Redding Competition Sizing die

[vanwhyjr]

How many of you guys are using the competition sizing die as apposed to the match version. Do you think it is that much better?

I'm looking to get new dies for my 6.5 X 284. Tired of borrowing my father-in-laws!

Thanks for any advise.

vanwhyjr

 

[fguffey]

How many of you guys are using the competition sizing die as apposed to the match version

I do not know. I have one set for belted magnums, I did not purchased the set because I thought the design was better, I purchased the set because a dealer at a gun show had a $5.00 sticker on the set. I did measure the deck height of all 5 shell holders, three of the shell holders were off by .001" each. Meaning? I have three shell holders that are not available in any other set. I have 2 evens and 3 odds.

Do you think it is that much better?

Than the match version? I do not have the match version. Without the match version or competition shell holders I manage to size cases for short chambers that are shorter by at least .012" and longer by a practice .011" longer than a go-gage length chamber.

All of that without grinding the top of the shell holder to reduce deck height and or grind the bottom of the die, or, shuffle shims between the press and a locked down lock ring.

F. Guffey

 

[vanwhyjr]

Hi Guffey,
I might not have explained myself well enough. I am referring to the actual sizing and seating die set Redding sells. They offer a set with a micrometer adjustable sizing die (competition) and a set with a standard type sizing die (match). The first one is about $220 and the other $180. I was wondering if the extra cost is worth it? I know it's mostly up to me but it's nice to hear some opinions.

Thank you

 

[tenring]

Not worth it. The Redding "S" die is all you need.

 

[Joe R]

I do not own your caliber rifle, but I know the dies you speak of because I have them in .308. I no longer use them. IMO you'll be better served by a Type S bushing die, so that you can use the bushing of your choice for your desired neck tension. http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/type-s-bushing-neck-sie-dies-prod38737.aspx

In regards to seating die I would encourage you to consider the Wilson seating die http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/wilson-stainless-seaters-prod42405.aspx It costs more but you'll only buy it once. Going the Redding route you may regret it later. YMMV.

Joe

 

['Freak]

The Competition bushing neck only sizing die uses a sleeve around the case body that’ll guide the case body so the case neck will be, or is supposed to be, centered on the neck sizing bushing, works much the same as the case guiding sleeve of the Competition seater die. I figger whether or not the guiding sleeve would prove beneficial depends on how closely the guiding sleeve fits to the case body which depends on how that brass responded to the dimensions of the chamber it was fired in and how that brass responded to the dimensions of the body sizing die used previous to the neck sizing. As to a micrometer adjustment for how much of the neck’s length is acted on by the sizing bushing, seems more a play pretty to me, but it might matter to some.

 

[vanwhyjr]

Thanks guys

Think I'm gonna go with the Redding S die set and save a few bucks.

vanwhyjr

 

[fguffey]

I might not have explained myself well enough.

Forgive, you did, I do not use the competition die for sizing. I do use competition type seating dies, I like the way the seating die aligns the bullet with the case neck.

F. Guffey

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Thanks guys

Think I'm gonna go with the Redding S die set and save a few bucks.

vanwhyjr

Have a look at the Whidden dies too before you spend your cash. Regards JCS

 

[vanwhyjr]

I was looking into them but from what I have been reading here and other places the Redding dies match the profile of the PT&G reamers better.

Thanks guys

Think I'm gonna go with the Redding S die set and save a few bucks.

vanwhyjr

Have a look at the Whidden dies too before you spend your cash. Regards JCS