Questions on reloading rifle rounds...

[Trey Veston]

I've been reloading for a few years now, but only pistol and straight-walled rifle rounds such as the .45-70 Govt. and .450 Bushmaster.

Since my dad gave me a rifle chambered in .30-06 Ackley Improved, I have to now reload for it, since he only gave me one box of ammo with his pet loads that were 5 grains over max listed by Nosler and other sources.

So, it looks like the only dies I can find for it are Redding dies which are $155 for all three dies, which seems expensive. I've got a case trimmer and deburring tool so I'm set for that.

I know when he gave me the loads, he asked if my brother had a .300 WSM, and I said yes, and he replied to just borrow his dies and use those. What?

I know I get reloadable brass by fire forming, so do I have to get the full 3-die set to do it right? Or can I use the .300 WSM dies for neck sizing and crimping only?

Like I said, never reloaded rifle brass, so no idea.

 

[748]

Try ebay for the dies.
Used dies go cheap.

The only think I can think of is using the 300wsm dies for is if you were neck sizing only and crimping like you said.

 

[tbs]

You don't need the 3 die set, you should be just fine with the 2 die set. You can always get the neck sizer die later.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

midsouth has Hornady 2 die set for ~$72.

There is a RCBS 2 die set on ebay. Starting bid $13.99. Zero bids so far with 8 hours to go.

 

[lightman]

I agree, you don't need the 3 die set. With a little time and research you should be able to find a die set for a reasonable price. The only AI cartridge that I reload for is the 22-250AI. I use the max load from the standard 22-250 as my fire forming load. I would probably pull the bullets from all of those loads your Dad had and start from scratch. Being from Dad or not, 5 grains over would bother me.

By the way, that was a fine looking rifle that you posted about!

 

[George P]

So if your dad gave you a box with his pet loads, how did he make them? Doesn't he have a set of dies then?

 

[Laphroaig]

his pet loads that were 5 grains over max

Hmmm, I wondered how you got 3000 fps with a 180 projectile, as quoted in your other post. That's getting into 300 WM territory. Be careful!

I suppose that you could rig up 300WSM dies with some serious readjusting. Your brother might not be happy with that. I'd pony up and get my own dies. You're going to need a full length sizer at some point anyway.

 

[748]

Yeah having to reset dies every time sux, I would just buy a set.
It's like for loading 44mag and special. I could use the same seating and crimp die and reset them every time, buy why torment my self when a used 44mag seat die can be had for $9?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you already have a set of 30-06 dies all you need is a full length 30-06AI die. Midsouth Shooters has a Redding full length 2 die set for $80. They also have a 2 die Hornady set to $71, not all that bad but a little high.

You can post a WTB thread on this forum he see if a member has a set for sale too.

 

[Highland Lofts]

Yeah having to reset dies every time sux, I would just buy a set./QUOTE]

That's why I buy extra dies and Hornady Lock n Load bushings for every die set I have. Once set a quarter turn and your set to load.
A quarter turn and you are done. Just put the die back.inbthe case.

Used dies are cheap on e bay,