What kind of Dies for my future .308

[BillCh]

Greetings all.

I'm soliciting advice on which .308 rifle die set-up to go with.

I've been reloading for a few years now, mainly .45 ACP and .40 S&W. I've got a Dillon 550 and can crank out the pistol ammo plenty good enough for me.

Last year I started reloading for .223. I use Dillon dies and operate the press in what I call the simi-progressive mode. Bottle neck rifle is way more cumbersome than pistol for sure. Never the less, the stuff I turn out is far better than any of the factory ammo i've shot. It's a long way from match grade but I'm happy with it.

Well you all know how it goes, - load more - shoot more - repeat.

I'm liking the rifle shooting. So now I want to get something in .308.
The Savage Palma has really peaked my interest, although I'm not a hundred percent clear on all of that Palma chamber vs regular .308 Win. chamber. Whatever rifle I get, it will be more "target" oriented, not so much for hunting. I like to be able to reload accurately enough to shoot a decent long range group without going all crazy. I don't see myself entering any formal competitions, but I may change my tune later.

The Dillon dies I use for the .223 blaster work good enough for me. I'd like to be able continue to use my existing press. I'm wondering If there is a different die setup that would suit me better for a target .308. Something that will allow more precision or flexibility or whatever. Any recommendations?

Thanks for the help.

 

[243winxb]

Redding Type - S FLRS bushing dies.

 

[loadedround]

Ditto on the Redding dies. You can't go wrong on the Dillon rifle dies either, a little pricey but they are great dies.

 

[kelbro]

I don't use a Dillon but my favorite die configuration is now a Lee Collet neck die combined with a Redding body die.

Man, I spent a lot of money on dies before I figured out how well this simple combo worked to make straight ammo.

 

[delta5]

I think I would stick with the brand that made your press. That way you know they will work correctly, especially for the newbies like me.

 

[Walkalong]

All the standard dies will work on any press. There are a couple of exceptions of course. Dies for the Dillon Square Deal B are proprietary.

 

[lgbloader]

For rifle, I am pretty much using Redding Dies exclusively. Have a few Comp sets and a few Comp seaters as well as a couple of comp seaters for pistol as well.

LGB

 

[Coltdriver]

I am just going to chime in a +1 on the Redding dies.

The only dies I will not buy again are Hornady. I have had good results with RCBS which is also a fine product.

All of my rifle dies are Redding. My .308 dies are Redding. If I buy new dies I get Redding. I have picked up a couple of sets or RCBS for pistols in a trade or for a really good deal.

 

[Walkalong]

The best threaded standard full length sizer die sets are the Forster & the Redding Competition die sets.

Then comes the decision as to whether you want to go with neck sizing etc.

I would suggest one of the above sets, then add a Redding bushing style neck sizer later if you want to play with neck sizing.

 

[gearheadpyro]

+1 on Forster and Redding. Both are top notch companies with top notch products.

I use mostly Redding dies for my .308, but I do have a Forster Bump Die.

 

[BillCh]

Thanks for the info.

"...suggest one of the above sets, then add a Redding bushing style neck sizer later..." (Walkalong)

I've checked out the Redding and Forster web sites.
Pretty cool looking stuff.
It's not that I don't like the Dillon dies that I already have for my other calibers. Its just that I think something like the Redding and Forster is what I'll really want/need in the end for my future .308.
I'd rather _not_ buy two or three sets of dies, 'know what I mean? I can get things done the hard way but not because it like to.

 

[walteray]

+1 for the Lee Collet Neck Sizing die love that die

 

[Walkalong]

I think something like the Redding and Forster is what I'll really want/need in the end for my future .308.

Sounds like you have your answer. It never hurts to load plinking ammo with the best dies, so they will work for anything you load if you don't mind spending the money for the best up front.