It's always, "We'll probably do that real soon." I think they must have made the guy at IP the project manager for this one.
