.338 lapua die questions

[FryeGuy]

so I am thinking about upgrading die sets. I currently have a standard set of redding. I wanted to get the best possible dies. I am looking at the whidden gunworks set, micrometer seating die, and click adjustment sizer. I am also looking at the Forster ultra micrometer seater, and L.E. Wilson FL sizer. Do you guys shooting long range have a preference for one over the other?

 

[Sniper338]

Jmo here. But I like bushing full length sizing dies, and mandels on hand, to find the neck tension the round likes in my gun. I use wilson seater dies.

 

[FryeGuy]

I just measured the few rounds of ammo I have loaded. they were right at .367 loaded. lapua brass. I was thinking a .364 bushing. I do hunt with it as well, but not much. So would .003 tension be enough for mag feed? I haven't used the Wilson dies in a couple years. I might need to throw those into the equation as well.

 

[Carolina Hillbilly]

I have the Whidden 338 dies. FL with bushing. Add the custom expander ball set and neck tension is very easy to adjust. Very happy with them.

 

[Sniper338]

I just measured the few rounds of ammo I have loaded. they were right at .367 loaded. lapua brass. I was thinking a .364 bushing. I do hunt with it as well, but not much. So would .003 tension be enough for mag feed? I haven't used the Wilson dies in a couple years. I might need to throw those into the equation as well.

Never know what it likes till you try several.

 

[Wildcat455]

I just measured the few rounds of ammo I have loaded. they were right at .367 loaded. lapua brass. I was thinking a .364 bushing. I do hunt with it as well, but not much. So would .003 tension be enough for mag feed? I haven't used the Wilson dies in a couple years. I might need to throw those into the equation as well.

.003" "Should" be enough neck tension for mag feed.

I'm not sure how hot of a load you are shooting, whether there's any powder compression on bullet seating, etc.

So best advice I could give would be load a mag with your cartridges at whatever neck tension you are trying to achieve, take your calipers and comparator with you to the range, shoot a couple then pull mag and check remaining cartridges. Shoot a couple more and check again. That should give you your answer.

As far as your die questions in your previous post, are the Redding dies not working out for you, or?

I don't use the dies you are asking about. I have had pretty good results with Hornady dies. I use the FL custom grade (expander ball) and the FL match grade (Bushing), depending on what I'm trying to do and with which 338 LM. I use the micrometer seating die on both rifles with appropriate seating stem for bullet being used.

I get you wanting to have the best possible equipment, and I commend you for it. I guess I just haven't gotten to the point of needing something better than I already have.