338 lapua dies?

[Grizzdude]

Hi everyone, I'm new to reloading and I'll be reloading some .338 lapua real soon here. Right now I'm buying the lyman's reloading manual and getting reloading components. I was planning on buying the rcbs full length die set but I'm not really sure if that's a good choice. Can you guys help me find a good 338 die set? Also I see 2 and 3 die sets, should I go for the 3 die set? I will be using 80's rock chucker for the press, I was told it would work for 338 lapua, can anyone confirm this? thanks

 

[aloreman]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

I use a rock chucker. I use a redding body die a redding s neck die and i seat in a wilson chamber seater

 

[George63]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

Another, I am new to reloading/ will be loading 338 lapua thread

this comes up several times per year

the consensus is always that this is a bad idea - start with something else - 223 and 308 are excellent candidates

for more details a search should pull up the multiple old similar threads

 

[Grizzdude]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

I'll check into the redding dies as I've heard good things about them. So whats with the RCBS dies being crap now a days?

 

[littlerascal56]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

I use the RCBS GOLD series in .338LM. ($125) They take a bushing (RCBS or Redding), and come in Neck or Full Lenght sets. I prefer the FL, and back it out a turn so it does not size the case...just the neck area.

The set comes with a Micrometer seating die, and you just insert the bullet into the open side window and lower your press handle. I like these dies just as well as my Reddings.

 

[High Binder]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grizzdude</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So whats with the RCBS dies being crap now a days? </div></div>


Really??

 

[30SMK]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

I wouldn't say that RCBS is crap now.

I would say that Redding is just a step up in some of their products and you will end up paying for that.

I would get a Redding type S FL size die and a Redding Comp seating die.

 

[Grizzdude]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

Does this sound like what I should go with? Redding Type-S Match Full Length Die Set, Category III Cartridges, it includes the FL size die and a competition seating die for $217. What's with the 3 die neck bushing set for $300, I don't need that one right?

 

[ksthomas]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

Grizzdude,

No, pass on the three-die sets. That third die is a Neck Sizing die, and that's a waste. Neck Sizing is a source of a great many pitfalls and problems that you can do quite nicely without. Stick to Full Length resizing, measure your datum line and avoid setting the shoulder back by more than .002" or so and you'll be good to go. As for the Rock Chucker, yes, it'll handle the 338 Lapua just fine; I've loaded tens of thousands of 338 LM rounds on the Rock Chuckers, and they do a fine job, no problem at all.

 

[Grizzdude]

Re: 338 lapua dies?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kevin Thomas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Grizzdude,

No, pass on the three-die sets. That third die is a Neck Sizing die, and that's a waste. Neck Sizing is a source of a great many pitfalls and problems that you can do quite nicely without. Stick to Full Length resizing, measure your datum line and avoid setting the shoulder back by more than .002" or so and you'll be good to go. As for the Rock Chucker, yes, it'll handle the 338 Lapua just fine; I've loaded tens of thousands of 338 LM rounds on the Rock Chuckers, and they do a fine job, no problem at all. </div></div>

Awsome, Thanks Kevin