LE Wilson vs Whidden sizing dies

[JasonT]

What width flex hone did you use on the die? I've got the same problem with a Hornady die.

It was a 300wsm, and so I think I used 9/16” or thereabouts. Usually I try to find a flex hone just slightly larger than the part I’m polishing internally. Ideally you’d get a 320 then a 600, but I was being cheap so I did extra with the 600 and some oil.

 

[Timon]

I use a Whidden. First tried Lee when I started, then went to Redding. The Whidden Click Adj is by far the best I’ve used and the click adjustable feature is just fantastic. As far as seating. I use a 21st Century custom in line die. Never had anything that was not great from 21st Century.

 

[TIMO]

I have both. The Whidden dies (338 Edge) I bought as a set way back when they were first starting to make them. Never had any problem with them. The LE. Wilson dies I have are first rate as well. I have one of their FL bushing dies in .308 Win. it is top of the line as well. No issues since getting it. I would not hesitate in buying either brand.
Tim

 

[UKwildcat]

It was a 300wsm, and so I think I used 9/16” or thereabouts. Usually I try to find a flex hone just slightly larger than the part I’m polishing internally. Ideally you’d get a 320 then a 600, but I was being cheap so I did extra with the 600 and some oil.

I'm having a hard time locating one online, wouldn't happen to have a link for one would you?

 

[JasonT]

I'm having a hard time locating one online, wouldn't happen to have a link for one would you?

I can send you a link to it on the US based Amazon no problem.

https://www.amazon.com/Research-FLEX-HONE-Cylinder-Abrasive-Diameter/dp/B002XUL0GI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=16XIL82R85O5V&keywords=flex%2Bhone%2B15mm&qid=1676827671&sprefix=flex%2Bhone%2B15mm%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOU9YWFhHTjA2OEgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1MjQyNzZHWktFNEZLNk4xTkImZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDYyMjc4MlJSWjZIVTJEN0hUNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1

 

[UKwildcat]

I can send you a link to it on the US based Amazon no problem.

https://www.amazon.com/Research-FLEX-HONE-Cylinder-Abrasive-Diameter/dp/B002XUL0GI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=16XIL82R85O5V&keywords=flex%2Bhone%2B15mm&qid=1676827671&sprefix=flex%2Bhone%2B15mm%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOU9YWFhHTjA2OEgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1MjQyNzZHWktFNEZLNk4xTkImZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDYyMjc4MlJSWjZIVTJEN0hUNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1

Thanks Jason!

 

[Belly Benchrester]

I did a seating depth test with my dasher using 1x fired alpha brass. Bumped my shoulders 3 thousandths with my LE Wilson bushing die and these are my results. A quality die, good brass , powder, bullets and neck tension are the key to accuracy and consistency.

As far as choosing between a Whidden, Redding and Wilson it’s 6 in one hand half dozen in the other in my opinion as long as the other details are there.

 

[Dave M.]

I know this topic has been discussed before. I am relatively new to reloading, and I am trying out two dies for 22-250 before I pick a brand for other calibers. I am trying out LE Wilson and Whidden sizing dies right now. I am wondering if I can get a long term use perspective from handloaders who have used either or both. Pros and cons of either brand? Better is relative but what do you like about each?

Also, while I know I need to oil either one to prevent rust … does anyone know which one is more corrosion resistant? I asked LE Wilson and apparently this sizing dies are higher carbon steel and not stainless (unlike seating dies) so I need to keep oiled. Between two, the Wilson has a nicer finish to me. The Whidden has a floating bushing and the Wilson bushing seems to lock down. Also the Wilson seems to have a slightly longer sizing chamber so I need to turn the Wilson down (from point shell holder touches die) whereas the Whidden I need to turn up (from point shell holder touches die). Sizing seems pretty good on both. But wondering about others opinions.

The bushing should ALWAYS float in a full length sizing bushing die.

 

[divingin]

I think I see what you mean about the lock ring on the bushing stem coming loose, and I was wondering if there is any fix for that.

If it's a knurled nut type thing, try a small O-ring between the nut and die.

 

[JFrank]

While I’ve not tried a Widden and I’m sure they are good ‘ it’s just hard to find fault with Wilson dies and seaters.