What does Full Length RCBS Mean

[qman2]

I've been looking at eBay for reloading dies and I find some labeled "Full Length".

What does that mean? Are there 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 length and how do I know what length I need?

Plus, I was looking at some 30-06 dies and one guy labeled his "30-06 government caliber."

I thought 30-06 was a unique caliber. How many different 30-06 calibers are there?

 

[GMFWoodchuck]

Full length sizing dies basically means that it resizes the length of the cartridge. The other type of sizing dies are neck-only sizing dies. They don't affect the shoulder length but squeeze the neck back down so that they will hold a bullet. If you're using a semi-auto or a lever action you are almost required to use the full length dies for proper cycling. Where as the neck only dies, in theory anyway, are best (most accurate) for bolt actions because the cartridge will have formed to the chamber of that gun.

There is only one 30-06. It has other names added to it sometimes. Governement caliber, springfield, etc. But they are all the same and interchangeable.

 

[qman2]

dp dp

 

[qman2]

awesome, thanks woodchuck.

Sorry, but now more questions.

I have a 7mm Rem Mag bolt action rifle. I was just looking at the RCBS web site and they list 3 sets of dies.

Full Length (13601), Neck Die Set (13602) and Small Base Die Set (13603).

What the heck is that third set and which one do I need? Is this just confusing to me cuz I'm a newbie?
-------------------------
I also see a 7mm Ultra Mag and 7mm SA Ultra Mag. What the heck are these? They're not mine are they?

 

[GMFWoodchuck]

You would get one of the first two. The small base is mostly geared towards those who own auto-loaders (The BAR can be had in the 7mm rem mag.)

You really should invest in a couple reloading manuals, as they explain all of this.

 

[qman2]

I have the manual, just haven't read it yet. I don't plan on doing any reloading for a while but while I was sitting here looking at some stuff on eBay I figured I'd give a gander to the prices for dies which led me to these questions.

What is BAR?

 

[GMFWoodchuck]

Don't bother with ebay. Too much money. For the same ammount you could go to Midway, Graf and sons, midsouth, etc and get all new stuff for the same price or less. And you know it'll be in good shape as it's new. Plus, some of them have product reviews. They all have online stores.

 

[qman2]

$10-15 seems OK for new stuff. These are definitely starting bid prices but if they could be had at that it sure seems cheaper than Midway.

But having to ask the questions about product # and stuff is a hassle.

 

[GMFWoodchuck]

Trust me. Buy new. The stuff isn't that expensive. Just get the basic stuff. YOu don't need the expensive Redding match dies and L.E. Wilson stuff. Lee, Hornady, RCBS, Lyman all have favorably priced stuff. Why buy used junk for little more money? And if you have a problem with it you can return it sometimes. Good luck doing that with EBAY.

 

[Walkalong]

Standard full length dies are what a new reloader needs for a bolt gun. The RCBS dies will work very well for you.

 

[Walkalong]

I thought 30-06 was a unique caliber. How many different 30-06 calibers are there?

Only one .30-06. Lots of government surplus .30-06 at one time.

 

[rcmodel]

Yep!

Buy new RCBS Full Length sizing dies.

Forget buying used dies on Evilbay to save five bucks.

You may end up with someone else's scratches & dings sale items.
Or a mismatched die set.

No use starting out behind the 8-ball with used dies.
Save that until you at least know what you are buying.

rc

 

[ranger335v]

"$10-15 seems OK for new stuff. These are definitely starting bid prices but if they could be had at that it sure seems cheaper than Midway."

All that counts is the bid selling price and that is often equal, or nearly so, to the price of new tools. Add the price of shipping and it can be even more than new. Sometimes used ebay dies and presses sell used for a LOT more than new stuff! Bidders seem to go nuts.

I've been doing this a long time, measured a lot of dies and the ammo made in them. I've found there is as much variability in dies of the same brand as between brands. Meaning no brand has a lock on quality and ALL of them do quite well, on average. And all of them will replace any defective sets IF they were bought new and not physically abused.

 

[Damon555]

Get someone to walk you through it in person....I read tons of manuals before I started and still asked for help. I was glad I did.....It makes what was in the manuals make sense. Of course that is assuming that the person showing you how to do it is competent.

Be very careful when you weigh the powder....I had OCD about checking charge weights. Be safe.

Remember we were all new to this at one time or another. There is a lot to learn. Ask lots of questions.

Great question by the way. The answers were spot on.

 

[jmorris]

Only one .30-06.

Sort of, as a new reloader I doubt you will come across any 30-06 Ackley Improved. I'm with the others on Ebay stuff, stay away. Read your manual then get another read it and repete the process untill you can make an informed decision. If you follow that advice it will save you a lot of money.

 

[bobelk99]

Keep your questions flowing to the forums. You will get honest valid info as opposed to Evilbay and such.

If you feel driven to go used, watch the for sale forums, and post a want to buy.

Most of the time you can get excellent used RCBS dies on one of the forums for 22 to 25$ shipped.

For example, I have a set of RCBS neck size dies (not what you need) posted somewhere for $30 shipped. Price is due to most people not selling neck size dies.

Big point is to check references on whoever you buy from.

 

[Walkalong]

Your going to use them for a lifetime (hopefully), and then hand them down.

Buy new ones.

 

[Hondo 60]

Sold a set of 4 Lee pistol dies on ebay at the end of Feb. Bidding war raised the price to more than the new price at MidwayUSA.

Thought about buying at Midway & selling on ebay, but I just couldn't convince myself it was OK. I wasn't really trying to make money on the set I sold.