So I'm in my second year of hand loading, so far I have ben buying standard 30-50$ die sets. I know to use small base dies for auto loading rifle and carbide dies for pistol... What is the bottom line difference between die sets? Their is a massive difference in price from say a Hornady or Lee .308 win set VS some .308 bench rest set from other manufactures. What advantage do the more expensive sets hold?
Difference in FLRS die sets
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condor bravo
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Typically bench rest dies are intended to prevent misalignment of the case during sizing and bullet misalignment during seating, resulting in less bullet runout in the completed round and presumed improved accuracy. On the other hand standard dies may do the job just as well. For many or most rifles standard dies will suffice well and the extra expense for expensive bench rest dies probably not warranted. Bullet runout of the loaded round could be a decisive factor.
The real difference between die sets is the warrantee. RCBS(and Dillon) backs their stuff 100%, forever. Even if you buy a used set of RCBS dies or you cause the damage, you're covered. Lee(and most other brands), for example, only covers you for stuff they did in their factory, not forever(usually just a year or maybe 2) and not for stuff you buy used at all. Certainly not if you caused it.
You do not absolutely need to use small base dies for auto loading rifles. FL dies will do for most of 'em. Some AR's need SB dies because of tight chambers though. An SB die sizes a few thou smaller. Usually about 5 thou more than a regular FL die. Nothing more.
Bench rest dies are primarily intended to separate you from your money. Bench rest shooters are a very, um, obsessive bunch and usually do not FL or sometimes resize, at all. Some of 'em load the case and bullet into their rifles separately too. So 'bench rest sets' are mostly about marketing.
You do not absolutely need to use small base dies for auto loading rifles. FL dies will do for most of 'em. Some AR's need SB dies because of tight chambers though. An SB die sizes a few thou smaller. Usually about 5 thou more than a regular FL die. Nothing more.
Bench rest dies are primarily intended to separate you from your money. Bench rest shooters are a very, um, obsessive bunch and usually do not FL or sometimes resize, at all. Some of 'em load the case and bullet into their rifles separately too. So 'bench rest sets' are mostly about marketing.
condor bravo
New member
Bullet runout is the amount a bullet becomes off centered after seating and is measured with a concentricity gage usually with a dial indicator and usually indicated in inches. Consistent runout of .001" or less is very good but difficult to achieve. Most would consider up to .003" as good while .007" or greater not so good. Case neck runout after sizing can be measured the same way and contributes to overall runout after seating. Bench rest dies are intended to minimize runout. Current prices for the gage can run up to $100 or more. The theory is that reduced runout should contribute to better accuracy and does so in some rifles. With my experiments using mostly Winchester 70 and Remington 700 rifles, there has been little noticeable accuracy difference between different runouts. Measure a box of reloaded rounds and runouts will usually vary from good to not so good.
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