Which dies for 280 Rem. Ackley Improved?

[jpr9954]

I bought a Browning A-Bolt II Boss in .280 Rem. Ackley Improved this weekend at a local gun show. I couldn't help myself - it was just calling to me!

Given that this is a semi-wildcat, I will have to reload for it. I have found 2 and 3 die sets from Lee and Redding as well as 2 die sets from Hornady, CH4D, and RCBS (special order). From what I can tell, the 2 die sets are either full-length resizing or neck-size only. The 3 die sets have both full-length and neck-sizing dies.

I know that unless I buy the new Nosler brass that I will have to fire-size my brass. Given that, would I do better with either neck-size, full-length resize, or both dies?

Any suggestions on which brand of die to purchase? I know that they aren't going to be cheap no matter which brand I buy.

Thanks for the help and suggestions.

John

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

What a sweet round...

I have one wild cat. 30-338, and I use Sierra two die set for it.

Yes, neck sizing is the preference for fire formed brass. If you only want to neck size, you can always pick up a .284 universal neck sizing die. I have an old Lyman that I use for my other .30cal stuff. Having the full length resizing die is advantagous if you're going to get used .280rem brass from some other source, -you'll have opportunity to resize to factory spec, and have a known starting point. With many of the wild cats out there, -even the Ackley's, there are reamers that deviate. This is very true for 30-338 and .308 Norma.

All that said, If I were to do it all over again, I'd probably buy the three die set. Be it, Redding, Forster or Sierra. In my case, I already had the .30 neck sizing die. Only your budget will tell you which brand to buy. My dies are pre "micro adjustable", I wish I had that feature.

-Steve

 

[Wil Terry]

SIERRA TWO DIE SET....Hmmmmm.

I have 135 sets of dies and have used dies from 28 different companies, but I have never heard of SIERRA dies.