It's about time ..... dies, progressive of choice?

[Blowby]

Talking to the wife last night about my LRS class over the weekend and she asked how much I spent on ammo. Boy am I in trouble now, fortunately it was Fathers Day so I told her and waited for the wrath of a pissed off wifey. Well her response was "You better start reloading!"

So here I am, been doing some random research over the past few years, even went the the humble abode of the Great Kazoo to learn the basic process. I really want to focus on consistency for the .308 at distance. This is the caliber where I think I need the best dies. The additional ammo is 45acp, 9 and .223 for training, fun shooting with family and friends, so nothing special needed for precise loads. If high end dies are not needed so be it, but if they are a good investment maybe I should just do it.

Looking for advice on what combinations work. I searched and found a lot of info on this already but some was dated and wonder if the industry or quality has changed.
Thanks in advance.

[Great-Kazoo]

The word is a Redding micrometer bullet seating die it the way to go. Regarding high end dies, there is never a one size fits all. I have RCBS, Hornady, Dillon and some lee. For my money i like the Dillon & RCBS. Not to take away from the hornady line. Lee is my universal decapper and crimp dies.
http://www.redding-reloading.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19:type-s-die-chart

Press choice, the 550 hands down. You want volume per hour, it's the 6 or 1050. When factoring in cost of tool heads, the 650 is my choice. I use the 1050 for 223 & 9mm processing. Having that swager and trimmer working in unison saves time & energy. Unless you don't mind doing trim & swage in separate steps.
You can go with the 550 for now, buy a Giraud Trimmer and swager of choice. I have a giraud set up for 223 if you'd like to road test it. BUT i'll need a deposit as you'll want to keep it after running a few cases through it ;)
http://www.giraudtool.com/prod02.htm

[Hoser]

For 308 dies I like the Redding and Forester.

[XC700116]

I'm personally a fan of Redding s-series sizing dies and Forster micrometer seating dies, makes for a very nice combo.

Also if going to a progressive and wanting to do precision work as well, hands down Dillon 550.

I kind of wish I'd have gone that route as I don't fully utilize my 650 for qty duty but I still love my Forster single stage for precision work.

[Grant H.]

Another vote for Redding Dies for your .308.

For the other calibers, I buy RCBS. Get a small base .223 die. Get carbide for pistol.

For a press, my 550B has been awesome. I have complete tool heads for my different calibers, and its easy.

[Delfuego]

I have the Forester with the micrometer, it is nice. They will also hone the necks on them if you want a specific tension.

[Great-Kazoo]

Another vote for Redding Dies for your .308.

For the other calibers, I buy RCBS. Get a small base .223 die. Get carbide for pistol.

For a press, my 550B has been awesome. I have complete tool heads for my different calibers, and its easy.

IMO there's no need for SBD's, I have done 15K of 223 & 5.56 brass done with standard FL sizing die and no issues. . Tool heads for each caliber yes.

[Blowby]

Thanks for the replys, I'm putting together a list. I see Brian Enos has a complete 550 kit if you're just starting. Maybe I can pick a caliber to cover one of the other (45, 9, .223) and get the micrometer bullet setter with additional dies for the .308 from Redding. I also see members prefer Dillon dies for the pistol caliber. Why is that?

[cstone]

If you haven't reloaded before, I would suggest you start with .45 ACP. It is a fairly simple and forgiving cartridge. I use Lee carbide dies for pistol and they have given me no problems. In fact, the Lee sizing die for .40 S&W seems to size the farthest down the case when compared to my RCBS set of dies in the same caliber.

Everyone has developed their own routines when it comes to reloading. I think it is important for you to find the ways that work best for you. Generally, money spent on equipment is spent to save you time. The more money you spend, the more ammunition you can produce in a shorter period of time, IMO.

My example is collecting as much usable brass in just about any caliber I can find. I deprime everything that is boxer primed. This is a sort and first inspection for me. Next is dry tumbling in lizard bedding by caliber. I load the tumbler and let it run till I decide to stop the tumbler (maybe 8 but sometimes 12 hours). Next is full length sizing. I do this on a single stage. The rifle calibers get lubed first (lanolin and 91% alcohol solution in a spray bottle) then sized. This is a second inspection for each case. The rifle cases will get tossed back in the tumbler for an hour or two to take the lube off. Then the rifle cases get trimmed and swaged. At this point, I will hand prime most of my cases, both pistol and rifle. This is a third inspection point for each case. I tend to store lots of brass in prepped and primed condition. When I want to load up a batch, the appropriate toolhead and shellplate goes on the Dillon 550 and it becomes a simple matter of pulling the handle, seating a bullet and indexing the shellplate. All rejected brass cases and spent primers are collected for sale as scrap.

I don't produce precision ammunition, although I could if needed as the single stage or the Dillon are capable of it. I would need to spend more time prepping the rifle cases and weighing each powder charge. The single weakest point in my ammunition's accuracy is me when I am on the trigger.

Enjoy the hobby. It is the second and sometimes first love of most shooters.

Be safe.

[KS63]

I use Redding for 9mm, Dillon in .45ACP and Forster for Blackout. Redding and Forster are superb quality dies. I hear the Wilson seating dies are pretty good too, though I haven't used them. I haven't noticed a major difference in ammo quality between the manufacturers of pistol dies. The Dillon pistol dies have a larger entry radius than the other brands to facilitate easier case entry on a progressive press.

[Blowby]

The Dillon pistol dies have a larger entry radius than the other brands to facilitate easier case entry on a progressive press.
Good point.

Cstone: I haven't been collecting my .45 brass. I'll see if I can make some before I order the press.

Going with the 550 per recommendations. I'll order it with the .45 as the selected caliber then to start practicing.

[Blowby]

I have a giraud set up for 223 if you'd like to road test it. BUT i'll need a deposit as you'll want to keep it after running a few cases through it ;)http://www.giraudtool.com/prod02.htmJim, I remember you showing it to me. You just picked it up used, in new condition for a good price. I might take you up on that offer, with a deposit of course :)

[Delfuego]

Giraud has a smaller (and cheaper) model. http://www.giraudtool.com/Tri%20Way%20Trimmer.htm

Definitely shop at Brian Enos, good to support other shooters!

[Blowby]

Giraud has a smaller (and cheaper) model. http://www.giraudtool.com/Tri%20Way%20Trimmer.htm

Definitely shop at Brian Enos, good to support other shooters!
It looks like I would need to by two trimmers to address the .308 and .223 cartridge.

[O2HeN2]

The Dillon pistol dies have a larger entry radius than the other brands to facilitate easier case entry on a progressive press.
...and their cores can be removed for cleaning (especially important if you're reloading lead) without upsetting any settings.

For progressive pistol dies I really recommend Dillon.

O2

[Great-Kazoo]

It looks like I would need to by two trimmers to address the .308 and .223 cartridge.

With the giraud you'll still need collets for each caliber.

[cstone]

For one or two calibers, the Giraud tri-way trimmer works really well. It has the same blade as the stand alone Giraud trimmer, so it produces excellent results. Once you get above three tri-ways, you may as well have the stand alone and get the collets.

I highly recommend the Giraud. It may not be as fast as a Dillon trimmer on a 650 or 1050, but it is very consistent and makes trimming much less of a chore than anything else out there that I am aware of.

[Delfuego]

"I don't always trim my brass, but when I do, I prefer the Giraud." [Beer]

[Blowby]

cstone, Kazoo,
I was thinking if I picked up another caliber to cheat with, like a 6.5 [ROFL1] and pawn my .308 off for my kids to learn on, I will now be in that situation. A 3 Tri-Way or one stand alone.
The advantage of 3 separate trimmers are having all three going at one time. I knew I had kids for one reason or another.


OK pulling the trigger on the Dillon, I'll order additional heads when I add for the other calibers. Looking for the Redding micrometer die set somewhere else. I'll have questions on that since I see bushings, expanders .....
Anything else from Brian Enos on this order?

K12xxx RL 550B in Caliber: 45 ACP
11541 550 Toolholder w/o Casefeeder - w/Wrenches
20048 550B Spare Parts Kit
19455 CV-750 Vibratory Case Cleaner
22051 Strong Mount - 550/650
17999 Bullet Puller (New Style, Berrys)
13733 Dillon Case Lube
17950 Roller Handle - Aluminum - 550/650
10xxx Dillon 3-Die Set, Caliber as Specified
22214 Bullet Tray - 550/650/SqDeal
DIGCA BrianEnos.com Digital Caliper
19483 550B Press Instructional DVD
12xxx Dillon Stainless Case Gage, Caliber as Specified PorR: Pistol
21045 CM-500 Media Separator
11185 550B Empty Case Bin
BEPDS BrianEnos.com Pro-digital Scale
200xx 4-Pack Primer Pickup Tubes, Size as Specified
13606 Primer Flip Tray
10330 Reloading Manual - Lyman #49
10842 One in. Bench Wrench for Dillon Dies/P.Measure

[XC700116]

The only thing I see is that I'd skip the tumbler in favor of one of the larger Lyman units, the extra capacity is nice and they've never let me down.

Not saying the Dillon unit isn't a solid choice, just that the capacity is a little light.

[Great-Kazoo]

The only thing I see is that I'd skip the tumbler in favor of one of the larger Lyman units, the extra capacity is nice and they've never let me down.

Not saying the Dillon unit isn't a solid choice, just that the capacity is a little light.

Agree go bigger. Don't forget a set of these. There are numerous places you can buy them. Check your local reloading shop (Hint) Elk Bomb for them.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/847836/shell-sorter-brass-sorter-9mm-luger-40-s-and-w-45-acp-3-bowl-set


https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.3tn0APMta0wB1OOSfcj%2fMA&pid=15.1&P=0

[Blowby]

.308 die set of choice Jim?

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/competition-bushing-neck-die-set-308-win-sku749008237-38229-71349.aspx

[Great-Kazoo]

.308 die set of choice Jim?

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/competition-bushing-neck-die-set-308-win-sku749008237-38229-71349.aspx

I'd get input from the .308 precision guys for that.

[Delfuego]

Those are nice, maybe nicer than need be. I personally use the Forester FL dies. The Forester benchrest are great dies for 1/3 the price. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/454332/forster-bench-rest-2-die-set-308-winchester

Don't get me wrong, those dies are some of the best made, but you will need multiple bushings in addition to the dies set. Without being an experienced reloader (or benchrest shooter), I think it is overkill and can be difficult to master. I FL size my bras to ensure it will chamber everytme, even if the rifle is dirty. The perceived loss in accuracy, is not worth the effort. I make my match ammo with a Rockchucker and a Forester 2 die set, I use the micrometer die only because it used to be offered in a set. The bechrest seater is the same without the markings.

[Blowby]

Thanks for the insight. I have a good foundation for shooting but I don't need to have ammo with benchrest accuracy. Just dialed in a little better than my skill level so I know it's me when I screw the pooch. [Coffee]

[Blowby]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/733310/lyman-gen-6-compact-touch-screen-powder-scale-and-dispenser-110-220-volt

Lyman Gen 6 Compact Touch Screen Powder Scale and Dispenser was the first choice. Any reason not to?

Also
Forster Bench Rest 2-Die Set 308 Winchester (Forster #: 004501)

[XC700116]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/733310/lyman-gen-6-compact-touch-screen-powder-scale-and-dispenser-110-220-volt

Lyman Gen 6 Compact Touch Screen Powder Scale and Dispenser was the first choice. Any reason not to?

Also
Forster Bench Rest 2-Die Set 308 Winchester (Forster #: 004501)

Skip the Lyman, one almost caused me to blow my rifle up, Mine was consistent and worked great for a while then all of a sudden, the charges weren't weighing correctly. It just went south on me. It lasted about 6 months. This was after I'd already lost a Hornady unit as well.

I ended up going with the RCBS (2 of them in fact, I run both at the same time when loading large qty of precision rifle ammo) and I couldn't be happier.

Forster dies are good to go.

[Blowby]

Thanks for the info!