Whidden custom dies, looks like they may discontinue offering them

[nakneker]

Over the years I’ve used Whidden for custom dies for some of the wildcats I’ve had built and shoot. I recently ran across a thread where someone mentioned Whidden wasn’t offering that service anymore so I went to their website, sure enough it is on their website that the service is suspended. I figured I’d send them an email and did, got an email back from John confirming that they will probably not be bring that service back. Bummer, it was a handy option.

So who offers custom dies now? In the thread where I read about Whidden a couple commented that Hornady offers custom dies with a 5-6 month turn around, sounds like they do a decent job. CH tool & Die were also mentioned. Most of the wildcats I do now days I try and get a custom die made from the builder, that’s what I did on my latest project but I would like to know of other options if they exist. Any input?

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

Don't blame the diemakers!

As long as you can get a reamer made, you can make your own die, in the worst case. But yeah, it sucks that the resource is disappearing... I guess the bright side is that Whidden is still making dies.

It would have been better to see Whidden continue to offer customized dies, even if they had to offer them at a ridiculous price.

 

[T Kop]

Great, I’m forming cases now 6mm 30-30 type of a thing that I was going to send them.
Any suggestions who else makes them without having to order 20 sets

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

Yeah, my impression from reading their website was that they would continue selling dies. And to add to it, they pretty much offer most wildcat cartridges.

It is worth asking ourselves, why would Whidden quit selling custom dies? I bet they have come to the conclusion that not very many people use the service and they could cover it for most people. I don't know what their logic was, but I don't think it's time to panic.

Has been my intention (and still is), to buy 375 CheyTac dies from them.

https://www.whiddengunworks.com/product/bushing-fl-die-set/#select-your-caliber

Just not anxious to part with $400 while I don't have a rifle built yet.

 

[1911nut]

Hornady, Redding and Warner Tool offer custom dies made from your fired cases.

 

[wboggs]

Over the years I’ve used Whidden for custom dies for some of the wildcats I’ve had built and shoot. I recently ran across a thread where someone mentioned Whidden wasn’t offering that service anymore so I went to their website, sure enough it is on their website that the service is suspended. I figured I’d send them an email and did, got an email back from John confirming that they will probably not be bring that service back. Bummer, it was a handy option.

So who offers custom dies now? In the thread where I read about Whidden a couple commented that Hornady offers custom dies with a 5-6 month turn around, sounds like they do a decent job. CH tool & Die were also mentioned. Most of the wildcats I do now days I try and get a custom die made from the builder, that’s what I did on my latest project but I would like to know of other options if they exist. Any input?

Apparently they are going into into .22 RF in a big way with ammo testing, rifles, etc

 

[nakneker]

Yes, and I know they are dedicating a lot of time to that. It may well be a factor. I'm sure John will get back to me and I'll know more when he does. What I use of theirs is top notch.

I think he offers a well run business, innovative and always trying to improve on things. I hate seeing the custom dies go from a selfish point of view, they just made it easy And the dies I have received from my fired brass work well.

I’ll Reach out to Hornady and Redding and see what they say. I’m afraid Warner is out of my budget…

 

[jelenko]

If you get custom resizing dies made, does that mean for new barrels you always use a reamer with the 'exactly' the same dimensions?

 

[nakneker]

He emailed me back and I asked him to post here to clarify when he has a minute. I consider all his dies as custom so I'll let him define but sounds like he is still in the die business.

I look forward to seeing what he says. My understanding is they will still make standard dies, anything they list anyways. It’s just the custom dies, the one offs that may get cut but hopefully he makes it clear what their intentions are.

 

[nakneker]

If you get custom resizing dies made, does that mean for new barrels you always use a reamer with the 'exactly' the same dimensions?

The dimensions for the chamber reamer and the sizing dies can’t be the same, the sizing die needs to be set up to different dimensions to properly size the brass.

 

[whiddengunworks]

We will continue making our production dies just as we have been. Still made to fit to the reamers we're all using. We're even adding a few new calibers soon. We have no plans for these to go away.

What we're not going to be making going forward is custom dies, as in you send us fired brass or a reamer print and we make one set of dies for you.

For those who have ordered custom dies and are in our current production schedule, rest assured those dies will be made. We've been very busy and are a little behind on some of them but they're on the way.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

The dimensions for the chamber reamer and the sizing dies can’t be the same, the sizing die needs to be set up to different dimensions to properly size the brass.

That's only partially true. You can have reamers made that the proper dimensions for the sizing die.

As long as people can make reamers for chambers or dies, I don't see how it can't be done. That said, I haven't done that in the past, but it's my impression that it's the way it is and has been done for years...wildcat or whatever you want to call it.

 

[nakneker]

We will continue making our production dies just as we have been. Still made to fit to the reamers we're all using. We're even adding a few new calibers soon. We have no plans for these to go away.

What we're not going to be making going forward is custom dies, as in you send us fired brass or a reamer print and we make one set of dies for you.

For those who have ordered custom dies and are in our current production schedule, rest assured those dies will be made. We've been very busy and are a little behind on some of them but they're on the way.

Thanks for the input, much appreciated!

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

We will continue making our production dies just as we have been. Still made to fit to the reamers we're all using. We're even adding a few new calibers soon. We have no plans for these to go away.

What we're not going to be making going forward is custom dies, as in you send us fired brass or a reamer print and we make one set of dies for you.

For those who have ordered custom dies and are in our current production schedule, rest assured those dies will be made. We've been very busy and are a little behind on some of them but they're on the way.

Thanks for replying in this thread. Do you see any reason you would discontinue any of the standard dies that you're currently offering? I figure the work has been done, so no reason you wouldn't make them.

I have been planning to buy the 2 die set from you for 375 CheyTac, you classify those as standard dies.

I'd probably buy more for you if I didn't have so many dies already. I even have dies for cartridges I haven't built yet, such as the 375CT, too bad I didn't buy those from you already...Probably next year is when I will build that. I'm not a bench rest shooter, I just like solid quality products.

 

[Dolomite]

We will continue making our production dies just as we have been. Still made to fit to the reamers we're all using. We're even adding a few new calibers soon. We have no plans for these to go away.

What we're not going to be making going forward is custom dies, as in you send us fired brass or a reamer print and we make one set of dies for you.

For those who have ordered custom dies and are in our current production schedule, rest assured those dies will be made. We've been very busy and are a little behind on some of them but they're on the way.

I got a custom die and a few regular dies, all dies I consider amazing as they size the case enough to fit my match, regular SAAMI and custom tight chamber without over sizing the brass. I've fired the cases numerous times and brass growth maybe about .001-.002 max after sizing. Its like the dies were made for my chambers.

 

[wboggs]

We will continue making our production dies just as we have been. Still made to fit to the reamers we're all using. We're even adding a few new calibers soon. We have no plans for these to go away.

What we're not going to be making going forward is custom dies, as in you send us fired brass or a reamer print and we make one set of dies for you.

For those who have ordered custom dies and are in our current production schedule, rest assured those dies will be made. We've been very busy and are a little behind on some of them but they're on the way.

Thanks for your prompt response. Your wife has always been extremely helpful when I have called and needed help. She is a great asset to the business.

 

[kd4avp]

I am also betting Whidden is experiencing what many other skilled mfg companies are seeing. The people with the actual desire and willingness to learn a skilled profession. I help run a large volume furniture company. Try finding skilled high end upholsterer to build GOOD furniture. Getting tougher and tougher. Young people today cant put the darn phone or game controller down long enough to learn. I know RF has has really surged in NC. I am sure he has done his research and directing his labor and resources where it makes the best sense for the future of his company.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Over the years I’ve used Whidden for custom dies for some of the wildcats I’ve had built and shoot. I recently ran across a thread where someone mentioned Whidden wasn’t offering that service anymore so I went to their website, sure enough it is on their website that the service is suspended. I figured I’d send them an email and did, got an email back from John confirming that they will probably not be bring that service back. Bummer, it was a handy option.

So who offers custom dies now? In the thread where I read about Whidden a couple commented that Hornady offers custom dies with a 5-6 month turn around, sounds like they do a decent job. CH tool & Die were also mentioned. Most of the wildcats I do now days I try and get a custom die made from the builder, that’s what I did on my latest project but I would like to know of other options if they exist. Any input?

This has been put to rest. It might be best to see it go away to prevent any further confusion. Up to you though. I'll delete my comments but can't get rid of the quotes. TIA

 

[nakneker]

This has been put to rest. It might be best to see it go away to prevent any further confusion. Up to you though. I'll delte my comments but can't get rid of the quotes. TIA

I’ll leave it up, it might help others who may be contemplating custom dies and where to go. John’s comment is clear enough on what direction they are going, maybe it will help someone who isn’t aware of the situation.

 

[ISS]

You new guys need to learn about single flute reamers. A significant percentage of the old gunsmiths (pre-1970) used to offer that service to chamber barrels for wildcats and oddball cartridges. Imagine turning a piece of drill rod, or similar round stock down to reamer print specs (+ .003-4"), then annealing it. Next, mill that blank in half lengthwise. Then, temper and grind a cutting edge to match the print. You can cut one chamber or die, perhaps two with it. My old gunsmith* here in Idaho had a Kerstner drawer full of them.

ISS

* he learned his trade in the AF during the Korean War.
And, please; don't tell me you do not know what a Kerstner is. Please.