Die Questions

[Jmurman]

I am buying a RCBS kit for loading 30-06 in both a Garand and a Rem 700.

I have been told that it would be best to have two separate die sets, one for each rifle.

The RCBS dies that I would choose from would be:

Standard full length die (2pc)

X-Die Set, I guess that this would be specifically for the Garand

the Competition Full Length die.

What should I get? I am confused by the choices and need some advice on this...thanks.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't see a need for separate dies for two guns of the same caliber.

If they turn out to have widely different chambers you might get another set of dies as a matter of convenience so you didn't have to adjust going from one to the other, but that is not real likely.

 

[ocabj]

If I didn't have dies in .30-06 and was going to load for a Remington 700 and M1 Garand in that cartridge, I would get:

1. Redding FL sizing die
2. Redding S-Type bushing neck sizing die
3. Redding Competition micrometer seater

Use the FL for the Garand (and Remington 700 when neccessary). Use the neck die for the 700. Use the competition seater for both. The micrometer makes it easier to seat different bullets for different lengths. All you need to do is write down your settings accordingly and dial them in when needed.

 

[Khornet]

Much like ocabj

I have a Forster micrometer seater which I use for all my .30-'06 loading, and a Wilson Neck die (bushing-type) for the bolt rifle. But for M1 loading, where considerably more ammo is burned and it's harder to keep track of brass lots since the rifle flings 'em away, I have the RCBS X-die. It retards case growth so I don't have to be checking length and trimming all the time.

 

[Steve in PA]

You do not need two sets (one for each rifle).

I have a Win 70, 1903A3 and M1 Garand, all chambered for the .30/06. All you need is a full length die. I use only RCBS. If you want to eliminate case trimming, then you can buy the X-Die (no need for a seperate seater die since you already have one from the full length set).

The X-Die does not have to be used only for the M1, you can use it for any and all rifles as long as the brass is originally trimmed to the recommended length.

Right now, I only use the X-Die for reloading in my 1903A3 or M1 Garand.

 

[30Cal]

I would go with the X-die.

 

[The Bushmaster]

And if I were a poor man (and I am) I would go with the Lee set or the RCBS. I have mostly Lee and have had for 20 years. 'course I am not a target compition shooter, but a hunter and my dies and rifles and handguns shoot better then I can anyway...