Whidden Die Decision

[Filipson]

I am on the verge of ordering a set of Whidden dies in .223 rem for multiple AR-15 rifles. The goal is for very accurate shooting, but not necessarily for competition. I have two decisions to make:

1. Bushing vs. Non-bushing (with expander ball set).
2. Normal resizing die vs. Click-adjustable resizing die.

I would appreciate any advice. Many thanks in advance.

 

[243winxb]

Redding Full length sizing, type S bushing die would be my choice for 1 rifle. Different brands of brass will need a different bushing.

Multiple AR-15 rifles will not benefit from custom dies that are made from 3 fired brass from 1 rifle.

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm
Neck tension.

Multiple AR-15 rifles just need a standard die set.

 

[RampedRaptor]

What brass you running? If it’s mixed go the expanded route. If it’s prepped and sorted LC and or Lapua go full length bushing.

Only buy the click sizing die if money doesn’t mean anything to you. It’s not needed in any situation but that’s subjective Info.

 

[jepp2]

I load for multiple AR rifles. I get much straighter case necks with a FL die, than I do with a bushing die. I size my brass so it will function in any rifle. I prefer the standard Redding FL die with a carbide expander. I use a Redding Competition seating die. There are some techniques that help keep my case neck and bullet runout low. I don't feel my brass or my loaded ammo limit the accuracy potential of my rifles in any way.

Now if you want to talk AR accuracy, there are many things that have a huge influence on the accuracy of the rifle.

 

[B_Thomas]

IMO, I would go with the non bushing die with expander ball. This will give you approx .002" neck tension with the standard supplied expander. With the AR15, I would not go any lighter on neck tension. You could get the Expander ball kit if you need a little more neck tension.

The micro-click is great when trying to get very small and precise amounts of should bump back. Typically on a bolt rifle the preferred amount of bump back is .001-.002" For multi AR15 Rifles, I would suggest .005-.010" shoulder bump back to insure reliable bolt lock an all the rifles. You can adjust either the micro-click or standard die to produce proper bump back. The micro-click just makes it a little easier.

 

[Shynloco]

Redding Full length sizing, type S bushing die would be my choice for 1 rifle. Different brands of brass will need a different bushing.

Multiple AR-15 rifles will not benefit from custom dies that are made from 3 fired brass from 1 rifle.

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm
Neck tension.

Multiple AR-15 rifles just need a standard die set.

Unless you are out to spend money, heed the words of 243winxb. Yes dies are important in the reloading process, but overall, its the quality of the rifle itself that can make one rifle shoot better than another. And Gas Guns are NOT as accurate as Benchrest Bolt Guns for a variety of reasons. I spent a fair amount of money when I had a custom STTAR15 (almost all parts JP Precision with a Gieselle trigger and Magpul Comp stock) built some 2 years ago because I wanted it to shoot at competition level accuracy. I do not compete and have no intention to do so mostly because of my eyes and age. But I use a standard Redding .223 Die to resize my brass both in the aforementioned rifle and two others owned by my son and son-in-law. Both have also shot my custom rig and cannot believe the difference in accuracy. Yet all the ammo comes out of the same die. I don't know exactly what you seek in terms of results (yes I saw you want accuracy, but not necessarily competition grade accuracy), but I have serious doubts that even a very fine Whidden Die (I have a few, but used for my Benchrest rifles) is going to make that much of a difference. But it's your call and do what you feel will get you to where you want to go. Personally, I'd be spending the extra money on bettering the rifles you intend to shoot. Good luck and have fun. Just don't over estimate what a Gas Gun can do when comparing the inner parts with an across the counter Gas Gun vs a Custom Rig having competition grade parts.

Alex