Innovative Technologies Die

[axarob44]

Do I NEED the Larry Willis collet die for .300 WM. Can I get away with waiting until I get a few loads on this new brass (Norma) or should I just use it from the start? Right now I ordered and will use the LEE collet neck die (actually the full set and a Redding seater). How long does it usually take for the case to get the bulge at the belt? Any of you .300 guys have any input?

ETA: Well, I just found this wealth of information. Sorry Duh! http://www.larrywillis.com/answers.html

 

[GIXXER2000]

When first stared shooting 300wm I was using Federal brass from 190 smk factory loads I had issues after the 2nd firing so I got a Willis die. The primmer pockets got loose after 3 firings so I scraped the Federal brass. I am now shooting Nosler brass and have 2 firings and brass is good to go. I am thinking I may use the Willis collet die after the 3rd firing if needed. I am shooting 215 hybrids at 2850fps any faster and the groups open up. The Willis die is a great tool to have and work as advertised.

 

[axarob44]

When first stared shooting 300wm I was using Federal brass from 190 smk factory loads I had issues after the 2nd firing so I got a Willis die. The primmer pockets got loose after 3 firings so I scraped the Federal brass. I am now shooting Nosler brass and have 2 firings and brass is good to go. I am thinking I may use the Willis collet die after the 3rd firing if needed. I am shooting 215 hybrids at 2850fps any faster and the groups open up. The Willis die is a great tool to have and work as advertised.

Kind of off topic from the die but, you're shooting the 215's, I shied away from them because Berger says I need a 9 twist. Does your rifle have a 9 twist or is 2850 fast enough to stabilize them? I really would have liked to shoot those 215's. I went ahead and bought a couple boxes of the Berger 210 long range HPBT instead

 

[GIXXER2000]

I have shot the 215's in 2 different 1-10 twist barrels 1 was 24in and now my current barrel is 26in. I have had no issue accuracy wise when zeroing or out passed 1500 yards. They both shot better then 1/2 moa. I have used the 215's at my local 1000 yard match and score in the low 90's usually with 1 or 2 in the X ring if I read the wind and don't rush my shots . Both barrels were made by Dave Tooley and we talked about twist rate had he said 1-10 was plenty good for the 215's. He actually likes the 208 AMAX/ ELD-M better out pasted 1000 yard but for me the 215 works a little better
On another note I shoot 185 hybrid in my 308 with a 1-12 26 in barrel with the same results accuracy wise. Hope this helps

 

[wapiti16b]

If you plan on multiple re-loading 300WM the Larry Willis Die is a must ! , you may not need it every loading depending on how hot you load . The die has a built in gauge to measure expansion , if it fits easily you do not need to belt size . I resize with the LW die every time out of habit and uniformity but that's just me !

 

[axarob44]

Yes, thank you both for the input. I think I'll get some 215's to try out then. I will get the collet die also. Thank you!

ETA: You know it's funny too that Berger lists the 230gr Hybrid in the loading manual saying that twist of 1:10 or faster is good to go. But the website says 1:9. Kind of confusing for a newbie like me. And, they don't even list any load data for the 215 Hybrid in any cartridge.