GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

[TexasShadow]

Hey everyone my Custom build will be here shortly and want to start buying components to reload in 338 Lapua Magnum.

What is the best Die set up to get out there?Do I need a bushing?Any advice on components would greatly be appreciated!

 

[Blackbrush]

Re: GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

There's no real difference despite the mystique where the 338LM is concerned. It's just bigger than the usual suspects. I use a Redding Type S FL bushing resizing die and just bump the shoulder back .002" each sizing in a Forster Coax. I seat with a Wilson Micrometer seating die. I had to slightly mod the seating stem so as to not damage VLDs. No voo doo. My seated bullet run out is no more than .001" and length at the ogive varies no more than +/- .0005". I don't think I can improve much on this part of the equation.

My trigger finger is another subject.

 

[bas402]

Re: GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gabbott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There's no real difference despite the mystique where the 338LM is concerned. It's just bigger than the usual suspects. I use a Redding Type S FL bushing resizing die and just bump the shoulder back .002" each sizing in a Forster Coax. I seat with a Wilson Micrometer seating die. I had to slightly mod the seating stem so as to not damage VLDs. No voo doo. My seated bullet run out is no more than .001" and length at the ogive varies no more than +/- .0005". I don't think I can improve much on this part of the equation.

My trigger finger is another subject. </div></div>

I agree and have the same results with my Redding Comp 3 die set, just so I could neck size only if I wanted and I didn't want that expander ball screwing with my necks since the brass is so expensive but that 338LM.
Sully

 

[WindDoper]

Re: GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

1+

 

[SVG308]

Re: GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

I went with Redding Type S neck sizer, Redding body die, and Forster micrometer seating die. Bushing needed for Redding neck die is .365.

 

[.375Mojave]

Re: GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

I am with these guys. A micrometer seating die makes it easier to get to an accurate depth and neck sizing with minimum FL resizing will be kinder to your brass.

Neck sizing also essentially gives you brass that is fire formed to your chamber vs a SAAMI standard. There are minor differences and you will get better alignment from fire formed brass as well as have less work hardening issues resulting from full length resizing.

The .365 neck sizer should give you .002 of neck tension based on a neck wall thickness of .0145. You should verify your brass on this and if you neck turn your brass you may want to go with a .364 neck bushing. That part is just math so act accordingly.

Good luck. Mine is proving to be a very accurate round, hope yours is too.

 

[TexasShadow]

Re: GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

Thanks for the info fellas!

 

[dstewart51]

Re: GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

+1 on the Redding Bushing Comp die set. Only thing I can add is, pick up a few different neck size bushings from .364 to .367. Depending on your chamber and how much the neck of the fired brass expands you may need a slightly bigger or smaller bushing. Also as the brass will thin with each reload. I found a .366 bushing gives me .002" tension. Also like others, I have no issues with runout with the Redding Comp dies.

 

[X-fan]

Re: GONNA START RELOADING IN 338LM WHICH DIE SET UP?

I run a Forster size die (no expander) ground to 0.364 that gives me an average of 0.0024 tension. A 0.365 would be a bit too loose with my brass. This is a cheaper alternative that works at least as well as Redding for you guys on a budget.

FWIW I find my production action rifles shoot more consistently when full length sized. I don't think the actions like having brass under tension. My aftermarket actions don't seem to care..Can't say why as my factory stuff is all blueprinted?