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New to reloading - which dies?
#7027321
01/06/18 06:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 229
Amarillo.Hunter
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 229 |
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.
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027341
01/06/18 07:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,520
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,520 |
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.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027383
01/06/18 08:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
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.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027395
01/06/18 08:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 229
Amarillo.Hunter
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 229 |
Thanks guys, Ordering some Redding two die sets, shell holder, and will check out the calipers, headspace gauge kit, etc.
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027406
01/06/18 08:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,877
Teal28
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,877 |
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.
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027408
01/06/18 08:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
That's the ones. I have a U.S. Made Starett dial caliper, buy they're not cheap.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027419
01/06/18 08:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 229
Amarillo.Hunter
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 229 |
And, anything more affordable? These Starrett calipers (American made) are pricey!
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027423
01/06/18 09:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
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.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027424
01/06/18 09:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 229
Amarillo.Hunter
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 229 |
What about the Hornady dial calipers?
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027434
01/06/18 09:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,520
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,520 |
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.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027457
01/06/18 10:09 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,946
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,946 |
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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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 551
KK30RAR
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 551 |
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
Pulsar xq50 trail Pulsar xq30f Helion
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027518
01/06/18 11:14 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
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.
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: J.G.]
#7027520
01/06/18 11:15 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
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.
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#7027591
01/07/18 12:38 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
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.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#7027592
01/07/18 12:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
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.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Buzzsaw]
#7027595
01/07/18 12:40 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
don't read too much on here. its not that difficult Says the guy that asks questions on here, every day.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: J.G.]
#7027626
01/07/18 12:58 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,946
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,946 |
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
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: Amarillo.Hunter]
#7027695
01/07/18 01:39 AM
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 551
KK30RAR
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 551 |
Hornady headspace and bullet comparator are a must for consist hand loaded ammo great tools
Pulsar xq50 trail Pulsar xq30f Helion
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: KK30RAR]
#7027715
01/07/18 02:08 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198 |
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.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: J.G.]
#7027760
01/07/18 02:45 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
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.
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Re: New to reloading - which dies?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#7027765
01/07/18 02:51 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,946
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,946 |
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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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,520
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,520 |
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.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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