Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

[Tomekeuro85]

I Dont really have time to research all this like I used to, so I'll give the best help I can.

I know forster and redding are among the top choices, so probably one of those..

I prefer to FL size every time, so thats one thing I can help with.

Its for mostly precision target shooting.. Trying to get the smallest groups possible obviously.

I dont really know what neck tension to choose, etc.

Ive heard the expander ball is not as good to use, so alternatives?

Dont want the micrometer top either, I have lots of other measuring tools.

It'll be for either 168 or 175 smk. The reason I want new ones is that it seems my lee dies that i started with when I was poorer and first started reloading dont cut it anymore. I dont like the non support of the body during seating. Also it makes the neck a bit too tight and it shaves copper off the bullet and that doesnt appeal to me very much either. Plus I'm sure the better ones will most likely yield better accuracy.

So, with that info, what would you guys suggest?

 

[Jrb572]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

Redding Dies
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1128249

 

[donws2]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

I use Forster's and shot a 6" 1000 yard group with my Crusader just three weeks ago. I think thats a fair group for 308. Donald

 

[Falar]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

I'm a big fan of Redding, hard to go wrong with an S bushing neck sizer die and competition seating die.

 

[oldreliable45120]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

Go with Redding full length comp bushing dies. They have micrometer adjustments so you can make fine adjustments until you get the neck and bullet seating the way you want. As for bushings, measure a loaded case with the bullet you intend to use and sub .001-.002 to find the right size.

 

[mattmcg]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

Another Redding fan here. Buy the Redding Type S full length sizer die, a Type S neck sizer die (which you will want at some point, trust me), and the Redding micrometer bullet seater die. That setup will give you everything you need to properly load for your 308 with precision in mind.

 

[mattmcg]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

And for neck tension, measure your necks with a set of calipers or ball micrometer, multiply by two, and subtract .003". With brass typically stretching back .001", you will have .002" of neck tension.

For my Lapua cases (which I turn to .016" thickness), here is the math I use:
Case neck thickness = .016" x2
Bullet diameter = .308
Total diameter = .340
minus desired neck tension = -.002
budget for brass fallback = -.001
Desired bushing size = .337" for .002" neck tension

I find that Winchester and Remington cases can range from .015"-.017", LC NATO stuff is typically a bit higher. Lapua cases stay pretty consistent between .0155"-.0170". I purchased the Redding .336", .337", and .338" bushings to pretty much cover the gamut.

Hope that helps..............

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a big fan of Redding, hard to go wrong with an S bushing neck sizer die and competition seating die. </div></div>

+1

 

[1911.it]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

Redding type s with 335 bushing

 

[Tomekeuro85]

Re: Need new dies for .308 Crusader... Which ones?

Got the reddings, they work pretty well.