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 Advice on 308 dies 
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Ok, I am looking at dies for an AR10 in 308. I will be throwing a scope on it, developing a load, and trying to work my way out to 1000yds. I am looking at a couple of die sets, and wonder if they are exactly what I should be going for, or maybe overkill for a semi-auto platform.

Redding premium set with micrometer seating die, and add a Redding taper crimp die.
http://www.brownells.com/reloading/relo ... 66869.aspx

Or, RCBS Competition set (Also with micrometer seating die) plus a crimp die?
https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/51664 ... 76EALw_wcB

Also, I have run the Lee (gasp, the horror) crimp die and found it to be good. Is it worth spending 3x on the Redding or other?

Thoughts? Are these sets overkill? Should I be running a small base die for semi-auto?


Mon Jul 31, 2017 5:36 pm
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Small base for semi auto.
I have no insight for everything else.

Stop by Pintos and check their used reloading gear. You may be fortunate. I have been multiple times there.

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Mon Jul 31, 2017 6:22 pm
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I don't have any experience with high-end dies like that. I use regular Hornady, with some RCBS and Lee. Here's my experience with .308 sizing dies:
viewtopic.php?f=74&t=59623

I like the Lee crimp dies too, but only for certain calibers. I don't crimp .308, regardless of whether it's for bolt-action or semi-auto.

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Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:07 pm
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I run Forster Small Base sizer, Forster Micrometer seater, and Lee factory crimp on my 308 semis.

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Mon Jul 31, 2017 8:01 pm
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I see no advantage to small base dies--they are popular, but that doesn't mean they make sense to me. If your regular sizing die can't size down enough to chamber, you might need them or you might need someone to check your chamber.
In fact, the body of the case should be sized no more than "just enough to chamber."
You could even try Bulge Busting the cases with a Lee FCD in .45 Auto and see if that is enough for the body of the case to chamber.
Micrometers don't make the dies any more accurate, just that you can return to the same setting. For dedicated competition, get a regular seating die and use it ONLY for that load. Spend money for a custom seating stem that fits the bullet, doesn't contact the meplat, and contacts as low down the ogive as possible.
Why taper crimp? I've never had to crimp a rifle round yet. Unless you flare the case mouth, why crimp?
What I see is that you should have a case be as tight a fit and as concentric to the chamber as possible, while still chambering easily. For this, I use a regular FL sizing die and I adjust the die down until a handful of cases all chamber easily.
What you really want to do beyond that is:
1) minimize bullet run-out
and
2) lightly outside neck turn the cases so the necks are a bit more concentric to the chamber.
Then, start shooting and testing and find out what works and doesn't work for you. Time behind the trigger trumps every reloading trick out there. This includes such things as collet crimping—don't just do it 'cause someone else does, see if it really does anything for you.


Wed Aug 02, 2017 10:03 am
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MadPick wrote:
I don't have any experience with high-end dies like that. I use regular Hornady, with some RCBS and Lee. Here's my experience with .308 sizing dies:
viewtopic.php?f=74&t=59623

I like the Lee crimp dies too, but only for certain calibers. I don't crimp .308, regardless of whether it's for bolt-action or semi-auto.



same here lee dies, and don't crimp em either

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Wed Aug 02, 2017 10:13 am
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One of the men that taught me to reload said to use a Lee Factory Crimp die for every caliber. He's only loaded a few hundred thousand rounds.

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Wed Aug 02, 2017 10:44 am
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to me small base dies are a sales gimmick. unless you have a tight chamber. I would recommend forester bonanza bench rest dies. they work well and I have several sets including 308. my next choice will be rcbs or redding


Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:22 pm
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Wow, ok. A lot more votes for Lee dies than expected. My experiences with their rifle dies have been...less than awesome. It absolutely could have been me, but as a result I've shied away from their rifle stuff. I also feel their seating dies are not very precise, even with match grade bullets.

I appreciate all the feed back, and based on it sounds like the really pricy stuff isn't necessary outside of fancy bolt guns.

So, I'm going to give the standard Redding set a shot with the Lee FDC. I will be loading a stash once I get my load(s) determined so want a slight crimp to keep them sealed. It also helps reduce setback and feed issues in semi autos.

Thanks WAGUNS!


Mon Aug 07, 2017 5:04 pm
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I'd like to hear back on this, plz. Just got the Redding catalogue in the mail.

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Mon Aug 07, 2017 5:19 pm
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jukk0u wrote:
I'd like to hear back on this, plz. Just got the Redding catalogue in the mail.
I have Redding 308 dies and a Lee Factory Crimp die. I like them more than the RCBS.

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Mon Aug 07, 2017 8:38 pm
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Personally I think a micrometer setting for a semi-auto can't hurt, but ultimately the potential is wasted the second that round slams into that feed ramp and the top of the chamber as it tilts in... in my mind all bets are off.

You could go with a heavy crimp to minimize the chance of any setback or slop, but then you just open up pandoras box.

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Mon Aug 07, 2017 9:09 pm
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dreadi wrote:
jukk0u wrote:
I'd like to hear back on this, plz. Just got the Redding catalogue in the mail.
I have Redding 308 dies and a Lee Factory Crimp die. I like them more than the RCBS.


Ok. Which one? they have premium dies, master hunter, NM-C.... what did you choose? You're loading for an AR type rifle?

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Tue Aug 08, 2017 6:35 am
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I normally use Hornady dies as they are good for the money. That being said, Redding dies are VERY good and worth the extra money. I reload for an AR-10 and you definitely don't need a small base die for most applications. Sometimes with cases that have been run through a M240 it can be helpful for one sizing, but in general you will work the brass more than is needed (and for no benefit).


dreadi wrote:
One of the men that taught me to reload said to use a Lee Factory Crimp die for every caliber. He's only loaded a few hundred thousand rounds.

Probably one of the Sage's? I picked that up from them and use it on all my AR-10/Ar-15 loads. I've done side by side tests a few times where I crimped half of the ammo and it doesn't seem to affect anything.


Blaze.45 wrote:
Personally I think a micrometer setting for a semi-auto can't hurt.

They're easier to adjust the seating depth with, I like them for that reason alone.


Tue Aug 08, 2017 6:59 am
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jukk0u wrote:
dreadi wrote:
jukk0u wrote:
I'd like to hear back on this, plz. Just got the Redding catalogue in the mail.
I have Redding 308 dies and a Lee Factory Crimp die. I like them more than the RCBS.


Ok. Which one? they have premium dies, master hunter, NM-C.... what did you choose? You're loading for an AR type rifle?



Redding "standard" 80155 die set for my bolt action.

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Tue Aug 08, 2017 7:32 am
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