question about competition dies

[StudentOfTheArts]

Guys,
Sorry if this has been asked before.. just wondering.
I am new to reloading and will be reloading 223, 22-250, 308, 30-06 mainly. My question do i really need competition dies? What is the benefit/drawback to them or not having them? Can i do just as well with standard dies?

Inquiring minds wanna know

Sota

 

[kvwpwr]

Re: question about competition dies

What purpose are you reloading for? Target? Plinking? Hunting? Just to save money?

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: question about competition dies

There are dies with a micrometer on top. The use of the micrometer allows making subtle, precise, and repeatable adjustments. These are great for running experiments. However, standard dies can achieve the same results--they just make the reloader work harder to get there.

There are <Redding> dies that support the case in a sliding sleave when sizing the neck of seating a bullet. These dies enhance the concentricity of the case/cartrige.

In my opinion, the micrometer is great for running jump experiments, and not so great for running neck sizing depth experiments.

 

[hamstur]

Re: question about competition dies

My buddy is going through this same debate. Best comparison I was able to muster is comparing it to rifle scopes.

- Standard die is like using a vintage scope ... if you shoot 2" high at 100 yards, you have to use a screwdriver to adjust the windage/elevation knobs and guesstimate a 2" movement, then re-shoot to test. Same for the die ... if you want to seat 0.030" deeper, you use a wrench/screwdriver to adjust seating depth, re-seat the bullet, then measure again and see how close you got.

- Micrometer die is like a premium scope with premium turrets. Off by 2" at 100 yards? Crank it 8 notches of 0.25 MOA and you know you're zero'ed.

IMHO, the micrometer die is well worth the money -- in the end, the amount of rounds you will put down range & time you save loading will eclipse the extra few dollars.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Re: question about competition dies

My rational for micrometer dies. Three bullets, one die, die settings written in my load journal. Easily repeatable, no tinkering.

 

[StudentOfTheArts]

Re: question about competition dies

KVW,
I'm looking for 223 match loading and varmint hunting. The 308 tac matches. The -06 hunting. The 250 varmint hunting.

Sota