Tell me about Redding dies- 6 PPC USA

[GoWyo!]

Howdy all, well I just received a new to me Sako A1 Sporter in 6 PPC USA. It came with the set of Lee dies but I'm not really thrilled with those. They are older, oxidized, and just don't exude the quality I'm looking for. Historically, I've been a run-of-the-mill RCBS and Hornady custom grade die man. I have a set of custom grade 22 PPC dies for my A1 single shot but I think I need to pick up a set of Redding's for the six. Besides the catalog lays it all out '6ppc USA'. I've been reading every previous post I can on 6ppc vs 6ppc USA, but I need a nudge.
Being this is a Sporter, I don't imagine I need to go full boat competition die sets, but what set should I be looking at? full-length S sizing die with bushings? without bushings? Another question I had are the 22 PPC and 6ppc the same body?can you use one full length die set just change out the neck bushings? See, i need some advice, any and all will be appreciated.

Tia, Gary

 

[dgeesaman]

Hi Gary,

I've been loading and shooting my two Sako 6PPCs for the last year. Redding (and any other off-the-shelf die) are a great choice if you want to simply size brass and have them work across multiple rifles. The downside is for my two Sakos, they resize the brass a few thou more than necessary, both on shoulder length and body diameter. I can adjust out the shoulder bump but the body diameter was too far out.

There is a more refined option that doesn't add more work to the reloading process. Use your Lee neck sizing die and fire your brass a few times. You send 5 pieces of as-fired brass to Harrell's Precision and they will provide a full length die (with pocket for a floating Redding neck bushing) that will size the brass pretty close to your Sako chamber. They don't make the dies to order - they have a range of sizes in 6PPC and they will choose the best fit for your brass/chamber of their sizes. With this die, I do both neck sizing and a touch of full length sizing each time in one step. You'll need to buy a couple of bushings too.

If you want Redding dies, I have a few sizing dies that are basically new in box that I'm no longer using. If that's your choice I will sell them for a very fair price.

David

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The ppc-usa dies are made for your factory sako chamber.

 

[GoWyo!]

Thanks David,

I'll check into the Harrel's.
Gary