Accuracy loading, multiple calibers..Which dies???

[redneck2]

I'm loading .223, 22-250, .25-06, and 7mm Rem mag for prarie dog hunting. As with most that reload, I'd like to get maximum brass life and accuracy.

I realize that neck sizing versus full length can add accuracy and life to the brass. Looking for opinions on neck size only (perhaps Redding "S" die) that I could use for all the above calibers.

Confusing part is looking thru the Midway catalog. Every manufacturer offers a dozen different dies, and each delivers maximum accuracy

I really don't want to invest $75 in each caliber and find out there's something better. Help appreciated.

 

[swifter]

For economy, the Lee Collett Neck die offers many of the benefits of a bushing die for less $$.

I'd think about the Redding 'S' FL die. You can set the bushing to size as much of the neck as needed, and also set the FL to "bump" the shoulder back 0.002" to give good brass life and reliable feeding.
The Forster micrometer seater is as repeatable as the Redding, for a bit less money.

This is the direction I'd go if I was replacing my Redding Competition stuff.

Tom

 

[cheygriz]

You might someday find a die that's as good as a Redding, but I seriously doubt you'll find a better one.

Just my personal opinion, but I would avoid Lee like the plague.

 

[Wildalaska]

I use Hornady, but only for 6.5x55 and 308

WildthatsmystoryandimstickingbyitAlaska

 

[Smokey Joe]

What dies?

IMX, RCBS dies are great for general work & FL resizing. I got my first set of Lee Collet dies for neck-size-only work (in .30-'06) years & years ago and they're still going strong, and I believe what they say about a collet die getting you more accuracy AND longer case life.

You'll receive good reviews about each of the major manufacturers, I expect, and someone will flame Lee Precision on general principles, I also expect. You hear good and bad things about Lee, but their dies are generally regarded, I believe, as equal in quality to those of the other majors. And there is nothing else like the Lee Collet Die for neck-sizing-only.

I started with RCBS because I got a used RCBS Rockchucker and the RCBS dies that came with the pacage. Liked the equipment and so when new caliber was needed, guess what I bought. Betcha that's how most people "choose" a die manufacturer.

Bought the Lee Collet dies because the advertising AND the independent reviews of same were so interesting. Now have Lee Collets in 2 other calibers as well; they also work nice.

My final choice: Buy whatever major-manufacturer die will do what you want, to the case you want to do it to. If you can get 'em used-but-not-abused, so much the better. The gun shows I got to almost invariably have used dies; you just have to wait for the particular one you want, to show up.

 

[Clark]

I like Forster dies with the expander ball removed.
I have a 5 shot group of .4moa that way.

With vanilla RCBS dies and the expander ball removed I have shot 1 moa.