RCBS x-die

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JonB

JonB

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Hi all,

Anyone have feedback on the x-die?

My plan:
I may start with a Lee Hand Press to start loading 10mm auto for my Glock and .223 for my AR. I don't shoot very often so I will have plenty of time to reload between range sessions. The slowness of the hand press doesn't bother me (yet :)) as I think it will be a good hobby while watching the tube. If I do 10-20 rounds in an evening that will cover me no problem.

My previous posts/reading on the topic of x-dies is that I should look at getting one for use with the .223 die set as it will help keep the cases from stretching and therefore less trimming for the AR. Sounds like something worthwhile.

Anybody use for AR? Does it hold up to the claim?

What about the Lee Deluxe Rifle Sizing Die Set ? Webpage says 'reduces or eliminates case trimming.'



Oh yeah - I am thinking the hand press because of space and it's cheaper to start the whole reloading game. If I find I want to get serious I'll go for the Lee Classic Turret and make some room in my office. But for the volume of reloading I need to do the hand press will fit the need.
 
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I replaced my 223 die with an X die around 6 months ago and I'll never go back. When people ask questions like "Is reloading a chore or a fun hobby?", I always say it's fun except for case trimming, which sucks.
 
I have the Xdie in 308 and am quite impressed with it. It doesn't eliminate the need for trimming, as you gotta start out at a length less than what you set the mandrel for. Once you have trimmed to length, the Xdie is a fantastic addition to your setup, no more trimming for the life of that case.

Truthfully, I haven't loaded any one of my cases more than 3 times yet, but I do not know how well it holds up to 7 or more reloadings.

During the trial and error setup of the mandrel, the thing would sort of crush cases and cause the shoulders to bow outwards like a Weatherbee rounded shoulder. I suspect that this could happen with cases at some point, but I've not experienced it yet. I guess I'd say keep an eye on the bulging shoulder as a round like that might not chamber.

FWIW.
 
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