RCBS X-Sizer dies

[bigmyk2k]

Hey Guys, I have a couple of quick- probably dumb- questions regarding these dies.

1- What has been your experience. Seems most people are skeptical about these, except those that use them. Live up to the promise? Save time and effort?

2- This comes as a single die, correct? Meaning, I would still basically need the FL Die set for the seat/crimp die, right?

3- Is this used along with a FL Sizer die, or in place of?

Thanks in advance!

[Zombie Steve]

I just got a set for .308, so I don't have a full report for you, but you can do normal full length sizing with the x-die, you just back the mandrel out a bit. Once you trim short and put it back through, the mandrel needs to be in the correct place to prevent the brass from stretching. I just sized one piece of brass to the proper length and set it aside so I can set up the die easier if I ever happen to get to go shoot my damn rifles.


Also - my set came with a seater die. Now I have an extra - let me know if you need one.

[SA Friday]

I've been using an X-die on my 308 as well. I set it in the plate and locked it down. I use my just like a FL resizing die, but I've always just bumped back the shoulders and sides enough for a smooth chambering in my one 308 with a tight chamber. I still get a little growth in the neck, but these rounds are match grade stuff so I trim every reload anyway. The stretch I'm getting with the x-Die is considerably less than I've had with other dies. I bought the sizing die in a set with a seating die, but use a Foster die for seating.

I think the true advantage of this die is if you are loading bulk rifle ammo like 55gr FMJ 223 stuff on a progressive. One typically doesn't worry about the specs as much as with hunting or long distance rifle ammo. So, minimizing the brass prep speeds up the process. Other than that, it won't hurt to use this die but it's not necessarily going to make a huge difference. If you are just starting out in reloading, I would focus more on the process and learning what you need to do to get consistent, accurate, and safe reloads. Stuff like this is a secondary concern and something to look at if/when you start loading a lot of bulk ammo. Precise reloading technique with any decent die is going to produce way higher quality ammo than any factory made stuff.