Some top names for custom dies?

T

tobnpr

New member
Barrels are in hand, slowly finding the time for a couple of personal wildcat projects (and maybe one for a customer as well).

Reamers shouldn't be a problem (aside from the wait) because I'm sure they've been done before and the prints are out there- but which are the "top shops" that can CNC custom sizing and seating dies these days?
 
I've had good luck with Whidden dies when I need a high end custom die for my competition rifles.

Can't really compare them to the other guys though. I used Whidden for my first set, and was so happy I went back for the next two sets.
 
Tobnpr,

You might want to take a look at the QuickDESIGN software. You can start with any cartridge in its database and modify that or start your own. When the drawing is done, it generates a reamer drawing for you. It can also export the resulting water capacity estimate and dimensions to the QuickLOAD software to figure out projected starting loads and ballistics. There are free demos of both software packages available for download so you can see if they interest you.

A not uncommon practice with custom precision bolt rifles is to use the chamber reamer to cut a sizing die blank that is then finished and sent out for nitriding to harden the surface. The die reaming depth is cut so it bumps the shoulder back by a desired amount plus some wiggle room for you to make setting adjustments; say -0.003" shorter than the chamber headspace, less another -0.125" for shell holder deck height. You can discuss that allowance with the gunsmith. Compared to a standard FL sizing die it won't narrow the case body significantly if at all, though this also means you get little to no length growth, so trimming is seldom if ever needed after initial forming. The neck still needs to be resized in a neck bushing die or with a Lee collet die or the die blank can be machined to accept Redding neck bushings and their decapper and expander (if you don't want to use a universal decapping die and pick a bushing that needs no expanding afterward).
 
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