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New to reloading - which dies? #7027321 01/06/18 06:57 PM
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Hey all,
Wanting to get into reloading. Wanting to load for my 257 Weatherby and 300 WSM. Both rifles are hunting rifles and not going to be entered into competition. But, I'd like to reload for the pride of rolling my own.

Are 3 piece die sets needed? RCBS, Lee, and Redding all seem to make reloading die sets.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I already have a Redding "the Boss" reloading press.

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027341 01/06/18 07:26 PM
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Two-die sets are sufficient. I'd suggest Redding or Forster dies. Lee, RCBS, and all the rest are perfectly functional, but Redding and Forster are a cut above IMO.

After you've gained experience you MIGHT be interested in neck sizing and all that, but I'd suggest sticking with conventional FL sizing for a while. Keep the number of variables and distractions at a minimum until you know your way around.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027383 01/06/18 08:19 PM
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Two piece die sets are just fine. Also make sure and get the best caliper you can afford. Hornady headspace gauge kit, and bullet comparators are also some tools to help tune your ammo to your specific chamber.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027395 01/06/18 08:29 PM
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Thanks guys,
Ordering some Redding two die sets, shell holder, and will check out the calipers, headspace gauge kit, etc.

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027398 01/06/18 08:31 PM
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Are these the headspace gauge kit you referring to Fireman? https://www.midwayusa.com/product/479704...with-comparator

And, what is a good brand of caliper? Any to stay away from?

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027406 01/06/18 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted By: Amarillo.Hunter
Are these the headspace gauge kit you referring to Fireman? https://www.midwayusa.com/product/479704...with-comparator

And, what is a good brand of caliper? Any to stay away from?


The Hornady comparator is what I use and severl others on here.

Starett and Mitutoyo are top notch. Deals can be found on Amazon and Ebay.


Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027408 01/06/18 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted By: Amarillo.Hunter
Are these the headspace gauge kit you referring to Fireman? https://www.midwayusa.com/product/479704...with-comparator

And, what is a good brand of caliper? Any to stay away from?


That's the ones.

I have a U.S. Made Starett dial caliper, buy they're not cheap.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027415 01/06/18 08:52 PM
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Dial or digital calipers?

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027419 01/06/18 08:56 PM
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And, anything more affordable? These Starrett calipers (American made) are pricey!

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027423 01/06/18 09:05 PM
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I like an analog dial. Measuring that precise, I don't want to think about battery life or the temperature of the processor.

Read reviews on Midway USA for more affordable calipers. Those reviews tend to be reliable. And Midway does not censor bad reviews.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027424 01/06/18 09:06 PM
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What about the Hornady dial calipers?

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027434 01/06/18 09:27 PM
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Those are usable. You don't have to have the very best to do good work, but Starretts sure are nice. Digital calipers are fine, too, and can be had for about 25 bucks. You're not likely to see these make an error that will make a detectable difference, but going top tier does instill a bit of extra confidence. Top quality tools definitely have a finer feel, but you can get by with less.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027457 01/06/18 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted By: Amarillo.Hunter
Thanks guys,
Ordering some Redding two die sets, shell holder, and will check out the calipers, headspace gauge kit, etc.


great choice but get their carbide sizing button, for each, these are very good. get digital calipers cheap, take the battery out when not in use.

don't read too much on here. its not that difficult


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: J.G.] #7027476 01/06/18 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Two piece die sets are just fine. Also make sure and get the best caliper you can afford. Hornady headspace gauge kit, and bullet comparators are also some tools to help tune your ammo to your specific chamber.
Fireman said it all great info


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027518 01/06/18 11:14 PM
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The only three piece sets I see have a crimp die added. A lot of dies like RCBS already crimp during the bullet seating stage.

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: J.G.] #7027520 01/06/18 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Two piece die sets are just fine. Also make sure and get the best caliper you can afford. Hornady headspace gauge kit, and bullet comparators are also some tools to help tune your ammo to your specific chamber.


He already said that he's not trying to enter any contests. He doesn't really need those tools to get great accuracy.

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: tenyearsgone] #7027591 01/07/18 12:38 AM
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Originally Posted By: tenyearsgone
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Two piece die sets are just fine. Also make sure and get the best caliper you can afford. Hornady headspace gauge kit, and bullet comparators are also some tools to help tune your ammo to your specific chamber.


He already said that he's not trying to enter any contests. He doesn't really need those tools to get great accuracy.


It is not only for tuning, it is for brass life. Setting the FL die to only bump shoulders .002"-.003" does not over-work brass. Aaaaaaaand, after brass has been formed to the chamber, bumped only .002", the same load that was on virgin brass will make more velocity.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: tenyearsgone] #7027592 01/07/18 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted By: tenyearsgone
The only three piece sets I see have a crimp die added. A lot of dies like RCBS already crimp during the bullet seating stage.


You can set the die far enough out to not crimp.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Buzzsaw] #7027595 01/07/18 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted By: Buzzsaw
don't read too much on here. its not that difficult


Says the guy that asks questions on here, every day.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: J.G.] #7027626 01/07/18 12:58 AM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Buzzsaw
don't read too much on here. its not that difficult


Says the guy that asks questions on here, every day.


just so I can hear your pretty voice smile ani


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027695 01/07/18 01:39 AM
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Hornady headspace and bullet comparator are a must for consist hand loaded ammo great tools


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: KK30RAR] #7027715 01/07/18 02:08 AM
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Originally Posted By: KK30RAR
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Two piece die sets are just fine. Also make sure and get the best caliper you can afford. Hornady headspace gauge kit, and bullet comparators are also some tools to help tune your ammo to your specific chamber.
Fireman said it all great info


Good info here. The headspace guage kit and bullet comparators are tools you will never regret purchasing. As for dies I own more Hornady than anything else and their locking rings are on the other brands of dies I own.


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: J.G.] #7027760 01/07/18 02:45 AM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: tenyearsgone
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Two piece die sets are just fine. Also make sure and get the best caliper you can afford. Hornady headspace gauge kit, and bullet comparators are also some tools to help tune your ammo to your specific chamber.


He already said that he's not trying to enter any contests. He doesn't really need those tools to get great accuracy.


It is not only for tuning, it is for brass life. Setting the FL die to only bump shoulders .002"-.003" does not over-work brass. Aaaaaaaand, after brass has been formed to the chamber, bumped only .002", the same load that was on virgin brass will make more velocity.


I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm simply saying that for his intent, he doesn't need those extra tools. I don't even use those. I know I could squeeze out a fraction more accuracy by buying those tools. The thing is; is the money worth it when I have loads that produce .1,.2,.3 moa in several rifles? I just don't want a new loader to be overwhelmed.

Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: tenyearsgone] #7027765 01/07/18 02:51 AM
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Originally Posted By: tenyearsgone
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: tenyearsgone
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Two piece die sets are just fine. Also make sure and get the best caliper you can afford. Hornady headspace gauge kit, and bullet comparators are also some tools to help tune your ammo to your specific chamber.


He already said that he's not trying to enter any contests. He doesn't really need those tools to get great accuracy.


It is not only for tuning, it is for brass life. Setting the FL die to only bump shoulders .002"-.003" does not over-work brass. Aaaaaaaand, after brass has been formed to the chamber, bumped only .002", the same load that was on virgin brass will make more velocity.


I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm simply saying that for his intent, he doesn't need those extra tools. I don't even use those. I know I could squeeze out a fraction more accuracy by buying those tools. The thing is; is the money worth it when I have loads that produce .1,.2,.3 moa in several rifles? I just don't want a new loader to be overwhelmed.



that's my thinking


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Re: New to reloading - which dies? [Re: Amarillo.Hunter] #7027791 01/07/18 03:24 AM
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I agree. Don't swamp the guy with a ton of stuff he doesn't need right now. Remember that many folks got by just fine with a Lee Loader for quite a while and loaded plentygood ammo. He's hunting, not competing. He can keep it simple as he likes and do well...and when he's done it a while may decide to delve into it a little more. Don't make the guy feel like he's wasting his time if he's not using benchreast quality equipment and techniques. It ain't so.


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