.270 Win Die Set Recommendations

[WNTFW]

I want to start reloading .270 Win for a bolt action rifle. I have some once fired brass that came from that rifle. I also have brass that is range pickup.

I have read & researched. ABC's of reloading & web. I'm just hitting a wall on deciding what brand & set to go with. I will be using single stage press.

I take it neck size only is good for my brass once fired from my rifle - it easily re-chambers.

I take it full size needs to be done on the range pickup - It will not easliy chamber in my rifle. ( I was not going to force it in )

Should I just get a set such as Lee Deluxe Rifle 3-Die Set, RCBS X-die or Redding 3 die set. Would it be better to make up a set from a mix of individual dies. RCBS X-die, RCBS Competition Seater & Lee FCD as an example.

I'm starting enjoy the precision bolt gun with scope aspect of shooting. I would like to acheive better accuracy. This will be my first attemp at reloading a bolt gun. .223 for AR is the only other bottleneck rifle I did. I'm aware of other aspects of reloading like trimming & case lube. I do consider myself a novice. The dies are the main issue at the moment.

Thanks,
WNTFW

 

[1911user]

I would start with the Lee deluxe die set. It has a full length and neck sizing die plus a seating die and shellholder. For a bolt action 270, you don't need to crimp the ammo; semi-autos do need a crimp IMO. If you don't like the full-length sizing for some reason, I'd pick up a FL die set from hornady and keep using the Lee die for neck sizing.

 

[WNTFW]

1911user,
Thanks for the info. I have seen that on the crimping. I have a 50% semi-auto mode going, that is why i included it - bad example to use.

I don't quite follow this: "If you don't like the full-length sizing for some reason, I'd pick up a FL die set from hornady and keep using the Lee die for neck sizing."

Mostly I hear neck size only bolt bolt guns, FL sizing will be required after so many repeat firings or on range pickup brass. That was my understanding of the way it works.

Thanks again,
WNTFW

 

[kir_kenix]

if it is hunting ammo u might want to consider fl sizing anyway. id rather get one less loading out of my hunting brass then not be able to get a follow up shot in my dirty/hot/cold chamber when i need it. also, i like a crimp on my hunting ammo that might get knocked around or chambered multiple times before being fired.

im a big fan of hornady dies. i own quite a few sets of lee dies (i do like the lee collet die and factory crimp die), but i would rather pay the extra $5-6 at my dealer to pick up hornady, rcbs, or lyman dies. i hate the lock rings that come w/ lee dies. thats just me tho.

just something to think about. then again...maybe im just doing too much thinking

 

[jeepmor]

The used RCBS dies I purchased recently have done a nice job. If you want to drive tacks at 600 yards, you might want to consider something better like the neck sizing dies from Redding or similar and a seater die with the micrometer adjuster on it. If you're just hunting with the gun, like myself, I'd just buy a regular 2 die set like the RCBS I just mentioned.

I haven't shot these rounds yet, but in my 300WSM with the RCBS dies, I was printing 0.6" groups at 100 yards.

 

[redneck2]

IMO....It seems that running loads low to mid range makes brass stretch a lot less and helps cases life. I've got Hornady, Lee, and RCBS dies. If I were you, I'd start with Lee Deluxe and try the collet. Works great once you get it set up right. I had trouble with mine for 25-06. There's a sliding part inside that wasn't moving and I was crushing necks. Got that worked out and it's OK now.

Be SURE to set it up per instructions. The collet die is considerably different from conventional dies.

 

[WNTFW]

Mainly paper punching & targets is the use.

Kir_Kenix,
I follow you. After hearing about the lock rings with the set screw that is what I want. The Lee's appear to have a O-ring, which would I don't think i'd like. Several times I've had seen post here saying change over to the setscrew type & die changes are easier.

Jeepmor,
Can't say I expect to drive tack @ 600. But I'd like do sub MOA out to 300, which is about as long as a few ranges here go. 100 yds is the norm.
I'm leaning towards precision. Quality over quantity. The micrometer die looks like trial & error would be reduced on seating adjustments.

Redneck2
I'm not the max load type. Lighter loads are fine with me. The heavy load needs to have a real benefit to be used by me.


I guess I'm going to Cabela's near me & looking at them side by side. I tried a local store. No selection, the prices are very high & the guy knows less than I do. (You need short base dies) I don't need small base or $4 dollar primers I got for $2.30 at a local store in another town. I support small/local business but they gotta help themsleves.

Thanks,
WNTFW

 

[kir_kenix]

wntf:
for punching paper i would totally agree w/ just a neck size. u might be suprised about the crimp tho, some loads shoot better w/ a crimp (just one more thing to experiment with). i prefer the split ring style lock rings myself as u cant strip them out.

u might want to look at redding competition or forster br dies if u are looking at precision. both are acutely adjustable and precise.

good luck and have fun.

 

[jenrob]

You can also neck size with your FL sizer. I would also recommend the Redding competition dies or Forster Ultra BR dies. I like the Hornady and forster rings hornady has flat sides for wrenching. I thought about the hornady dies and for pistol there great. Think there some of the smoothest dies but like the seater dies of Forster and Redding.
You will have to FL size every so many loads so you are going to need the FL any ways.