Neck Sizing Die

[highcotton]

I'm considering a neck sizing die purchase for my .270 WIN. I've been full length resizing everything until now. Would bushing dies or standard neck sizing dies be best? What particular brand works for you?

 

[rick smith]

I use Redding Type "S" neck bushing dies and have been very satisfied with them.Rick.

 

[barthowes]

I use the lee collet neck sizer. Have had great success.

 

[Guest]

I've used the collet sizer, and Hornady neck dies. I like the Hornady neck die (universal to caliber) for simplicity and no special operation process. I've wanted to try the bushing dies, but I've not done so yet. My standard neck die makes plenty accurate ammo, so I've not been compelled to move yet.

I had no issues with the collet die, but it's a different process and it's no more accurate nor easier on brass than regular neck sizing, in my experience, so I've stopped using them in all but one cartridge, where I don't have a regular neck die.

I've often wondered about the bushing dies whether or not they could be used across the entire "family" of cases with different sized bushings. Like, could I use a 30-06 bushing die with a smaller bushing for 270Win and 25-06? 308Win would then work for 243Win, 260Rem, 7mm-08Rem, 338Fed, 358Win? 7mmWby would work for 257Wby & 270Wby? And so forth...

If that would work, I'd be far more inclined to spend the kind of money it would take to get these dies. Many of them are $60-80 and up for the stuff I load for, which makes the idea not terribly cheap, for sure. It would likely take 50-75yrs to recoup the extra $35-55 or more that I'd spend over the standard neck dies, in terms of added brass life. And the accuracy I'm currently getting is likely as good as I can shoot (.5-.75moa out to 300-500yds, depending on the rifle) so I can't see that being a huge selling point for me. Maybe I'm wrong? (Don't ever tell my wife I said that...) Convince me.

 

[CAhunter]

A bushing die is great if you want to change or tinker with your neck tension. Also the coated bushing require no lube to size. I find that the bushing dies from redding are very nice. A standard neck sizing die will also work. I would recommend you neck size your brass if the rifle is a bolt action. Good luck!

 

[REDGREEN]

I use the RCBS neck sizers on everything. Love em.

 

[woods]

My vote is for the Lee Collet Neck Sizer. Totally different function than an expander die or bushing die. Like the bushing die no lube necessary in the neck. Unlike the bushing die gives better concentricity. In my tests they yield a more consistant neck ID.

And cheaper

 

[highcotton]

Rick-- You like the Redding bushing dies better than the Forster?

 

[rick smith]

Never tried the Forster bushing dies. When I am getting dies for a new caliber my normal purchase is a Redding Body die, Redding Type "S" neck bushing die and a Forster Ultra Comp. seater. If those aren't available, I adjust as necessary. I use Dillon dies for most of the pistol rounds I load. Good ammo can be made from just about any manufacturer's die sets. It often comes down to price or the features one wants. Over the years I have used all the different makes but have my preferences.Rick.

 

[highcotton]

I appreciate everyone's response- I think I'll go with the Redding. I was kinda leaning that way from the start.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

When I am getting dies for a new caliber my normal purchase is a Redding Body die, Redding Type "S" neck bushing die and a Forster Ultra Comp. seater.

That's a good combination.

If you like the standard expander die type of neck sizer, the foster is also very nice. The expander ball is higher on the rod to reduce runout. This can be useful if you intend to turn your necks, since the expander ball type will throw the excencetricty to the outside of the neck where the S die will put it to the inside of the neck.

 

[rick smith]

You can use the type "S" with/without the expander ball.Rick.