Best die setup for 6.5x284?

[highdrum]

I just ordered a CA ridgeline in 6.5X284 for me nephew and will be handloading everything for it. My proposed die setup:
Forster FL sizer
Forster micrometer seater
Whidden type S bushing FL sizer.

My idea behind two sizers, I'll measure the neck OD after sizing w/ the non bushing die, and if it falls in that 289-290 od measure, and then expand w/ mandrels to 291, then seat a bullet to 293. I'll run the FL die. If I have to use bushings, so be it. From sounds of it, lapua is a bit tight to the 297 chamber ID, so I'll probably end up turning. You guys have better suggestions for dies! Thanks!

 

[Dmagna]

I have (had) the same gun. It was a lemon, bad chamber/barrel, it's a long story. It's in the shop now getting a proof barrel on it. I used Redding dies with mine, can't beat the Redding premium or the competition dies if you want to use bushings. I found no difference in accuracy between the two types of dies.

 

[highdrum]

I have (had) the same gun. It was a lemon, bad chamber/barrel, it's a long story. It's in the shop now getting a proof barrel on it. I used Redding dies with mine, can't beat the Redding premium or the competition dies if you want to use bushings. I found no difference in accuracy between the two types of dies.

Well here's hopes I don't that the same issues. There's a good smith down the street if I need to rebarrel. But let's hope not! Do you know what the neck diameter was after sizing if you didn't use the ball to expand? Thanks!

 

[Dmagna]

Well here's hopes I don't that the same issues. There's a good smith down the street if I need to rebarrel. But let's hope not! Do you know what the neck diameter was after sizing if you didn't use the ball to expand? Thanks!

I believe I used a 291 with lapua brass

 

[TRG65]

My favorites are the Whidden dies. I use a couple sets of the click adjustable bushing dies. I also have several sets of Redding, and I've loaded a lot of good ammo with the Redding. However, the rounds I load with the Whidden dies seem to shoot better.

 

[highdrum]

My favorites are the Whidden dies. I use a couple sets of the click adjustable bushing dies. I also have several sets of Redding, and I've loaded a lot of good ammo with the Redding. However, the rounds I load with the Whidden dies seem to shoot better.

I've owned several sets of whidden, as of late they've been about 50/50 on their FL bushing sizer. I've sold or returned 3 because I was getting 3-4 thou runout on cases that had less than 1 thou after firing. I ordered the redding type s FL, type s neck die, & forster mic seater. Picked up 100pcs lapua brass, and 50pcs of peterson 284 win that'll be turned and necked down. I'll compare the two volume wise. Peterson brass has arguably harder case heads than lapua so hopefully they'll handle more psi before losing pockets.

 

[TRG65]

I've owned several sets of whidden, as of late they've been about 50/50 on their FL bushing sizer. I've sold or returned 3 because I was getting 3-4 thou runout on cases that had less than 1 thou after firing. I ordered the redding type s FL, type s neck die, & forster mic seater.

I guess it's luck of the draw. I've had bad luck with Forster seaters cracking stems, and wouldn't go that route.

 

[highdrum]

I guess it's luck of the draw. I've had bad luck with Forster seaters cracking stems, and wouldn't go that route.

I have never heard that, very surprising. I know forster stands behind their products and hopefully got you taken care of. I'll keep an eye on this one. I've had good luck with the Hornaday match dies, and see they have a micrometer seater as well.

 

[Sockeye66]

Not saying what I'm using is the best but it seems to work very well. Redding Competition seating die, Redding body die and a Lee Collet Neck die made for a 6.5x55 for which I add a .060" washer over the case.

 

[25WSM]

I've had great luck with Redding s dies. I only full length size. I use Redding or Wilson seaters. Been pretty good to go.
Shep

 

[NW Hunter]

I've had great luck with Redding s dies. I only full length size. I use Redding or Wilson seaters. Been pretty good to go.
Shep

What 25WSM said

 

[338 dude]

 

[highdrum]

I canceled the Redding type S FL die, and forster seater. Got the type S FL bushing and comp seater set. Thanks for the input fellas!

 

[25WSM]

It will serve you well. I still don't know why guys buy neck dies with a body die. Why run your brass twice to get sized when you can run it one time.
Shep