RCBS X dies question

[Paddy]

So I think I'm going to try a set of X dies for 308 and see if I like them. The reviews seem very positive.

I know they have a specific starting trim length to work from. However I usually trim sized brass in my trim-it! motorized trimmer which indexes off the shoulder. I'm not sure if I can get consistent starting trim length on un sized brass with dings and dents etc.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[rcmodel]

You can't get consistent trim lenght with any trimmer unless you size the brass first.

Because the length will just change again if you trim and then size it.

rc

 

[higgite]

X die instructions say to full length size the brass first, then trim. If you FL size, the base to shoulder dimensions should be reasonably consistent, so the trimmed lengths indexed off the shoulder should also come out reasonably consistent.

 

[fguffey]

X die instructions say to full length size the brass first, then trim. If you FL size, the base to shoulder dimensions should be reasonably consistent, so the trimmed lengths indexed off the shoulder should also come out reasonably consistent.

The instructions suggest the case to be trimmed .020” before starting. By the time the case requires trimming again it will be time to start on another case.

Then there is trimming with the case set up on the shoulder with total disregard for the length of the case from the shoulder to the case head. I have one chamber that is .002” longer from the shoulder to the bolt face than a field reject length gage. When trimming that case I add .014” to the length of the case when trimming.

F. Guffey

 

[Paddy]

So to make use of these type dies you need to also have a traditional FL size die. Good to know, thanks. I'll keep the old junker around!

 

[higgite]

So to make use of these type dies you need to also have a traditional FL size die. Good to know, thanks. I'll keep the old junker around!

No. The X die can be adjusted in the press to use it without the "X" feature for the initial sizing prior to trimming.
http://www.rcbs.com/RCBS/media/RCBSMedia/PDFs/Instructions/English/XDieProductInstructions.pdf

 

[Paddy]

Oh well there that makes sense. Even better. Thanks. I see that the step stop is on the decapping rod so it can be lifted up out of the way for standard FL sizing. Great!