Which 30-06 dies should I get?

[Rustle in the bushes]

Ive never reloaded for 30-06 before, just 7.5 swiss. I look forward to this, Im guessing its gonna be alot easier.

But which dies should I buy guys? Its a model 70 bolt action so I think I can get away with neck sizing only, right?

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I usually buy RCBS dies...but for my 30-06 I'm using a set of Lee dies a buddy loaned me (the set contains both FL and collet neck sizers)...I've been full length sizing though, just can't quite get the consistency I want with that collet neck sizer.

I'm gonna get a set of Redding dies (with bushings) soon...

 

[mallc]

Maybe

I usually just back-off the full length size die so it just bumps the shoulder.

Any dies will work. I prefer Redding, Forster, RCBS in that order. for small batch and Dillon for volume.

Scott

 

[Josh45]

You can only get away with neck sizing your brass if the brass was previously shot in your rifle. If it was not, Then you must FL Size first, Shoot it and then neck size will be doable.

RCBS are good dies but I prefer my Hornady dies There consistent but so are the RCBS dies. What I really like about the Hornady dies is that the seating die has an alignment sleeve to get the bullet set on the case mouth correctly.

Either set you choose, Will do fine for you.

 

[rcmodel]

Buy FL dies and be done with it.
Adjusted properly to size with zero headspace in your chamber, case life will be just as good as neck sizing.

You will need FL dies sooner or later anyway, even if you do neck size.

You will still have to FL size occasionally or they won't fit forever.

rc

 

[loadedround]

RCBS dies are excellent, but Redding dies are the best on the market today. Of course Redding dies cost a bit more, but well worth it quality and precision in the long run.

 

[.44 Associate]

In my opinion, Redding makes the best dies. If you are reloading for a single bolt action rifle, their neck-only competition dies with interchangeable bushings will likely give top accuracy and increase case life.

RCBS also makes very good dies, but not quite as good (or as expensive) as Redding.

Then Hornady, then Lyman, and then Lee. I have no experience with other brands in rifle calibers.

In truth, though, if you are using hunting bullets, and your Model 70 is an "average" (which is still very good) one, it probably won't matter which dies you are using, and any FL die can be adjusted to neck-size only.

 

[rikman]

RCBS dies are excellent, but Redding dies are the best on the market today. Of course Redding dies cost a bit more, but well worth it quality and precision in the long run.

I agree

Rikman

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Some of my best grouping ammo has been loaded with Lee collet dies.

 

[Snag]

I buy the Redding three die sets. More money yeah, but you'll spend the money once and get both a neck and a full length sizing die. Gives you the option of trying neck only sizing down the road if you want to.

 

[Rustle in the bushes]

yo thanks Snag- thats exactly what im looking for.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a set of Lee dies mounted on a turret and a set of RCBS dies I use on a Rockchucker press. Both sets of dies and both presses build very good ammo. I can't tell the difference between all of them...

 

[Sport45]

The Lee Deluxe 3-die set for rifles comes with a full length sizing die as well as a collet neck die. Great value for the money.

I just use the 2-die FL set though, since my only '06 is a M1.

 

[MAG-63]

I have various pistol dies from most of the major companies, but only use Redding dies for my rifle reloading.

 

[rikman]

I have various pistol dies from most of the major companies, but only use Redding dies for my rifle reloading.

Ditto

 

[ranger335v]

Rustle, it sounds like you haven't been reloading long. ??

I've been doing it a very long time and with a lot of die brands; believe me when I tell you that you may eventually come to love a single brand above all others but your rifle will never care what dies you use. Get a conventional two die set, FL and seater, with .30-06 writen on the box and be confident the only limit to the quality of the ammo you can make is yourself, not the dies.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Best post yet ^

 

[4895]

I started with Lee dies, like many people, and can say they work well and include the required shellholder. I prefer RCBS dies but recommend Lee for the cost savings and adequate quality.