SAC Modular Sizing Die vs. Area 419 M Series

[C130]

I have read through several of the threads regarding these two dies and it seems the SAC is the preferred die. I was about to order the SAC and the mandrel is sold out but I emailed them and they have another one that will give about .0025 thousands of neck tension vs. .002 so assume this is close enough and not a big deal. Then I got to looking at he Area 419 M Series again and like some of the options it has so trying to decide which one to get. Brownell's has a good sale right now and the M Series can be bought at a decent price with their veteran discount plus their Memorial day discount.

So, for those that have used both does anyone prefer the M Series over the SAC? I like the M Series micrometer adjustable head space feature but not worried about the SAC way of adjusting either. My plan is to most likely switch calibers (probably 6 dasher) within a year or two so it appears I can just get a new die sleeve for the M series if I go with that option. I am sure both are great and other is more than I need but just wanted some opinions.

 

[Maurygold]

Sac all day.

 

[GenericBadGuy]

The idea behind the Area 419 M Series die is cool but the mandrel system in my expierence tended to make it tough to resize brass because it would get caught on the neck on the upstroke. Mine would also scratch brass. You also need a press or press head that can accomodate 1 1/4" M series dies.

I went back to Bullet Central Micron dies after testing M Series dies. I would recommend SAC over Area 419 until they revise the M series.

 

[C130]

Thanks, I've noticed Area 419 has been sold out of the 6.5cm, not sure about the other calibers, for a while. So, wondering if they are making some changes.

 

[GenericBadGuy]

Thanks, I've noticed Area 419 has been sold out of the 6.5cm, not sure about the other calibers, for a while. So, wondering if they are making some changes.

They're working on releasing a revised version of their S Series which is more of a standard 7/8" size die. Apparently the first batch they made was machined too short for standard presses and would be best used with a Zero press.

This is all to say I doubt they will be changing the M Series anytime soon. They just tend to have smaller runs of product because they don't make as much volume as say Hornady or RCBS.

 

[HemiPowrd]

I have both the 6.5CM M series and the SAC die. I like the SAC die better because it doesn't work the brass in the neck as hard. The A419 die sizes the neck too small and then opens it back with the mandrel which makes it a bit sticky as the mandrel goes back through the neck. In my case this is with Lapua brass. If you use thinner wall brass then the A419 doesn't have this issue. Both work just fine, but the SAC is smoother and doesn't overwork the neck. This is due the the A419 die not having any adjustment for how much it sizes the neck.

 

[C130]

I have both the 6.5CM M series and the SAC die. I like the SAC die better because it doesn't work the brass in the neck as hard. The A419 die sizes the neck too small and then opens it back with the mandrel which makes it a bit sticky as the mandrel goes back through the neck. In my case this is with Lapua brass. If you use thinner wall brass then the A419 doesn't have this issue. Both work just fine, but the SAC is smoother and doesn't overwork the neck. This is due the the A419 die not having any adjustment for how much it sizes the neck.

Thanks, that seems to be the common complaint I hear. Right now I’m using a bunch of 1x fired Hornady brass I have but will eventually switch to Lapua.

 

[Drbobinmo]

I contemplated this same question for a long time as I was switching to 6BRA. Went with SAC and couldn’t be happier. Very consistent sizing and the way the mandrel works just after neck sizing portion is well thought out and very smooth. Also a plus not needing any mods to my Co-ax press to use it.

Paired with the SAC seating die, I’m having the lowest SD’s ever in my ammo. Will buy the same setup for all future calibers