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Posted: 10/13/2008 1:17:32 PM EDT
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I'm needing to get set up for 308 for my bolt action, and need a die set. I like the Redding stuff, but the neck sizing aspect has me a little confused. How are you supposed to know what size bushings to get? Why would you neck size only? Do you need to swap bushings for different brass makers? I really like the micrometer seater die and use one for my AR loads. I'll be getting one of those in 308 for sure. So do I need a simple FL sizer die and a decapper, a 2 die set and add the micrometer seater? Some of the other stuff I need is out of stock, but the die set itself is what's got me confused right now. So I need some suggestions for the die set, thanks. |
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Buying bushings is a problem because you need to seat a bullet in the cases you're going to use, measure the outer diameter, then order the bushings you need. The problem is, if you don't have the seater, you have to make two orders. If you're going to shoot more than one type of brass, then that's the time to measure all of it. Follow the directions at Sinclair's web site or Redding's web site for selecting the bushing diameter. I use 0.003 inches less than the measured outer diameter. Neck sizing is used to reduce the amount of cold work done to the brass for better life, and neck sizing of a case fired in your rifle means it fits the chamber exactly. This is presumed to improve accuracy. Occasionally, the cases must be sized with a body die as they stop springing back enough to chamber easily. The necks probably should be annealed at the same time. If you buy a die set with a neck sizer, be sure to get one with a body sizer, too. Redding sells three die sets this way with a standard seater. I think they also have a set with a neck and body sizer dies and the mike seater die. I just checked, this set is called the Type S Neck die set; both sizers and the mike seater. $138.45  at Sinclair.I have one micrometer top Redding seater die. It's nice, but I would never recommend buying one for the ease of adjustment, I can set up a standard die just as quick. Redding's die sets are definitely confusing to sort through the first few times. |
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Ide also recomend the route AeroE mentioned. You may be able to find a better price with a different mfg. I load for quite a few different rifle calibers and decided to use a RCBS Mic. seater die. The good thing about RCBS and probably most other Mic. seaters is that you can easily set up the die to do many numerous calibers. Aslo, if your doing precision work, a Mic. seater die is a must have peice of equip. IMO |
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Micrometer seaters are an overkill, IMHO. Unless you measure with a comparator, you could make the point that a non-micrometer seater is imprecise. But the variance is in the meplat length which can vary in HP bullets of the target variety. What bushing dies provide is minimal working of the brass. Because most neck runout is from pulling a ball through the neck, usually when the body is free from the die, this is the cause of runout. I use a Lee Collet die to neck size for my bolt action .308 Win. The only objection here is the fixed neck tension. But for all domestic brass, it works perfectly. |
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OK, food for thought here, and I appreciate the help. I understand the neck sizing only purpose and the need for FL resizing as it expands after a few shots. I've never done any annealing though, but I've read up on it before and it seems like a lot of grief. It may become worthwhile in the future. I went over to Redding and read up on bushing selection, measured several of my current factory loads at .340. This is Prvi match 168 grain. Some searching about implies that .337 is a fairly common size bushing and correlates with the .003 AeroE mentioned. I realize different brass and bullets could change that estimated bushing size; I'd be surprised if it didn't. Fired brass all measured .345, but I don't think that means anything? Kieth_J mentioned the Lee collet sizer so I went to check that out, and it sounds good. I like the Lee stuff I have, and their dies are not outrageously priced. The fixed neck tension doesn't seem like a big deal unless you got some out of spec bullets. The Redding set is expensive, the competition set is $182, add 2 or 3 bushings about $225 bucks. Ouch! Lee Deluxe is $42 add micrometer seater $82. And are the TiN coated bushings worth the extra? Seems like Rc60 would last a long time with lube as recommended. I plan on using 168 SMK and 175 SMK, maybe a couple hunting loads. Might try some of the Noslers but I leave the ourageously priced bullets alone. So the big question becomes are there any appreciable gains in accuracy or other advantages of the more expensive Redding set? My FN is not a thousand yard gun, but someday maybe I can get a better one. I'm not a thousand yard shooter, but I always try to do better. I'm a big believer in buy once cry once, but there is a substantial difference in price. Now that I'm reasonably sure how it works, I'm just trying to figure out if the difference in price is justifed. (this neck sizing thing is new to me and I appreciate everyone's help and patience) |
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