Reloading Dies

OldSchool · #1 10-23-2012, 04:28 PM

Just purchased a RCBS reloading kit and will require the dies for my Caliber rifle.

Went onto the RCBS site and the choices are overwhelming.

I own a .270 WSM

There's the
-Neck Die set
-FL Die Set
-Small base die set

Which one do I choose?

Also it doesn't tell the what # of Shell Holder I require.

I THINK I'M LOOSING MY MIND!!!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

pattycr125 · #2 10-23-2012, 04:42 PM

go with the fl (full length) dies, these are the standard, these resize the whole cartridge and not just the neck, the benefit of the neck sizing die will be that the previously fired shells will fit your chamber like a glove and increse accuracy but then they will probably only fit in that chamber/gun.

and you need shellholder #43 according to rcbs website

neck sizing only also can increase the amount of times you can reload a case by not stressing the body of the case, only the neck

i'm sure some other more experienced reloaders here will have more to add

Metalmike123 · #3 10-23-2012, 04:51 PM

When I pick up dies for my bolt actions, I get a Full Length set and a Neck sizer die

bulletman · #4 10-23-2012, 04:58 PM

X2

flipper62 · #5 10-26-2012, 02:34 AM

PM sent

cgrif · #6 10-26-2012, 07:00 AM

Good morning,

I usually only use full length dies on rounds I use for hunting. Using these dies will ensure that the cartridge will chamber no matter what. I do use neck sizing dies, but generally only for my long range rigs. I cant say that I have ever had a neck sized cartridge not chamber, but who wants to risk that while hunting?
As for which shell holder, If you look at the bottom of the label on your RCBS die box, the proper shell holder will be listed for die set. I am not familiar with Lee Dies (which I am sure are just fine dies too) so I dont know if they list the shell holder. I know that all of my Redding dies list the holder on the die box as well.

Hope this helps. Have fun with your new hobby

Cory

Lefty-Canuck · #7 10-26-2012, 08:00 AM

Usually when you buy a Lee Die set they come with the appropriate shell holder.

RCBS dies do not.

As many have mentioned,
FL sizes the entire case (neck and body)
Neck only sizes just the neck, the body is fireformed to your chamber (I recommend Lee collet neck sizer)
Small base dies are typically used to size cases that will be fired in actions OTHER than a bolt action (semi, pumps, lever, etc.)

LC

MWD 800 · #8 10-26-2012, 08:04 AM

What I do is buy the FL set. If I ever use the brass in a different rifle the I have the FL die but I usually just neck size using a FL die. The way to do that is I use a sharpie marker and colour around the neck where the shoulder starts and then run the shell holder to the very top of the stroke on the press. I then screw the FL die in until it touches then BACK it off 1/4 of a turn. I will then lower the stroke on my press put the piece of brass that has been marker through the FL die (don't forget to lube it, been there done that) then you run it up into the die. Fine tune it until you have neck sized.

Joe

Mike_W · #9 10-26-2012, 09:30 AM

Don't even bother trying to neck size a short mag!

Go with the full length die set!!

Grizzly Adams · #10 10-26-2012, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_W

Don't even bother trying to neck size a short mag!

Go with the full length die set!!

Think when he goes looking for short mag dies, he'll find only one kind available.

Grizz