Dies For A Precision .308

[Tack4595]

Hi,
There have been several excellent threads on here recently about precision shooting using a .308.
What I was wondering was what brand and model of reloading dies works best with the "typical" .308 match load?
I have read, for example that Lee collet dies work really well or that an RCBS micrometer die is almost essential. Is there any profit in using, say a Redding neck sizing die on once fired cases and a lee collet bullet seating die?
I have access to Lee, RCBS and Redding products and, naturally want to load the most consistant cartridges possible.
Tack

 

[Zak Smith]

I've used a variety of sizing and seating dies for long-range loads in rifle calibers, .308, 6.5x47, .260, .260CM, 7RM, .338LM, etc.

I usually end up using EITHER a Redding competition seating die, or a Forster Ultra seating die because of ease of adjustment. That said, when I only have a regular generic seating die, that has worked fine for me as well.

For resizing, first: if I can get away with only neck sizing, then I use the Redding competition neck-size dies, with the appropriate-size bushing. Of those calibers above, the only one I do this with is .308.

So secondly, if I can't get away with just neck sizing, I typically use a Forster or other decent full-size die, but then I use the Redding competition shell-holders to back the headspace off so I only resize enough for reliable and safe operation in the rifle in question.

 

[lgbloader]

I have to 2nd Redding Comp sets and their Comp shell holders.

LGB.

 

[USSR]

I use Redding Competition Die Set for all 3 rifle cartridges I load for. Forster also makes quality dies.

Don

 

[loadedround]

Redding dies...no second choice.

 

[snakeman]

i use lee rgb dies and get .25 inch groups consistently.

 

[Walkalong]

Redding or Forster. Both great products.

 

[243winxb]

What Type of Action/Firearm

Bolts you can neck size only. Autos, full length resize. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=426379

 

[tango2echo]

I am shooting a .308 Savage F/TR in F-Class on 600 and 1000yard ranges. I have found very little difference, if any, between the Redding Comp dies and plain jane RCBS dies. Just buy quality the first time and don't look back.



T2E

 

[proplinker]

If you are not loading a large batch look into L.E. Wilson hand dies. they are the best! And by changing the neck bushing you can change your neck tention. my 2nd choice would be The Redding or Forrester sets you are going to need a neck only die. seater. and after a few firings you will have to full length resize

 

[Adventurer]

Redding competition in a Dillon RL-550B with a Pact electronic scale/measurer is hard to beat. One more for Redding.

 

[MCMXI]

+100 on the Redding Competition dies. I use them for .223, .308 Win, .300 WSM, .300 Win Mag, .45 Colt and .45-70. I have the neck sizing, body and seating dies for the .223 and .30 caliber rifles but rarely need to use the body dies.

I also have an RCBS competition set for .308 Win ... the seater die has a useful feature in that the bullet can be dropped into the die through a cutout on the side. This makes it easier to get the bullet started but I don't use that set anymore.