6.5 creedmore com dies
- Thread starter ky hunter
- Start date
Whidden, Redding, Forster all make very good dies. I have sets of all of them. The Redding Competition Shell holders made a big difference for me. Even used with Lee or RCBS, they make the loaded round better tailored to your chamber. Pick a set because you like their adds, box, colors, and you will be fine.
It's not really the dies, but how you set them up and what you do to keep the processes consistent, that matters most. There are a lot of old wives tales mixed in by folks when it comes to reloading quality match ammo.
It's not really the dies, but how you set them up and what you do to keep the processes consistent, that matters most. There are a lot of old wives tales mixed in by folks when it comes to reloading quality match ammo.
Like has been said, the dies don't really make that much a difference. I got the best loads from my creedmoor using Hornady dies. Once I got my whidden dies I think I ended up playing around with things too much. The click micrometer is nice, but I don't think you need to spend 200+ on a set of dies to get competition ammo. I think money is better spent on a decent bushing die
I've moved to Redding dies
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I've moved to Redding dies
Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk
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oldmanFCSA
New member
NO dies exist for the 6.5 Creedmore
BUT there are many dies available for the 6.5 Creedmoor
BUT there are many dies available for the 6.5 Creedmoor
If one considers themselves to be a highly accomplished handloader, it's nice to have a Whidden in a favorite caliber.
I do now have more Redding die sets than anything else. 2nd is RCBS, because that is what my Dad and wife's Stepdad had. Many of the rest are mixed sets...It is not not bad to have individual dies. In .243 Win, I have 6 dies of 4 brands in my T7 toolhead. I don't use them all for all loads. Some I use for full-length sizing on hunting rounds that might get used in one of 3 rifles. Some are for one rifle I shoot at matches. I have maybe 5 calibers that I have a FL sizing die of one brand, a Lee Universal decap die, a Whidden or Redding seating die and a Lee FCD.
oldmanFCSA
New member
Do a search using his original spelling : creedmore.com
And the,
Do another search using the correct spelling : creedmoor.com
Note the different response using the correct name.
Then you can easily sort out the chaff.
And the,
Do another search using the correct spelling : creedmoor.com
Note the different response using the correct name.
Then you can easily sort out the chaff.
Ky hunter,
For competition dies, I would only consider micrometer dies.
I have both Foster and Redding micrometer dies and both are good quality.
The only difference I find it that the Forster micrometer dies change the seating depth 0.025 thousandths per complete turn of the micrometer head and the Redding dies change the seating depth 0.050 thousandths per complete turn of the micrometer head.
The wider increments on the Forster dies are easier to set for my old eyes, but I have to turn them more turns for really big differences in seating depth.
I load for three different 6.5mm Creedmoor rifles with very different chamber depths so each needs a different seating depth range for each barrel, so initial set-up can result in a number of turns to get the right setting to match the desired jump each different barrel chamber.
If you only have one barrel and don't jump around using multiple bullet weights, you probably wouldn't need to make major changes in seating depth.
For competition dies, I would only consider micrometer dies.
I have both Foster and Redding micrometer dies and both are good quality.
The only difference I find it that the Forster micrometer dies change the seating depth 0.025 thousandths per complete turn of the micrometer head and the Redding dies change the seating depth 0.050 thousandths per complete turn of the micrometer head.
The wider increments on the Forster dies are easier to set for my old eyes, but I have to turn them more turns for really big differences in seating depth.
I load for three different 6.5mm Creedmoor rifles with very different chamber depths so each needs a different seating depth range for each barrel, so initial set-up can result in a number of turns to get the right setting to match the desired jump each different barrel chamber.
If you only have one barrel and don't jump around using multiple bullet weights, you probably wouldn't need to make major changes in seating depth.
If you have trouble seeing the Redding graduations, I think the Forster is a better choice, but the Forster is more likely to need a special seating stem for your bullet choice. The Redding has just two available (standard and VLD shape). The Redding has a patented floating stem design that self-aligns a little better, though if you get Forster to cut a stem for your particular bullet, it will work as well for that bullet, I think. The Redding is a bit more delicate because of the small contact area the top of the floating stem has with the adjustment point, so they state not to load compressed loads with it. The Forster is what you want for compressed loads.
A vote for Redding comp seating die, although have never used a widden. And imo, the differences in seating dies certainly does matter. However, currently have many mixed sets, as differing brands offer can offer various advantages over others. Also agree setting up and using a sizing die can mean more than the brand, and as always there be exceptions.
jetinteriorguy
New member
I have two Forster micrometer seating die’s in .223 and 6.5CM, and a Frankford Arsenal universal micrometer seating die. I’ve tested them against each other with identical results and really like the Frankford Arsenal die due to the side loading window.
jetinteriorguy
New member
I didn’t record the data. When I first got the Frankford die I checked the seating depth consistency using the Hornady comparator and it seated bullets with the same consistency as the Forster die. Then I checked them for runout using the Hornady concentricity tool and the results were the same. I didn’t record the data since I was satisfied enough with the results that it suited my needs, and for that matter I’m merely passing along my personal experience, if you don’t like that you can take it or leave it.
jetinteriorguy
New member
My apologies for the snarkiness, must have been in a bad mood that day. Probably needed more coffee.
From my experience, I have used Lee, RCBS, Dillion , Forester and Redding Dies.
But when I got serious about accuracy, I ditched my Lee press and went with a Dillion and a Forester Coax.
One die I do recommend as other have pointed out is the Redding Competition Seating Die. It will definitely help with Runnout. My Runnout was actually worse using a Forester Benchrest Micrometer Seating Die . It doesn’t have the spring loaded sleeve like the Redding Die does.
In short, you can buy the best dies in the world and they wont help if your current press is sloppy, if the load isnt tuned right etc etc.
But when I got serious about accuracy, I ditched my Lee press and went with a Dillion and a Forester Coax.
One die I do recommend as other have pointed out is the Redding Competition Seating Die. It will definitely help with Runnout. My Runnout was actually worse using a Forester Benchrest Micrometer Seating Die . It doesn’t have the spring loaded sleeve like the Redding Die does.
In short, you can buy the best dies in the world and they wont help if your current press is sloppy, if the load isnt tuned right etc etc.
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