On the fence for new dies

[K_4c]

I just sold my redding .308 Winchester dies (refer to link below) to upgrade to some new comp dies (ultilizeing titanium nitride bushing). I mainly load for my OBR and custom bolt action... I've never needed a small base die for my OBR, so they won't be considered.

What's everybodys take on the high speed bushing die sets?

I run dillon dies for my .223's and like those as well.

Old die set... They worked fine but I know there's better...
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/640612/redding-3-die-set-307-308-winchester


I figure the 308 and 223 F/L dies w/ the Ti bushings -.001, -.002 and -.003 would suit my needs...

Links are always helpful.

 

[K_4c]

Re: On the fence for new dies

Any feedback guys? I have no dies on hand... Therefore may addiction has went cold turkey and I need to buy something soon to feed the need...

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: On the fence for new dies

For your custom bolt action consider making up your own set. For my .308 I find myself frequently using my Lee Collet Die for neck sizing only. I then use a Redding S type Seating die that I've added the micrometer seating plug to.

When the cases get a little hard to chamber, and the bolt needs more "ooomph" to close, I then use a Forster Shoulder Bump/Neck Size die without the bushing. I just push the shoulder back enough to allow the case to chamber easily and leave the rest of the body alone. Very little change of case capacity that way. I then will use the Lee Collet to neck size.

Try as I might, I haven't found a die that makes straighter cases, with lower run out, than the Lee.

If you aren't neck turning, then bushing dies will tend to drive you nuts. They require a uniform neck thickness to work the way they're designed. A good set of uniform cases (neck turned) with the proper bushing, can yield near perfect neck tensions on every sizing. Otherwise you have to use an expander and that just adds to the work hardening of the case.

The Lee Collet just squeezes the neck down to the mandrel. If you want a different neck tension, Lee will make you a custom mandrel for very little $$. Since their system uses the mandrel as the 'control', there is no need for neck turning other than for making the metal "spring" more consistent.

 

[K_4c]

Re: On the fence for new dies

Thanks for the feedback Deadshot2....

However I ended up with these components:
Redding Type S Match Bushing 2-Die Set 308 Winchester
Redding Neck Sizer Die Bushing 335 Diameter Titanium Nitride
Redding Neck Sizer Die Bushing 334 Diameter Titanium Nitride
Redding Neck Sizer Die Bushing 333 Diameter Titanium Nitride
Imperial Dry Neck Lube Application Media 1 oz

This should suit my needs... perhaps some comp shell holders to ensure my shoulder gets bumped back enough but I'll try my RCBS ones first and see if they are needed.