Die recommendations

[FROGO207]

I use RCBS dies. I like the way they feel and adjust. I've read that their competition rifle dies is inferior to the Redding and Forster dies but never did a runout comparison between them. I own RCBS, Lee, and Forster dies. What I like most about the RCBS competition rifle die is that you drop your bullet through a window and into a sleeve that lines the bullet up. There is a knock-off seater die like it on Amazon with interchangeable sleeves. The Forster seating die has a sleeve that comes from above and lines up the bullet inline to the case. A problem I have with RCBS dies is that I've broken a lot of decapping pins. Is this universal with the Lee, Hornady, and Lyman? Another problem I have had with the RCBS dies is the shoulder will crush if I get lube on it when resizing. Is this universal or has another die manufacturer made improvements?

To your questions about decap pins breaking off I have the same luck with all the brands. The lee however slides up instead of breaking most times. The problem is that you have offset primer holes or something in the case. On having lube dents you dont apply lube to the outside of the neck or shoulder to stop this mostly. Also all brands have vent holes in the shoulder area that get plugged with smutz and need cleaning occasionally. The holes usually end up under the lock ring and plug more easily it seems.

To the OP, I have about 7 brands of die sets on my bench. Often multiple brands in a cartridge. They all work about the same to me but I make ammo that shoots 300 YDS at most. The main differences to me are price and features to that end.

 

[koni]

I have RCBS and Hornady dies for my 6.5cm both full length, for some odd reason I keep getting stuck cases in the RCBS set. I’ve tried Hornady one shot, imperial die sizing wax, lanolin/alcohol mix. I’ve soaked both sets in mineral sprites. Each set got a shot of one shot and time to dry before use.

best thing I was told is you might have to try a few to find the one you like the best.

 

[bluejay75]

I have RCBS and Hornady dies for my 6.5cm both full length, for some odd reason I keep getting stuck cases in the RCBS set. I’ve tried Hornady one shot, imperial die sizing wax, lanolin/alcohol mix. I’ve soaked both sets in mineral sprites. Each set got a shot of one shot and time to dry before use.

best thing I was told is you might have to try a few to find the one you like the best.

A qtip some resizing wax in the neck of the case will not only stop it but it will make resizing cases less work.

 

[ParallelCode]

A qtip some resizing wax in the neck of the case will not only stop it but it will make resizing cases less work.

I like the Imperial dry neck-lube. It's basically graphite so I can't imagine it being a concern about contamination if not removed.

 

[BigAlShooter]

I think all of the dies are good and the accuracy from all can be great. Some higher priced ones might give a little better accuracy.
Here is what I have, ranked from best to worst:
RCBS - Full length sizer die set (it is pricey, but worth it if you use it a lot, really like the way the bullet goes in the seater die)
Redding basic die - Really simple and solid
Hornady
CH - really old, obsolete, but very solid
Lee - works well, but will get a little rust on it

 

[koni]

A qtip some resizing wax in the neck of the case will not only stop it but it will make resizing cases less work.

I've tried that. it does work a little better and I like using the wax a lot better then the others I've tried. I still get like every 10th ish...case stuck. IDK...I was going to try a little flitz and a bore mop on a drill and see if that makes it work a little better. I think I will upgrade to Redding S die set or a Foster and keep both the RCBS and Hornady as a back up set.

I like the Imperial dry neck-lube. It's basically graphite so I can't imagine it being a concern about contamination if not removed.

I just ordered some today should be here in a few days and ill give it a try.

OP, my limited experience has taught me that get something in your price range. Keep in mind if you like it you will be using it for years to come hopefully. kind of like a buy once cry once kind of deal. I think most of the mid range die set will be well enough to get going on. when you get the urge to upgrade, you will know more about what you want in a new die set. And it never hurts to have backups!

 

[LiveLife]

... will get a little rust on it

Toss the rusty die in the vibratory tumbler with walnut media treated with NuFinish for surface rust removal and coating of die surface with polymer for rust prevention. If rust is really bad, treat with rust remover first - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/cure-for-rusted-dies.838315/#post-10864325

From this to ...

To this ... after rust remover and tumbling.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Imperial Sizing Wax is an excellent choice and a little goes a long way. A 2oz tin will last you years. They sell a 1oz and 2oz tin but for very little money over the 1oz tin you get 2oz instead.

The 1oz is $8.99 and the 2oz is only $9.99!
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012768051

 

[AJC1]

Maybe focus on getting a single die that will significantly improve your process or enjoyment. Having a die with a sliding collar for small bullets like 223 or 20 cal makes everything easier. I have one of the window sliding collar dies from rcbs. It makes good ammunition and makes things a ton nicer with less pinched fingers.