New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. I dont believe that using or not using an expander should be generalized as a proper practice. Two-die set, FL Sizer and Micrometer-top Seater, costs $184.99. Remove case to trim and hand prime via Sinclair Hand Priming tool. My cases come out of the die with zero run out. I will likely get the Redding and use those until the whidden custom set is finished(8-10 weeks) if the Redding set does not work so well. I was able to convert my 550 Dillon to precision reloading. Agree completely. I prefer Redding, Wilson and Whidden for the reasons already stated. I have other Redding sizing dies (non-competition) where the decapping pin scribes a circle if you rotate it in your hand. Avoiding the expander ball is a really go thing. Redding did decent for me, but would prefer Forster as a first choice. Forester Cross Bolt Locking Rings are recommended for all dies used in the Co-Ax Press.Lee Precision Cast Iron Hand Press Amazon Prices . Customer service is top notch. This radius doesnt allow the sizing of the case neck fully to the shoulder. I want recommend that you check the purchase price. I'm going to upgrade my dies for two rifles and am undecided which die manufacturer to go with. I am looking at the Redding Competition Seater, Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater, Forster Benchrest Seater, or Whidden Micrometer Seater (260 only). Yes. 076-66387 | Redding. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The donor rifle is a Ruger 77, round top, tang safety. Our hand-polished sizer die has a shorter OAL for better shoulder bump-back, a smaller base, and tighter internal tolerances. I've have both Whidden & Redding but in different calibers. For turned necks you can get away with as little as 10 seconds. Im sure it was a fluke, as many people run them without issue, but Ill stick to Redding personally. 224 Valkyrie Type-S Elite Bushing Die Set. I could always use the Redding for SCAR 17 if I eventually decided to go with the custom whidden set. 2023 Whidden Gunworks All Rights Reserved. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I have heard this from other folks too how a FLS/ collet/ honed die can result in less runout. and our Answer: NO. Your comments are laughable and many have seen the groups I shoot. Answer: Measure the neck diameter of a loaded round that you've produced with the brass & bullets you plan to use. Everyone seems to talk about overworking their brass. Neck dies are not meant to bump the shoulder. It also fully sizes the case neck fully to the shoulder for smoother functioning. I'm not sure who made the reamer, however the gunsmith, Olson Gunsmithing, told me that he would send a blueprint copy of the reamer if I wanted one. If you choose to send your fired brass, please do not resize and plan to send in three pieces. Our Custom dies will solve problems such as sticky extraction and the dreaded "Bolt click" without over . The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The wide knurling on the die and lock ring make small hand adjustments simple. Not at all impressed with Whidden. Today I shot a .1150 group with Redding match dies and I was a bit shaky. " How many do you want me to post? Whidden Gunworks White Oak Armament Wilson Inc. Shop all within Wilson Inc. . I have some loads that I have been able to achieve my lowest runout values and most consistent neck tension by using an expander. The depth increments are easily read and will stay that way for years of use. Most of the dies I have are Redding with some Whidden dies mixed in as well as a few others. You are using an out of date browser. I have Hornady, RCBS, Whidden, Forster and Lee dies. A forum community dedicated to Mississippi State Gun Owners and enthusiasts. Carry on with your bad self. A phone call to them might be worth your time. With this method the amount of neck tension is determined by the size of the bushing as it is the only and last area of the die to be in contact with the neck of the case. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I tried everything I could think of to fix it but no matter what it would dent the shoulder. I can say that on the whole my 6.5Creedmoor Forster Micrometer Bench Rest seater consistently seats a Hornady 130gr ELDM with far less runout (1-2/1000 vs 5-6/1000) than my 6.5x55 Redding Competition Seater seats a 142gr Sierra Match King on the same Forster Coax press. Shall I start posting them for you?? Die fit can depend on what brass you run and what your chamber dimensions are. I have had more case shoulders dented with Redding dies than any other. I want full length resize but am open to bushing. That being saidif there were anything else available in that cartridge Id save the $. I do not neck turn, and I do not want to neck turn which is why I use Forster FL sizing dies. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Braves' wrestler is a perfect 3-0 in state competition . I will say right now Forster FL dies using a mandrel to set inside neck tension with Redding Mic seaters are my favorite combo . We have found the best method to make Custom dies is to use your firedbrass from the rifles chamber. One or the other will give you satisfaction. So you were not able to bump the shoulder with a neck die? So now, which is best? Text SHOOT to (855)-240-6807 to receive exclusive news and deals! A group can only be so small and a man can only be so accurate. Does not work with the Dillon 550 and 650 presses. The expander ball passes through the neck of the case and sets the amount of neck tension. Whidden is by far the best, especially when doing a custom chamber rifle. I prefer to full length size every time and Forster does not make such a die that will FL size and control neck tension. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. I have both, but have more of the Forester seaters. The Whidden Bushing Sizer allows the flexibility of neck tension should a different thickness in the neck of the brass occur from one manufacturer to another. Anyone get a little rub mark on the bullet right above the brass with the Forster? Out of Stock. For more information, please see our Yes. Whidden Bushing Dies will accept Redding and L.E. NOTICE: We do our best to keep all of our standard caliber reloading dies in stock. According to what I have read on other sites Whidden is also a great die. The sizer will accept Redding or L.E. If for some unforeseen reason we are out of stock of a caliber die, you the customer, will be notified within 24 business hours of the order being . I haven't done it so I can't confirm but I've been reading a bunch and I think it looks appealing. On the 3rd firing my ADG brass wasn't getting the web of the case sized back enough and they would stick in the chamber. Hornady seems to make a nice match die set, however Redding, who I have no experience with, is also supposed to make a good set of dies also.There are so many die companies out there to choose from. I've deprimed Lapua 308WIN brass with the Lee decapper without a problem for what its worth. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Whidden custom VS H. Latest Post: Pay attention to inside neck tightness or inconsistencies. In addition to our die conversions and custom full-length bushing sizing dies we make a benchrest seating die for use with arbor presses. The only reloading press and it is one of the best. I like Redding and Whidden bushing dies but will stick to Redding if I have a choice. I ordered a FL Bushing set for my 300 PRC. Whether you're a hunter or a competition shooter Whidden Gunworks can manufacture Custom dies to your exact specifications and if needed can work with your gunsmith to ensure your dies are as accurate as your new rifle. I understand that a FL bushing die will work the brass much less than a standard die with expander ball, but other that that, what makes Redding or Whidden worth almost 10x the cost of standard dies? Regardless of how much you spend you can only do so much. Dillon 650 with Whidden Floating Tool Head and Floating Lock Rings. I also use the Hornady LNL progressive for my competition which is .308 Win, F-Class Mid Range (500-600 yards). I don't give 2 shits if you anneal or repeat every step to the "T", it changes. Custom dies are best made using three pieces of fired brass from your rifles chamber. $19.95. Find 6.5 PRC Reloading Dies, and 6.5 PRC Die Sets for sale here: Get the right 6.5 PRC Dies or 6.5 PRC Reloading Die Sets for your press here at Midsouth. It may not display this or other websites correctly. How do you feel the Hornady Match Grade sets compare with Redding? Wilson Neck Sizing Bushings. I've never tried a Forster FL die but would be tempted to have them hone the neck for a specific neck tension and try it out. When I can produce ammo with virtually no runout for all calibers I reload for and precision rifle ammo that shoots tiny little groups all day long then I feel no reason to neck turn or use bushing dies. Whidden Gunworks reloading dies are the best way to be sure you are getting the most out of your time at the reloading bench. We can use a reamer print to produce the dies however, if the dies are manufactured and are not compatible with your rifles chamber, Whidden Gunworks will not be responsible for replacement dies or refund. I called Dennis and he told me that he really likes working on the Ruger 77ts and has done many builds on them. $276.97. Run a bushing .002" undersize a loaded cartridge, and I "float" the bushing, don't lock it down. To reiterate you can not set tension with a non bushing die. But an induction annealer can. We can custom match your dies for Factory Rifles as well as Custom Rifles including auto loading rifles. I had a custom made from my fired brass for my 300norma, as chamber is slightly different then samii. Dies made by Redding for the Ackley version prior to 2011 were marked "280 Rem Imp 40 Degrees." They are still available. This issue can be minimized or resolved by neck turning. But hey thats just me. I use the Redding Micrometer dies and have had good results. I have shot .090 groups with lee dies and .30 caliber bullets and I have shot .065 groups with .284 bullets and RCBS X dies. For people who are searching for High End Die Face Off Forester Vs Redding Vs Whidden Dies review. JavaScript is disabled. Appreciate Leadburner's feedback. This is a con? The non-bushing die is designed to size the outside of the neck as the case enters the body of the die. In any case I believe you will need custom dies if your cartridge is the 270 AI then all should be do a great job. Neck tension can only be determined by changing expander balls with the non-bushing die. Building the rifle on a Ruger 77 ts, 26 in (1-8) Lilja barrel, pillar bedding, some trigger work. We also made a video on this subject that you can check out here. In determining neck tension with the non-bushing sizer die, simply change the expander ball size to obtain the desired amount of tension. The dies are reasonably priced too and there Micro Seating dies work great too. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In those circumstances we can use your reamer print but please note the fired brass will usually yield the best results. My Redding sizing dies all seem a little rough on the inside compared to the Whidden's. Ammunition reloading dies and bushings. Tumble (For me, wet via STM). I'm sure you could get good results with others, I just like Redding. See our custom diesproduct pagefor further information. For $12 additionally they will hone the neck to the correct size so no expander is necessary. I'd like to get an AMP machine but struggle with the price. For this example, a .268 Bushing would be a good starting point to obtain about .001 neck tension. Subtract .001 . The seating stem has a small nylon bush in the end of the seating stem which pushes against the nose of the bulletin quite far forward of the ogive. This build started taking life last June or July. The quality and outcome is far superior to anything else I have tried. This is beneficial when changing brands of brass, neck turning brass to achieve different wall thickness and experimenting with different neck tensions in loading. Necks are not overworked, and neck diameters are consistent to within .0005. 4. ablnx 2 yr. ago. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. JavaScript is disabled. Ive been debating between Whidden and Redding for my 6mm Creed. I'm waiting to make a judgment on Whidden dies until I receive the custom die back. Is anybody using Whiddens custom dies? After some time a forum member (FEENIX) told me about Olson Gunsmithing in Montana. I want full length resize but am open to bushing. also, choosing bushing size for redding comp set. Redding dies (and everything else Redding) used to be so much less expensive than they are these dayssigh. I use my 25/06 collet die to size the necks of my 257 Weatherby mag and it works great. I was referring to the Custom Whidden Set vs Redding Competition. Redding type s fls, neck bushing, comp neck bushing, Forster bushing, honed neck, whidden fls bushing dies all in various calibers. You must log in or register to reply here. Either a bushing change or collet die can control this. Redding 6.5 Creedmoor Premium Deluxe Set - The Runner-Up. My threads are all over this forum with actual pictures to go with it. With no preference on either, these types include the bushing sizer die and the non-bushing sizer die. Whidden Gunworks reloading dies are the best way to be sure you are getting the most out of your time at the reloading bench. I'm waiting to make a judgment on Whidden dies until I receive the custom die back. You can tell the machining differences and quality when you use both. They are super helpful. Cookie Notice In my experience this is not ideal as the minor variations in the nose dimensions of the projectile changes the seating depth of each round, thereby making the important ogive to land relationship slightly different from round to round. I'm indecisive about what die set to go with to get the best performance? Other JLC Precision Products. Should I purchase a match set or custom set. The diameter of the expander ball will determine the neck tension. Both the Whidden Bushing Die and Whidden Standard Die are manufactured to tolerances that exceed most expectations. We offer Custom Sizers, Seaters, Hydraulic Form Dies and Trim Dies from .20 Caliber to .408. I have several Whidden Bullet seaters and after reading the post above from DanMac I disassembled one of them. The Redding competition dies are very good but my favorite is the Wilson chamber die. The only way to get good repeatable ammo is to measure everything and make it the same. Whidden is asking for 3 fired casings to be sent to them to make the dies, however a blueprint of the reamer will also work. . Quite often we hear the question What is the difference between a bushing full length sizer die and a non-bushing full length sizer die and which is best?. When sizing the case, the bushing of the die is pressed around the outside of the neck just after the expander ball of the die passes through the neck.