Getting ready to setup to reload and need some advice
- Thread starter JagdBob
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Rick Richard
Well-Known Member
I like Redding.
crashlanding
Well-Known Member
I have and used for years rcbs, Hornady, Lee and will continue to use them. But now, for precision loading, I use Whidden, that's just me
Rick Richard
Well-Known Member
I now use Full length bushing dies, however the standard dies will work well for the general population of hunters.
birddog 68
Well-Known Member
RCBS.
I use RCBS, Lyman, Lee Redding and Hornady. Hornady has a floating bullet seater that is nice when starting out. My youngest son loves them due to large fingers. You will have to see what works best for you. I just started using bushing dies on one rifle. Can't really comment on them yet.
I've used Lee, RCBS, Forrester, and Redding so far. The Redding Competition Bushing die set is nice, but at over 4 times the cost when including the bushings I am not sure they are worth it.
Will.284
Well-Known Member
I use runs and hornandy for hunting and Redding for my competitive stuff . Kinda depends on your budget but that's up to you . I bought basic at first then went to expensive stuff later as a lot of us do
Will.284
Well-Known Member
That's rcbs and hornandy I'm slightly disletic today
Critter Picker
Well-Known Member
My favorite dies are Redding. I have a machinist background and you can see where the extra cost came from. Second on my list is RCBS, I've had great service from them. Forester and bonanza (not sure if they still make dies). Last on my list are Lee, they cost less,have less warranty, but seem to work.
rcbs
cs is good too
cs is good too
akmtnhnt
Well-Known Member
You'll probably figure that out as you go. People like certain features for certain reasons.
I really like forester's seating and FL dies.
I really like lee's collet dies for cases I only neck size.
So I sometimes use a mix and match on any particular cartridge.
I really like forester's seating and FL dies.
I really like lee's collet dies for cases I only neck size.
So I sometimes use a mix and match on any particular cartridge.
It depends on where you are at with reloading. I would now that the bushing die are on the market, I would purchase them to start with. Because you might want to cut your necks for thickness to even out the neck thickness. Also want set neck tension too. If you have a regular set of die that can't be done. Bushing die do cost more, but in the long run, you are not having to buy additional sizing dies. You need a set of caliper to measure your case anyway, probably the first thing. That will help in getting the correct bushing (s) to start with. How is this done? Measure your bullet, measure the thickness of the neck on the case x 2. Add those two numbers together. Now you want to subtract .001 up to .003 to set neck tension. Let say it's .243 bullet, and the neck thickness is .018" x 2 = .036". now add the two numbers together for ending up to .279" O.D.. Now for neck tension say .002"-.279=.277 I.D. bushing needed. Now if you cut your necks that changes, and a smaller bushing is needed. I cut my necks to .013" thickness x 2 =0.269" -.002=.267 bushing I.D.
You can look at Ebay for some items, and possible save some money at the same time. it also depends on how deep your pockets are. Hopefully that help and explain why the bushing die. Buy once not 2 or 3 times.
I think I got my math right? Somebody will tell me for sure.
