30-06 reloading question (dies)

[gregintenn]

I didn't know RCBS was now including shellholders. The only dies I've bought in recent years have either been used or Lee dies. I actually prefer the Lee dies because I don't like the little set screw in the locking ring on th RCBS dies. First, I have to dig out an allen wrench, and when you have the die ajusted and hand tight, tightening that screw makes it tight enough you need vice grips to remove the die from the press. I know that knitpicking, but it's the little things that pizz me off.

 

[2152hq]

I didn't like the LEE locking rings at first either,,I got used to them and they don't bother me now. But they're easy enough to change out if they do. I like the dies themselves,,no complaints there. I have several of their sets.
I've got everything else from RCBS, Lyman and Redding to Pacific, Hollywood and Ch & CH4D.
I load 30-06 on Herters dies. The box is marked $2 (probably a gunshop price tag).
Still working fine, I've had them and used 'em for over 30 years. I wonder who actually made them for Herters.

Imperial Sizing wax keeps things from getting stuck.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I didn't know RCBS was now including shellholders. The only dies I've bought in recent years have either been used or Lee dies. I actually prefer the Lee dies because I don't like the little set screw in the locking ring on th RCBS dies. First, I have to dig out an allen wrench, and when you have the die ajusted and hand tight, tightening that screw makes it tight enough you need vice grips to remove the die from the press. I know that knitpicking, but it's the little things that pizz me off.

They advertise them as not coming with the shell holder, but my last several sets have had one. I thought once might have been a fluke, but its happened several times now, and these were all sealed die boxes.

I hear you about the locking ring, but you only have trouble getting it out of the press the first time. After that, they're good to go. I keep a cresent wrench in my tools at my cleaning bench just for removing the die the first time. It saves marring the die with the vice grips (which I have done when I was too impatient to go out and get the right tool).

 

[Wheelgunner840]

longranger;I don't think they make carbide dies for bottle neck cartridges.

They don't. My referrence was to my pistol dies. I still use a squirt of H.O.S. on the pistol brass before tossing them into the brass feeder on the XL-650. Works like a charm!


WG840

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm glad any time I can help WG840, you're quite welcome...

 

[rodell]

They don't. My referrence was to my pistol dies. I still use a squirt of H.O.S. on the pistol brass before tossing them into the brass feeder on the XL-650. Works like a charm!


WG840

Dillon has carbide .223 dies. You still have to lube, though.

Other than on my progressive presses (where I do primarily pistol) I exclusively use Redding dies. I think all of the manufacturers now produce a comparable product, but Redding has a long history at the top of the heap so I've stuck with them. I have about 50 sets.

 

[mkk41]

There are also 'neck-size only' dies that use carbide inserts.