6.5-284 Die question

[queen_stick]

Hello everyone!

First post on the forums, so here it goes....

I had 6.5-284 put together by Sharp Shooter Supply, and recently started getting everything I need to load up some rounds. All I have left to buy is the dies, but I'm not sure what I need for what I'm trying to do. What am I trying to do? Fairly simple - This is my first 'bench' gun, and I'm using it to see if I'll enjoy medium,600) or long range,1k) benchrest competition. Or, maybe some f-class or something? I don't have a ton of money invested, but I have enough work done to know that the gun will probably outperform the person behind it!,hopefully).

I guess the question is, is it worth spending the $230 for a 3-die set of Redding competition bushing dies? or can I spend $60 on a Forster 2-die set and get accurate results for my application?

Thanks in advance for your comments!

Also, thanks to everyone on this forum - I've learned A LOT about all aspects of shooting and reloading, by simply reading through these forums.

 

[Dirtball]

You are going to need a quality,Redding, Forster or others) Neck size bushing die, a competition micrometer seating die, and I suppose a body die, but I have never used mine, in case you need to bump the shoulder back.
I do not think you need a competition sizing die JMHO.
If you have not bought brass, get Lapua, I have 9 to 10 firings on mine and have lost one case out of the first 100, and it had a small fold in the shoulder when it was new.

Dave

 

[queen_stick]

Thanks Dirtball. I just got my brass from the UPS man yesterday, and yes it's Lapua. I'm starting off with 140 Bergers and IMR4350. I'll play around with seating depth's once I find a 'nice' range of charges, but I'm sure it won't take long until I try different powders and bullets.

 

[archerross]

I'll be picking up a custom 6.5-284 this weekend. I'm calling it a hybrid rifle or a LRH,long range hunter). It is not your typical 20# bench gun, nor is it your 6# hunter. With scope it is weighing in a touch over 10#.

My gunsmith got a Redding Full Length bushing Die ahead of time and used the chamber reamer to chamber match a Forester Ultra Seating Die.

I'd definitely try H4831sc or H1000, as well, with the Bergers. If for some strange reason they don't shoot well, 142gr Sierra SMKs shot some mighty impressive groups during barrel break-in/initial load testing. My gunsmith buddy won't let a gun go until he is convinced it will shot 0.5 MOA or better. Have fun! I'll be right with you...so to speak.

 

[BlackHawk95]

When I got my 6.5-284, I thought the same thing about the price of the redding dies. So, I bought the Redding neck bushing die and body die, and a Forster Benchrest seater die. I ended up saving about $60 bucks. However If i were to do it again. I would spend the extra $30 bucks for the micrometer on the Forster seater.

Also in my opinion, I dont think you have to have the body die. Every time Ive tried to use mine its made the cases harder to Chamber!!

Good luck, Youll really like the 6.5-284

Jerid

 

[edpmedic]

To save you a lot of fooling around. For the price get the Redding Comp neck die set, and don't look back. Hornady Lock-N-load OAL guage. Modified case with a set of the insert style bullet comparitor.
I think Sinclare took over Stoney point or something like that. A good caliper or even a cheep one from harbor freight it works just has good. If you want you can get the Hornady Lock-N-load head space guage tool.
That should get you going and if you got the money to buy the Redding Instant Indicator which I think is ine of the best buys for about $81.00 you will have almost every thing you need to do what you need to do.
With the Redding Instant Indicator you could check Headspace and seating depth really accurately and then you really don't need the Head Space Guage set.

 

[queen_stick]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I have everything I need for reloading, including the Hornady OAL setup.,Although, my 6.5-284 modified case does not fit in my chamber. I had the the barrel done by Sharp Shooter Supply, and they said the chamber is cut to .297' neck, and the modified case is also measuring .297') I need to size the modified case in order to use it.,I tried putting it in there anyway, and it was nowhere close to fitting!)

As far as the dies... I've been thinking more and more about getting a new arbor press and going with the Wilson dies. I ran into a BR guy at the range the other day, using the Wilson dies and an arbor press - that's a slick setup! And, it's portable,easy to carry to the range).