RCBS X Dies

[tommys]

Hi everyone! I'm new to your forum and thought I would call upon your collective knowledge and expeience to help me with a reloading decision.

I'd like to start handloading 30-06 for my Garand. I'm using a Dillon 550B and I'm wondering what dies to use. I've loaded .38/357, 10mm and .44mags using Dillon dies with good results but their rifle dies seem to be way overpriced.

I was wondering if anyone has used RCBS X dies? Their ads indicate that after an initial trimming, the brass never has to be trimmed again . Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Amy]

I use them exclusively for my garands, and I'm quite happy with them. Follow the instructions closely for best results and you will get a lot more use out of your brass. I might add that a Dillon Rapid Trim is a very good idea if you are considering X dies, it does a far better job than the RCBS powered trimmer. I have mine mounted on a Rockchucker, eternally. Once you trim all your cases use the X die to decap and resize them from then on.

I also load down from military spec on M2 ball, to 46 grains of IMR 4895, which is easier on the brass, the gun and me. You paid for that brass, or not, but get all the use out of it you can, and make sure you check it for incipient case head separations periodically.

a.

 

[tommys]

Thanks Amy for the reply! I am using new brass and have a Dillon Rapid Trim which I plan on using to trim the new brass by .020" from max case length as recommended. I note that RCBS has two types of X dies and that the "small base" die is reommended for auto loaders. Any thoughts?

I plan on using Remington Core-Lokt 150 Grain Pointed Soft Point Bullets and Winchester 147 Grain Full Metal (Bi-Metal) Jacket Boat Tail bullets for my first handloads. Will these be OK to use with suggested recipe?

I am kinda new to the internet and this is the first thread I have ever started. It's kinda fun. Again thanks for your input!

 

[Grumulkin]

I use those dies for my M1A and like them. You may have to trim cases eventually but they seem to minimize the frequency of that chore.

 

[30Cal]

I tinkered around with them for an M1A. They certainly work as advertised provided you follow the instructions to the letter. I stopped using it because I handload for competition and I would get erratic seating pressure when I used the X-die. I didn't see any issues on paper, but...

Ty

 

[Khornet]

Another X-Die fan

for my M1, in which I use the same load as Amy. Small-base dies are unnecessary for M1.

There are lots of bulk FMJ bullets out there, including GI pulldowns from
www.gibrass.com. Jeff Bartlett's a good guy to do busines with.

Have fun with one of the great rifles of all time.

 

[Rico567]

I have used the X-die in .308 with complete success. You must ensure that you follow the directions that come with the die scrupulously. They are not like normal size dies. Above all, be sure that you trim the cases, even if brand new, to .020" below max trim length, instead of the usual procedure.

 

[hairtrigger]

I use an X-Die in 220 Swift.
I don't know why other die Mfg's have not come out with a simular die.

 

[greg531mi]

Small base dies were needed for my HK's, they did not want to feed in the chamber at all. I reload all my rounds now with Lee dies , it seems that RCBS small base dies tend to go a little overboard in sizing the base.... and the decapper tends to brake and or bend all the time....with military brass... So, I will not buy any X dies....and will trim cases, with my 12 volt drill....