Charlie1022
Member
I just bought an RPR 6.5 Creedmoor and a regular set of RCBS dies which I have used for use with very good results. What is the advantage of the precision dies?
Regular or precision dies
- Thread starter Charlie1022
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I have compared case neck and bullet run out with inexpensive 308 Win Lee Dies, expensive Bonaza bench rest, standard RCBS small base, and there was no measurable difference between any of them. I saw more variation due to excessive lube on the case than anything else.
However, I do like the Bench rest or "micrometer" seating die. They are easy to adjust and monkey with.
However, I do like the Bench rest or "micrometer" seating die. They are easy to adjust and monkey with.
troy fairweather
Member
lee dies have won many matches tho some wont admit to it
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MtnCreek
Member
"What is the advantage of the precision dies?"
Sizing: Reduced working of necks. More control over neck tension.
Seating: Seating stem that properly contacts bullet. Precise adj of depth.
Depending on the bullet you'll use, a seater like redding comp may be a worthwhile upgrade.
Removing the exp ball from your sizer and adding a mandrel die may result in straighter necks and more desirable tension.
Sizing: Reduced working of necks. More control over neck tension.
Seating: Seating stem that properly contacts bullet. Precise adj of depth.
Depending on the bullet you'll use, a seater like redding comp may be a worthwhile upgrade.
Removing the exp ball from your sizer and adding a mandrel die may result in straighter necks and more desirable tension.
Question for those who have extensive experience with measuring/testing these things: It seems to me that a micrometer-adjustment seating die isn't likely to be any more consistent than a non-micrometer die in seating bullets (assuming similarly good fit between seating stem and bullet profile), but that by virtue of having a marked and measured adjustment mechanism, it is easier to dial in a desired change with less trial-and-error... and easier to return to a prior (recorded) depth in the future. Am I correct?
Chuck R.
Member
As the other guys said, a lot of it is the ease of adjust-ability, whether it's neck tension or seating depth.
I just bought a set of Whidden dies with a click adjustable neck sizing die to adjust for shoulder bump:
https://www.whiddengunworks.com/product/click-bushing-full-length-die-set/
Not a "needed" item, but really came in handing for adjusting the amount of sizing on my 6mm SLR. Normally I'll set dies for FL sizing, then back off using die shims. When each "click" equals .001" in sizing, it simplifies adjustment. The Whidden guys also make custom seating stems by bullet, IF they don't have one for your favorite, you can send a bullet to them and they'll make it.
With any of the adjustable micrometer stuff it really is easier switching components or testing various variables.
I just bought a set of Whidden dies with a click adjustable neck sizing die to adjust for shoulder bump:
https://www.whiddengunworks.com/product/click-bushing-full-length-die-set/
Not a "needed" item, but really came in handing for adjusting the amount of sizing on my 6mm SLR. Normally I'll set dies for FL sizing, then back off using die shims. When each "click" equals .001" in sizing, it simplifies adjustment. The Whidden guys also make custom seating stems by bullet, IF they don't have one for your favorite, you can send a bullet to them and they'll make it.
With any of the adjustable micrometer stuff it really is easier switching components or testing various variables.
Blue68f100
Member
Yes, Particular if your using different bullets. I put a sticky note inside the storage box a long with notes on the reloading data,
Yeah, I was eyeing the Whidden website with acquisitive impulses in my heart a few days ago...
jmorris
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I too have measured runout and the dies make less of a difference than the components you use with them.
The micrometer style adjustment makes it easier to move them a known distance though.
So much so that I cam up with this device that allows me to adjust any die with the same ease and precision.
The micrometer style adjustment makes it easier to move them a known distance though.
So much so that I cam up with this device that allows me to adjust any die with the same ease and precision.
Chuck R.
Member
I use a 3x5 card to the same effect....
MtnCreek
Member
jmorris, You never fail to impress.
pert near
Member
+1...love that gadget - simple & efficient!
pert near
Member
The simple answer is YES, you are correct. Using a comparator I've discovered significant variation in the bullets themselves - especially hunting bullets. In other words, the base-to-ogive (BTO) varies on the bullet, which of course carries over on to the loaded round. That being said, my limited experiments of setting the precise BTO & allowing COL to vary on loaded rounds hasn't shown any revelations. This was in an extremely accurate Hart sendero style hunting rifle.
Just FWIW...
Charlie, good info on a similiar thread I posted here: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/dies-for-rock-chucker.840827/
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