Probably not.
If you want to make "better" ammunition, first define better...
Wilson dies and other arbor press-in type dies are reputedly "the best" for concentricity. 7/8x14 dies have greater potential for error due to the many variables that are in play. I don't use Wilson or any arbor dies because I don't have the time it takes to produce the perfect handload and get fine results with regular 7/8x14 die sets.
Maybe you should setup a dial indicator and get a couple of V-blocks to test neck runout of your cases.
I prefer Forster micrometer seating dies to Redding, have had Type S neck bushing dies since they were the only choice. Owned a set of RCBS comp dies and thought they were poor design.
What makes better ammunition is not so much the gear, as much as the fine-tuning to produce rounds tailored to your specific rifle. You can partially neck size halfway down the neck. This keeps your brass indexed to your chamber. Seat your bullets to optimum length. Don't be a velocity fiend if your goal is precision. Are you uniforming your primer pockets and broaching flash holes?
Unless your press and die are out of alignment, you probably will gain more from tailoring your ammunition to your rifle than new dies or a press.
RCBS casemaster is an interesting tool, but if your ammo is perfect it won't gain you much if your chamber is sloppy. A minimum oal chamber is probably the best aid to precision you will ever find. Neck turning probably not a real aid unless your rifle is chambered tight-necked.
Are you decapping with a plain expansion ball? Hornady sells carbide replacement units, or polish your steel unit so it won't drag on the brass. Why does RCBS still knurl these things? Just gives a place for crap to windup and make a mess.
If you want a great precision machine, try a Dillon 550B and reap the rewards of speed at the same time. You might also try using a Universal Decapping Die instead of decapping with your sizer die.
Also, don't expect much from your ammunition if your scope mount system and scope are not both precision capable and durable. I don't know how many precision rifles I've seen (for sale) with STD mount sets. If ever there was a reason for a rifle not to perform it is poor quality scope and mounts.
Actually, a Lee Loader could be one of the more precise systems for handloading you might use. Why? Because the die has no variables at play other than bullet seating depth.
If you are shooting benchrest or F-class bipod rest; Wilson arbor press dies make the most sense. You can certainly obtain perfect custom dies for your exact chamber and eliminate all the variables that 7/8x14 dies and press interplay introduce.
Before I spent lots of money "upgrading" I would try to find Zedikers book on handloading or the Precision Shooting book on benchrest handloading techniques. Sinclair Intl used to publish a $10 book, The Precision Reloading and Shooting Handbook. These will give you some ideas.
Nicest thing about Forster benchrest and micrometer head competition dies is you can interchange die bodies and other parts. Buy a $30 die body instead of a 2nd $85 die like you have to with Redding. Might look at the Redding Competition shellholder sets. The shellholder is a critical part of the equation.
Finally, don't expect too much if you aren't already an expert shot and employing a great rest system for your rifle and proper trigger press technique and recoil mgmt. All these variables work together. If you have most of the variables sorted out, your handloading techniques will be where they need to be.
If you want to make "better" ammunition, first define better...
Wilson dies and other arbor press-in type dies are reputedly "the best" for concentricity. 7/8x14 dies have greater potential for error due to the many variables that are in play. I don't use Wilson or any arbor dies because I don't have the time it takes to produce the perfect handload and get fine results with regular 7/8x14 die sets.
Maybe you should setup a dial indicator and get a couple of V-blocks to test neck runout of your cases.
I prefer Forster micrometer seating dies to Redding, have had Type S neck bushing dies since they were the only choice. Owned a set of RCBS comp dies and thought they were poor design.
What makes better ammunition is not so much the gear, as much as the fine-tuning to produce rounds tailored to your specific rifle. You can partially neck size halfway down the neck. This keeps your brass indexed to your chamber. Seat your bullets to optimum length. Don't be a velocity fiend if your goal is precision. Are you uniforming your primer pockets and broaching flash holes?
Unless your press and die are out of alignment, you probably will gain more from tailoring your ammunition to your rifle than new dies or a press.
RCBS casemaster is an interesting tool, but if your ammo is perfect it won't gain you much if your chamber is sloppy. A minimum oal chamber is probably the best aid to precision you will ever find. Neck turning probably not a real aid unless your rifle is chambered tight-necked.
Are you decapping with a plain expansion ball? Hornady sells carbide replacement units, or polish your steel unit so it won't drag on the brass. Why does RCBS still knurl these things? Just gives a place for crap to windup and make a mess.
If you want a great precision machine, try a Dillon 550B and reap the rewards of speed at the same time. You might also try using a Universal Decapping Die instead of decapping with your sizer die.
Also, don't expect much from your ammunition if your scope mount system and scope are not both precision capable and durable. I don't know how many precision rifles I've seen (for sale) with STD mount sets. If ever there was a reason for a rifle not to perform it is poor quality scope and mounts.
Actually, a Lee Loader could be one of the more precise systems for handloading you might use. Why? Because the die has no variables at play other than bullet seating depth.
If you are shooting benchrest or F-class bipod rest; Wilson arbor press dies make the most sense. You can certainly obtain perfect custom dies for your exact chamber and eliminate all the variables that 7/8x14 dies and press interplay introduce.
Before I spent lots of money "upgrading" I would try to find Zedikers book on handloading or the Precision Shooting book on benchrest handloading techniques. Sinclair Intl used to publish a $10 book, The Precision Reloading and Shooting Handbook. These will give you some ideas.
Nicest thing about Forster benchrest and micrometer head competition dies is you can interchange die bodies and other parts. Buy a $30 die body instead of a 2nd $85 die like you have to with Redding. Might look at the Redding Competition shellholder sets. The shellholder is a critical part of the equation.
Finally, don't expect too much if you aren't already an expert shot and employing a great rest system for your rifle and proper trigger press technique and recoil mgmt. All these variables work together. If you have most of the variables sorted out, your handloading techniques will be where they need to be.
