6.5 Dies - Standard vs. Competition

[TwoNiner]

I'm at a die quandary: get a basic die set for the 6.5 creedmoor for $40, or the hornady match set for $75 + $20 for the bushing + 25 for the Hornady Microjust Seating Stem, or go big with the Redding competition die and Type-S full-resizer for $245 with a titanium coated bushing.

I've read up on the need for bushing dies when you're resizing various manufacturers of brass, however, I plan to just use the hornady brass (with 140gr a-max and H4350 powder), so wouldn't the basic hornady die set be ok and not overwork the neck? What are the benefits of going with the expensive match/competition sets in my scenario? I'm new to precision reloading so please excuse me if that's a dumb question!

Also, for you guys that are using the bushing system and reloading the 6.5 with hornady brass, what bushing are you using? I measured a Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 120gr a-max factory round and the neck measured .290 on my made-in-china kobalt digital caliper. I can't say I trust this caliper because it was only $30 at lowes, but it seems to hold a zero. Anyways, I see that Redding recommends you buy a bushing that is 1 thousandth less than the outside diameter. Sound right? I would like to avoid having to buy 4 bushings at $25 a pop.

 

[Aimsmall55]

Get the redding series d along with the micro stem "vld" type. You'll have a fl , neck, and seater with the added micro for like 190$ at most. You can even take the decapper out and bump the shoulder. Also have the hornady fl bushing die. It works very well. Although I must admit I haven't even tried the seater die since Redding works so well.

 

[Aimsmall55]

Oh to get the the original tension needed I'm having to use a .286 and that's with a loaded round at .291

 

[TwoNiner]

Aimsmall,

I found the dies you are referring to:

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/...xe-die-set-series-d-cartridges-prod37892.aspx

...but can't find the micro stem. Does Redding sell the micro stem separately like Hornady does?

Also how did you figure out the proper neck tension and having to use a .286? Did you just try to force the nose of a loaded round into your workbench to make sure it didn't slip? Or is there a more 'precise' way

 

[Aimsmall55]

Aimsmall,

I found the dies you are referring to:

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/...xe-die-set-series-d-cartridges-prod37892.aspx

...but can't find the micro stem. Does Redding sell the micro stem separately like Hornady does?

Also how did you figure out the proper neck tension and having to use a .286? Did you just try to force the nose of a loaded round into your workbench to make sure it didn't slip? Or is there a more 'precise' way

Redding does sell 2 micro stems. 1 vld and the other regular. On the tension ... I bought about 18 boxes of the same lot of brass and in order to get 1x fired brass back to its specs it takes that particular bushing. Go figure... No certain way .... Tried the .290, .288, and they felt like a hotdog in a hallway. .286 feels about as close to the preshot case as I can get. I try not to overthink this shit.... In all honesty, my best loads are new brass... No prep at all... But the .286 works for me. I dunno why. Just does.

 

[ZiaHunter]

I use the Redding Competition die set for my 6.5 CM with a VLD seating stem since I shoot Berger 140 VLD's. Bushing dies are definitely the way to go. I am a bit anal and neck turn all my brass during initial case preparation to achieve consistent neck wall thickness. I think as you proceed with loading the 6.5 CM you will probably find that you will need a range of bushings especially as different brands of brass become available.