Any reason NOT to use the X-Dies?

[IMtheNRA]

I really like the idea of not having to trim brass anymore, so I was thinking of switching to RCBS X-Dies in .308 and .223

Is there any reason not to?

 

[FM12]

For bolt action guns, get a set of Lee Collet dies. Sizes the neck only and does very little case stretching. No Lube needed, either!

 

[Idano]

IMO not using X-Dies is like not using carbide dies for reloading pistol; you can but why would you? However, I too only neck resize my 22-250 since it is Remington 700 for the same reason as FM12 said because you don't have to use lube. But if I recall correctly from your previous post you are loading the .223 for an AR like most of us; if that is correct you really need to full length resize to guarantee proper cycling especially critical when the gun gets a little dirty.

 

[1911user]

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/XDieProductInstructions.pdf

The instructions give a good idea of what's involved with using it.

 

[IMtheNRA]

Idano nailed it - I reload for an AR rifle, so I full-size the brass each time.

 

[stubbicatt]

I've never seen a really big improvement in accuracy using neck sizing, but I have had some rounds where the bolt didn't want to close on them when they were neck sized.

Full length sizing is not so hard to do, accuracy is as good, and function is much better.

For that reason, I prefer the X die.

 

[30Cal]

I used one for about a year. My only gripe was that the pressure needed to seat a bullet was a lot more variable. It wasn't anything I ever saw on paper shooting match grade service rifle though.

 

[rc109a]

I like them. I have been using them for only three months now and I have not seen any stretching. The cases are always the same length and it makes reloading that much more fun. It is a pain in the neck getting the brass ready to use the dies, but once you do it is a piece of cake.

 

[jeepmor]

Being you don't have to trim as often with the X-dies, I think they are worth the expense. I bump all my shoulders back to fit my bolt gun, these work fine in my AR also. This way I don't have to differentiate between bolt and semi cartridge stocks, they run in either just as they should.

I get subMOA groups from either, so it's all good.