I'm buying new dies for a build and I'm looking at the type S match bushing FL set. My question is are the competition seater dies worth it. Do they produce less bullet run out the standard or are you just paying for the micro adjust?
Redding die question
- Thread starter chad44
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Broz
Well-Known Member
I like the comp dies and feel they are worth it if you want less runout. You not only get the neck and seat dies with micrometer adjustments, but both of these dies have a retractable sleeve that captures the case completely. Then the case and sleeve elevate into the die for the work to be done. I feel this insures everything is kept true and straight. Also I prefer doing my neck size and the body and shoulder sizing in separate steps. That is a personal choice that the 3 die set allows. I like to set the body die up for perfect shoulder location. The body die and a set of the Redding stepped shell holder make this easy and a very repeatable process.
The redding comp 3 die set and a Redding T7 turret press is the best combination I have ever loaded with. Consistent, repeatable and the truest ammo I have ever hand loaded.
Jeff
SidecarFlip
Well-Known Member
+1 except I use an RCBS Gold Medal Competition seater die with a front load bullet window. I like the RCBS seater because you can seat almost every caliber with one seater die by changing out the thimbles and seater plugs (avilable direct from RCBS) and, like the Redding, the RCBS captures the entire case in the sliding guide as your ram upstrokes.
I have a number of Redding dies that I've never used the bullet seater die at all.
I have a number of Redding dies that I've never used the bullet seater die at all.
Also, if I turn my necks then the need for the expander plug isn't necessary correct? If I'm thinking right then when you size your neck to xx dimension then pull the plug back thru it negates the entire process because the plug expands the neck out some. So a guy should either turn necks or not use the bushing dies. Am I thinking correctly?
Broz
Well-Known Member
Yes it is. I usually size as much neck as I can leaving a small margin not sized at the bottom. So I screw it down to touch the bushing then back off .005 to .010" to relieve pressure on the bushing.
Jeff
Broz
Well-Known Member
Turned necks or not, You will have the option to remove the expander plug and replac it with a small dia. cap that will hold the de-priming pin. This is what I do. No expander is needed as you will only be sizing down to the correct amount. I usually go .002 to .0025" under loaded neck size.
Yes I think you are on track.
Jeff
