Which die set?

[hunter0925]

My 280ai is sent off and being built as of this morning. I will be gathering brass and have some bullets on order. What is getting me now is which dies to buy. I want the micrometer seating die for sure and a full length sizer. Redding offers so many different sets it is almost confusing for my simple mind.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/80767 ... -3-die-set

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/30551 ... -2-die-set

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/64295 ... -sizer-set

I'm not opposed to bushing dies but it would be my first time using them so I would be somewhat unsure on which bushings to use. I will be using a saami spec chamber so no neck turning. Any info would be appreciated. Mr.big I would really like to hear from you on the subject if possible.

 

[markwondi]

My 280ai is sent off and being built as of this morning. I will be gathering brass and have some bullets on order. What is getting me now is which dies to buy. I want the micrometer seating die for sure and a full length sizer. Redding offers so many different sets it is almost confusing for my simple mind.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/80767 ... -3-die-set

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/30551 ... -2-die-set

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/64295 ... -sizer-set

I'm not opposed to bushing dies but it would be my first time using them so I would be somewhat unsure on which bushings to use. I will be using a saami spec chamber so no neck turning. Any info would be appreciated. Mr.big I would really like to hear from you on the subject if possible.

I personally use Redding competition seaters and S-type bushing full length sizing dies.

Another excellent option is the redding competion seater, Lee collet die (for 280 / 7mm express) and a redding body die.


What brass will you be using? Nosler? If so, I can tell you what bushing size you need.

 

[hunter0925]

Nosler brass is what I will be using. I am impressed with the Redding sets I have so I'm wanting to stick with them.

 

[hunter0925]

My 280ai is sent off and being built as of this morning. I will be gathering brass and have some bullets on order. What is getting me now is which dies to buy. I want the micrometer seating die for sure and a full length sizer. Redding offers so many different sets it is almost confusing for my simple mind.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/80767 ... -3-die-set

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/30551 ... -2-die-set

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/64295 ... -sizer-set

I'm not opposed to bushing dies but it would be my first time using them so I would be somewhat unsure on which bushings to use. I will be using a saami spec chamber so no neck turning. Any info would be appreciated. Mr.big I would really like to hear from you on the subject if possible.

I personally use Redding competition seaters and S-type bushing full length sizing dies.

Another excellent option is the redding competion seater, Lee collet die (for 280 / 7mm express) and a redding body die.


What brass will you be using? Nosler? If so, I can tell you what bushing size you need.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/30551 ... -2-die-set

So this is what you use?
Nosler brass is all that will be fired by me out of this one.

 

[markwondi]

Yep, that's the set I use for most cartridges I load for.

I use Nosler 280AI brass as well and just measured my loaded rounds at .3095" and I personally use a .308" bushing.

 

[hunter0925]

Yep, that's the set I use for most cartridges I load for.

I use Nosler 280AI brass as well and just measured my loaded rounds at .3095" and I personally use a .308" bushing.

Good deal. I'm very pleased with the Redding dies I just don't have any bushing dies. I reckon this will be my first.

 

[markwondi]

Yep, that's the set I use for most cartridges I load for.

I use Nosler 280AI brass as well and just measured my loaded rounds at .3095" and I personally use a .308" bushing.

Good deal. I'm very pleased with the Redding dies I just don't have any bushing dies. I reckon this will be my first.

I think you'll like it. I still neck size only a few cartridges but have mostly switched to bushing FL dies.

 

[mr.big]

I use the Redding FL/S Bushing size die and the Forrester Ultra Micrometer Seater die,,,

seat the bullet you plan to use in the brass you plan to use and measure the OD of the neck,,I would start with a bushing .003 smaller than that measurement,,

 

[hunter0925]

I use the Redding FL/S Bushing size die and the Forrester Ultra Micrometer Seater die,,,

seat the bullet you plan to use in the brass you plan to use and measure the OD of the neck,,I would start with a bushing .003 smaller than that measurement,,

Sounds good! Even a simple mind like me can do that!

 

[hunter0925]

I use the Redding FL/S Bushing size die and the Forrester Ultra Micrometer Seater die,,,

seat the bullet you plan to use in the brass you plan to use and measure the OD of the neck,,I would start with a bushing .003 smaller than that measurement,,

Sounds good! Even a simple mind like me can do that!

I looked and they don't make a forrester ultra micrometer for the 280ai. I ordered the Redding bushing sizing die and micrometer seater. Hopefully I can get used to it and turn out some quality ammo.

 

[markwondi]

Mr.Big, have you had any issues with bending/cupping the seating stem on your Forster micrometer seating dies?

I have several of the Forsters and they are every bit as nice as the Redding's, however I have found the seating stem to be too thin, which causes cupping issues with compressed loads.

The Redding's are much thicker and have not given me the same problem. It's minor but I now buy the die based on expected compressed loads.

 

[mr.big]

Mr.Big, have you had any issues with bending/cupping the seating stem on your Forster micrometer seating dies?

I have several of the Forsters and they are every bit as nice as the Redding's, however I have found the seating stem to be too thin, which causes cupping issues with compressed loads.

The Redding's are much thicker and have not given me the same problem. It's minor but I now buy the die based on expected compressed loads.

I havent had any problems ,,but I dont load any compressed loads in the bigger calibers,,but in my PPC and 6.5x47L and 6BRDX I have to use a 10-12 inch drop tube to get the powder in just enough to get the bullet started,,but with those the reamers are set up where the base of the bullet does not go down below the neck into the shoulder on any of my loads when seated,,