Dies for Rock Chucker...

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Citadel99

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I've pretty much always used RCBS dies for my single stage press and, well, it's been a while since I've bought new dies (10-12 years). I need to get a new set for my 6.5 CM and, man, there are a lot of high dollar options these days.

I realize this is partially a Ford/Dodge/Chevy argument but what are your thoughts on what is best these days for single stage centerfire rifle reloading? Are the higher end sets with the micrometer seating dies worth it?

Thanks,

Mark
 
It all depends on what your shooting for. If your hunting traditionally they are all good. If your shooting extreme distance or for absolute precision in a competition then you want the best dies. Micrometer adjust bullet seater is one of the big differences. I don’t use high end dies so I won’t comment beyond that.
 
Citadel99 said:
Are the higher end sets with the micrometer seating dies worth it?
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Not for most applications, the bang for the buck goes way down. Are they nice? Sure they are. Will they load better/straighter/more accurate ammo? Not necessarily. Is it nice to be able to dial a seater back and forth for different bullets? Sure is.

What application? What rifle? Can you or the rifle take advantage of higher end reloading (Which is way more than a set of dies).
 
I agree with WestKentucky

I have mostly Lee Dies, but I also have Hornaday and RCBS. I actually like the Lee the best of what I have. But all get the job done.

If you’re not competing, then shop on price and get the set that is least expensive. If you compete then I’d suggest getting on forums that cater to that discipline
 
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If you're going to buy a fixed-expander FL sizer, buy Lee. If you're going to buy a FL neck bushing sizer, by RCBS or Redding.

If you're going to buy a non-micrometer seater, buy Lee Dead Length. If you're going to buy a micrometer seater, buy RCBS or Redding (not the comp seater, just a micro- stem on their regular seater).

In short, buy the feature set not the brand. I really like the convenience of micro- seaters, so I have three RCBS micro-s that reach 6+ calibers.
 
The rifle is a Ruger Precision Rifle with a Leupold VX6-HD scope (which I really, really like). I used it some for hunting last year and will continue to hunt with is some of the time. We have a property in South Texas now where I can stretch the rifle's legs a little and I'm wanting to do that. Won't see me on a competition...I've seen too many people get involved in competition and lose their love and enjoyment of just shooting...but that's another thread altogether.

Mark
 
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I agree with the above posts. I have Hornady, RCBS,and Lee and they all work well, but I really like the alignment sleeve on the Hornady seating dies. Plus you get a rebate for 100 free bullets.
 
You have spent over $1000 on a rifle and $1800 on the scope.

Now looking at the cheapest dies for sale, some how I would think you would buy the best made dies

out there.
 
Worlds distance records have been set with the Lee whack-a-mole loader. I would go for the inexpensive set with the features you want and then if you feel the need get a precision seating die. FWIW I have 8 brands of dies on my bench. For accuracy things like weight sorting cases/bullets, turning necks, checking for and addressing run out, quality of projectile will probably produce bigger returns as far as close holes on target rather than the brand/color of the dies/box IMHO. YOU are the one using them so get what you want.
 
I got the Redding Type S Competition set for my 6.5CM. But to take real advantage of the Bushing die you need to turn necks. But at a min you can eliminate the pulling the expander through the necks if you want. For just normal shooting (not precision long range) most any set will work. If you decide to use ELD's bullets you will be required to get the special seating die so the bullet tip is not being damaged. The bullet nose was hitting the std seating stem that came with the dies set, had to get the optional seating stem, $12. I have Redding Hunter set which includes the competition bullet seating die for my 223R set. I also have there premium die set for the 224V which has a std sizing die and a micrometer bullet seating die. But it's not the competition seating die, which has the alignment sleeve. I finding my options limited without having the Type S die. I've gotten spoiled over all the control you have when using a body die and neck sizing options the Type S die gives you.
 
I have dies from 4 of the major manufacturers and the standard, non-micrometer adjustable dies work just fine. I believe the micro adjustable seating die can be easier (1 second quicker) to adjust and if one keeps records it may be repeatable for bullet seating. If one needs dies for a specific reason, then the "better" dies are good. I have a 45 Colt that needs .452"+ bullets so the RCBS "Cowboy" dies really shine in that area. I've seen $$$ micro adjustable sizing dies, but for me (and 90% of reloaders) the precision isn't needed...
 
The only dies I've ever regretted were Hornady American. . . Tonka Toy fit and finish. Their Custom Grade are good.

As @mdi says, micrometer seaters buy you time and precision during changes to COAL; they are no more precise once set.

Further, I see no reason to invest in a Redding-style sleeve seater. Concentricity is made or lost in sizing and expanding; you can't fix it or ruin it in seating unless the chamfer or tension is exceptionally lousy. I sold my Redding Seater and bought RCBS Comp seaters.
 
I have used Lee dies, RCBS dies, Hornady Custom dies and possibly others for loading many rifle cartridges. To tell you the truth I really can't tell the difference in the ammo produced. Most times I'm using a combination of several different company's dies when loading now days.

I have never used expensive high end dies so I can't comment if they are better than what I'm now using. I doubt I could personality shoot the difference.
 
What works for me on my RCBS RockChucker is the standard RCBS Full Length sizing die with the Redding Competition shellholder set of 5 and the Redding Competition Seating Die . I've tried Redding bushing dies , the runout was horrible . Using the standard die with the expander ball , I don't neck turn , just lube the inside of the necks and the case body , sizing is very smooth , runout is .001 .
 
thomas15 said:
Would you be so kind as to start that thread?

I would like to see your data.
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No hard data, like poll results, but I loved working with metal/machine shop work, until I had to do it for a living. Because of my love for machining metal I was pretty good at it but when I had to do it for a living, I still had the knowledge, but it was much less fun. The same with competition, when a hobby expands into a need for the absolute best possible, it can lose it's "hobby aspect" and become a job; having to constantly improve to be competitive...
 
^^^ So it's settled, no data needed.

Fact: If you want to love and enjoy firearms, stay away from competition.

Proof: poster Citidel99 has seen many shooters love for the sport ruined by striving to be better marksmen and poster mdi loved tinkering in the metal shop but hated running said shop for a living.

That was easy, thanks!
 
thomas15 said:
^^^ So it's settled, no data needed.

Fact: If you want to love and enjoy firearms, stay away from competition.

Proof: poster Citidel99 has seen many shooters love for the sport ruined by striving to be better marksmen and poster mdi loved tinkering in the metal shop but hated running said shop for a living.

That was easy, thanks!
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Gotta love the Internet... Everything is not an either/or equation. I simply stated the way I feel, as did another member of The High Road. Nobody talked crap, said competition was wrong, but simply stated our opinion. No need to come back with smart alec response. You feel different, obviously from your statements and your shooting resume on your signature line. Compete away and enjoy, just don't be a jerk to others that don't care to. That's not what people come to this forum to see.

FWIW, I've seen it with friends that started competing in shooting. First to get better but their competitiveness turned it into a job, work, and they lost the joy of shooting. I've seen it with people who take their hobbies and love for fishing and hunting who become guides or run ranches here in Texas. You see it with some/many athletes when they make it to the collegiate level--it's work and a job. It's simply me making observations from what I've seen--I don't keep a data chart running non stop--not sure what you are exactly looking for.

I know that my level of competitiveness would do exactly that for me if I competed. I like to have a hobby that I enjoy, that is fun, that I strive to be better at, and for me that's enough. The question was asked what my goals were and I answered with my goals, not yours.

Wish you the best in your next competition and hope you always enjoy it.

Mark
 
If I had that rifle/scope combination I probably would buy the Redding Master Hunter set of dies. It has a full length sizing die and the competition seating die. But there would be nothing wrong with an RCBS standard full length set
 
Citadel99
Mark , went down that road tweaking everything you could think of . Looking back in my log book thinking just get a load the groups the best , stick with that load and work on form , reloading and bench shooting is enjoyable now and groups are good .5 at 200 yards with my one an only Rem 700 308 .Great Sport . Now I'm having fun wearing out my barrel with a accurate load . Log book is on group size and weather conditions . People always jump on your back from a distance . Be Well

Chris
 
splattergun said:
Seems to me he was making a comment on a personal casual observation. Do you keep data on your personal casual observations?
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Yes you are prolly correct about the "personal casual observation" however I try my best not to make my personal opinions look like studied fact. But of course I'm the first to admit that I'm a imperfect species.

In my personal experience I attend about 10 or 11 fishing tournaments a year and this year probably 40 handgun matches and I personally wouldn't make the claim that Citadel99 does that is why I asked for a bit of hard data to prove the point. This is of course something he cannot do so let's just leave it at that.
 
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For rifle cartridges where I change bullets frequently, I like micrometer seating dies. I record the setting for each bullet and it is easy to reset the seater stem at a later time. If Redding Competition dies or RCBS Gold Medal are too pricey, Hornady has a good economical solution with a micrometer stem that replaces the standard seater stem.

Rifle cartridges where I only load one bullet forever and forever, standard seating stems work fine for me.

Standard seating dies for handgun cartridges work fine for me.

I use small base dies for cartridges shot in semi-auto rifles. Just good insurance against problems. I use a few bushing dies on some wildcat rifle cartridges. The bushing dies allow for stepping down the neck size instead of making the change in one step. Otherwise, standard full length sizing dies suffice for my service.

All that said, Redding dies are my first choice followed by RCBS. I have had some issues with a few Hornady dies so I avoid them. I do not like Lee's o-ring lock ring or their storage boxes so I avoid them as well. My preference, lots of folks like Lee and Hornady dies.
 
And to the question raised by the OP in my personal experience with 9mm, 38 SPL and 45 ACP all of those calibers I have in my collection dies made my Lee, Hornady, Lee, RCBS, Lee, Dillon, Lee, Lyman, Lee and Redding. In my opinion, which is based on some experience and a bit of observation, the seating die I have the best result with for TC and/or SWC type bullets would be the standard $20.00 Redding seating die.
 
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