competition dies .... bushing V S non-bushing ???
- Thread starter 270fan
- Start date
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 18,157
- 8,024
Bushing type dies, like Wilson in-line dies or Redding competition dies are frequently used by match shooters interested in wringing out every bit of accuracy their custom barreled match rifles can deliver.
For that purpose, they are very useful.
For the average guy who wants to just build some good ammo for his hunting rifle - they're not necessary.
They do add a certain amount of control for the handloader - it provides one more thing that you can do to affect your rounds. You can vary the neck tension simply by using different bushings, which can be a very good thing. As a side benefit, the bushing type sizer dies are often accompanied by a match type seater die which produces minimal bullet run-out, thereby enhancing accuracy.
I use them for my target rifles, as well as a couple of hunting rifles for which I have high accuracy demands. Otherwise, for all my other hunting rifles, I simply rely on standard RCBS or Hornady dies to turn out good, solid, reliable and accurate ammunition.
Regards, Guy
For that purpose, they are very useful.
For the average guy who wants to just build some good ammo for his hunting rifle - they're not necessary.
They do add a certain amount of control for the handloader - it provides one more thing that you can do to affect your rounds. You can vary the neck tension simply by using different bushings, which can be a very good thing. As a side benefit, the bushing type sizer dies are often accompanied by a match type seater die which produces minimal bullet run-out, thereby enhancing accuracy.
I use them for my target rifles, as well as a couple of hunting rifles for which I have high accuracy demands. Otherwise, for all my other hunting rifles, I simply rely on standard RCBS or Hornady dies to turn out good, solid, reliable and accurate ammunition.
Regards, Guy
- Nov 4, 2004
- 26,756
- 12,751
Good answer Guy!
I use standard RCBS dies mostly. I have a couple sets of Hornady and 1 set of Redding dies.
JD338
I use standard RCBS dies mostly. I have a couple sets of Hornady and 1 set of Redding dies.
JD338
- Thread starter
- #4
rick smith
Handloader
- Apr 6, 2005
- 1,249
- 0
I find one of the benefits of bushing dies is that the expander ball can be eliminated. I use them if they are available for that caliber. I want my hunting rounds to be as good as I can have them. Cost of bushings is the only downside.Rick.
To get the advantage from the bushing die over std dies you need to turn the necks of your brass all to the same thickness. This is a one time job but without doing so you defeat the purpose of the die. The bushings are meant to reduce the necks to all the same diameter, and help make both runout and bullet tension more consistant.
Useing a bushing die in a factory chamber with the cases neck turned adds its own demons to the sizeing process.
Useing a bushing die in a factory chamber with the cases neck turned adds its own demons to the sizeing process.
Not sure why you want to get away from standard dies but an economical high performance way to go is the lee collet die in conjunction with a redding body die. You should get fantastic runnout with consistant neck tension with most brass. Also with the body die you can set it for minimal headspace.
I use this set up in several calibers....does it shoot any better than well tuned standard rifle dies......not that I can tell......but tinkering is fun.
Another great idea is to buy forester dies. They really are high quality dies for the money and......for another $15 plus shipping they will ream the neck sizing portion of the sizing die so you don't have to use an expander ball......or at the very least there would be so little drag it probably wouldn't pull the neck off line during sizing.
I use this set up in several calibers....does it shoot any better than well tuned standard rifle dies......not that I can tell......but tinkering is fun.
Another great idea is to buy forester dies. They really are high quality dies for the money and......for another $15 plus shipping they will ream the neck sizing portion of the sizing die so you don't have to use an expander ball......or at the very least there would be so little drag it probably wouldn't pull the neck off line during sizing.
