Purchasing my first die set (Redding)... opinions appreciated

[Trek]

As the BF buying season is here... I’d like to ask for opinions on the following approach. New to reloading - press will be a Forster co-ax... I have lots of time to sort this out. Loading 308 to start into an AIAX for PRS/F-TR - I have 1200 pieces of Lapua brass to start with. Decided to work with Redding based on the consensus of my research.

Plan is to purchase an annealing solution.

With that in mind...

1) Benefit of a separate decapping die (Redding/Lee)
2) Redding S Full Length resizing die (do I remove the expander ball to create a body sizing die - thoughts?)
3) Option... if I remove the expander ball, I’ll require an expander collet die/insert die (Sinclair) to reset desired neck tension (hopefully my word track is close... on this description)
4) Redding micro seating die to finish the process

Key decision - retain the expander ball in the FL die or be more proactive on a third step... and what die/tool set is recommended.

Thanks for taking the time to assist.

 

[Kbh]

I load lapua brass right out of the box with a light inside and outside deburr of the case mouth and deburr the flash hole. I de-prime using a Lee die and lee hand press. After first firing I use Redding full length bushing die with expander removed to set neck tension at .002 on lapua brass. Currently using an rcbs chargemaster lite to weigh powder and seating with an rcbs micro seating die. I also shoot 308 in an AIAX mostly on steel. I dont shoot many groups after load workup and truing but my loads stay under moa for verticle out to 1125 yards.

 

[spiche]

I've started using my Redding FL bushing die without the expander ball, then a Sinclair carbide mandrel to get my neck tension just right.
I found that simply neck sizing, my SD numbers were a bit high for my liking.
However, once I started mandrel expanding, my SDs dropped significantly across the board with no other changes. I did drop down .001 on my neck bushing when I started using the mandrel to make sure the mandrel had room to do its job.

I am also using the Redding competition seater with VLD stem.


Good luck,
Steve

 

[ShtrRdy]

A couple questions:

Why is it necessary to decap as an extra step?

When using an expander to set neck tension, how much larger does the mandrel need to be to reach the inside neck diameter goal?

 

[Rlandry]

I use a .002" expander mandrel on all of my rifle loads instead of the expander ball in the die. It may not make any difference, but I just think it's less likely to produce runn out than a ball which can possible stretch the neck sideways. JMHO

 

[spiche]

A couple questions:

Why is it necessary to decap as an extra step?

When using an expander to set neck tension, how much larger does the mandrel need to be to reach the inside neck diameter goal?

I've been using the Sinclair .241 carbide mandrel for my 6mms. They list this size as a "neck turning mandrel". It feels to me that this size gives me just the right amount of neck tension.

They also have a .242" one listed as an expander mandrel. I have not tried that size.

 

[Trek]

I've started using my Redding FL bushing die without the expander ball, then a Sinclair carbide mandrel to get my neck tension just right.
I found that simply neck sizing, my SD numbers were a bit high for my liking.
However, once I started mandrel expanding, my SDs dropped significantly across the board with no other changes. I did drop down .001 on my neck bushing when I started using the mandrel to make sure the mandrel had room to do its job.

I am also using the Redding competition seater with VLD stem.


Good luck,
Steve

Steve... would my choice of bullet benefit from a VLD seating stem? “Lapua Scenar-L Bullets 30 Caliber (308 Diameter) 175 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Boat Tail”

 

[spiche]

Steve... would my choice of bullet benefit from a VLD seating stem? “Lapua Scenar-L Bullets 30 Caliber (308 Diameter) 175 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Boat Tail”

I am not really familiar with the scenar bullets, but my guess would be yes.

 

[Trek]

. Sorry for the font... didn’t intend to yell LOL... I really appreciate the heads up on the VLTD adjustment I have everything ready to go with Sinclay and Creedmoor just wanting to see if there’s better pricing in the morning but the VLD stem for the Reading comp die is in the cart! Thanks again. ?

 

[Kbh]

I'm loading 185 scenars with the standard rcbs seater with no problems

 

[Nimothy]

A couple questions:

Why is it necessary to decap as an extra step?

When using an expander to set neck tension, how much larger does the mandrel need to be to reach the inside neck diameter goal?

I decap in a separate step for cleaning purposes, but I guess it could also throw off you shoulder bump measurements. The key to precision is consistency. And the more you break down your sizing process into separate groups the more you can dial and quality control your ammo. ( I’m my opinion brass prep is the most important part of precision reloading) I also uses Sinclair mandrel, the standard one does just fine I think it’s .002 under. You should definitely expand the necks on virgin lapua brass as it’s probably at .005 neck tension, and will make for wonky load development. Good luck, and welcome to the rabbit hole!!! Lol also spend the money on the type s dies and buy 3 bushings (one the size you need, one above one under) right off the bat. It’ll save you shipping and let you adjust as your brass work hardens if you aren’t planning on annealing. Don’t forget to remove the expander!