I have sent several full length dies into both Redding and Forster to have to neck lapped to the dimension I want. Once the entire batch is made, we send them out to be hardened via a carburized heat treat process to ensure a lifetime of use. So, I am looking to buy a set of dies for a 284 Win. The bushing size is dependent on case neck thickness and bullet diameter, not the chamber of the rifle. The only way to get good repeatable ammo is to measure everything and make it the same. I do like the Forster option of the Forster bushing die with three bushings its like hitting the easy button to me as theyve always been right what I needed without having to source the bushings separately which I like or wait till I get brass to load a round. If you want maximum precision for your favorite rounds including many wildcat rounds you need the tools we build into each one. Who made the reamer? This issue can be minimized or resolved by neck turning. 13095 450th Ave. Bellevue, IA 52031. A forum community dedicated to Mississippi State Gun Owners and enthusiasts. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Scan this QR code to download the app now. I like the Forster a little better as the graduations are easier to read. I've used all three brands. Subtract .002 from the diameter you measure to select the bushing size. Forster FL die ($68 and gives me super control over runnout) custom honed ($17) .004" under load neck dimension does not overwork neck. 2023 Whidden Gunworks All Rights Reserved. With the exception of the Whidden inline dies. The diameter of the expander ball will determine the neck tension. I was eyeing the Forster with micrometer but my local shop is out of stock for another 5 weeks. If you want to set neck tension with a single operation to the tension you desire youll need a bushing die. My venture into long range shooting and calibers is only about 5 years. All shot out of custom bolt guns with Stiller and Bighorn actions with Bartlein barrels. I don't like changing the settings once my dies are set, so I have multiple sets for various calibers (i.e. With no preference on either, these types include the bushing sizer die and the non-bushing sizer die. Just preference and what youre happy with. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Thank you for your reply. 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? Im running a t7 and Redding dies exclusively (minus a custom set of Hornady) and I will say that I wish my Hornady were Redding. I, however, would not be able to identify a die issue if I had one that was causing runout. Thats all I use and never had any issues. A honed neck IMO is good for a certain span of the brass life. We offer Custom Sizers, Seaters, Hydraulic Form Dies and Trim Dies from .20 Caliber to .408. Don't have any experience with Lyman dies, but I don't think they make dies with micrometer adjustments for easy changes on the seating depth, and haven't seen any bushing dies for controlling neck tension. I do not neck turn, and I do not want to neck turn which is why I use Forster FL sizing dies. Yes. Neck tension can only be determined by changing expander balls with the non-bushing die. Answer: Measure the neck diameter of a loaded round that you've produced with the brass & bullets you plan to use. Will work with Foster Co-Ax Press. Shop phone: (563) 689-6258, cell: (563) 212-2984. $58.95-$213.60. Always remember, windage and elevation!". For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Get a price quote first. How to Determine Which Bushings You Need: The easiest way to determine the proper diameter bushing, is to measure the neck diameter of several loaded or dummy cartridges with an accurate micrometer. But an induction annealer can. The Whidden sizer dies are smoother inside, made fully of steel, and run a little smaller at the cartridge base compared to the Reddings. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I have slowly started putting my other dies in the corner to collect dust and leave the forsters out where i can easily grab them. Both are top quality dies. Two-die set, FL Sizer and Micrometer-top Seater, costs $184.99. Whether youre 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. Regardless of how much you spend you can only do so much. My runouts are typically <.002. I use them on 4 calibers currently. I'm sure you could get good results with others, I just like Redding. Carry on with your bad self. A phone call to them might be worth your time. Is there a difference in accuracy downrange shooting ammo that say has .007-.010 runout from a bushing die vs say a honed FL sizing die that produces runout between .0005-.001 consistently? I have other Redding sizing dies (non-competition) where the decapping pin scribes a circle if you rotate it in your hand. Anneal, everytiime. Inside the die a slidingsleeve system helps to improve concentricity a must for repeatable precision. 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 placed. Subtract .001 . I have only ever used the standard RCBS or Hornady Custom Grade dies, and have never had any issues with them, but they are the best I have known. I'd like to get the die making process going, Whidden told me that there is a 2-3 month waiting period for the hydro forming dies. Point taken. I'm waiting to make a judgment on Whidden dies until I receive the custom die back. I have had more case shoulders dented with Redding dies than any other. I could always use the Redding for SCAR 17 if I eventually decided to go with the custom whidden set. The Braves' wrestler is a perfect 3-0 in state competition . I personally own and use a set of Whidden dies, and I am very, very impressed with them. Redding is top of the line in my opinion. I get that they would all serve me very well and Im splitting hairs for differences but Im still curious to see what youd go with and why. I set up for a tiny shoulder bump-- just enough that the bolt closes easy. I like the Redding S sizer dies and the Forster micrometer seating dies. " Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" . This is a con? In this case the expander ball is replaced with a pin retainer. If it were a standard cartridge I would recommend a Redding body die to size the body and bump the shoulder back and a Lee collet die to do your neck. Qty: Not sure why you want to use a hydro die rather than just fire forming? *Please note that the .375 & .408 CT Micrometer Seater is not a sliding sleeve style seater. Reloading and tunin. I use the Redding Type S FL bushing die, Redding shell holder, and Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die and am extremely pleased with them. The bushings also allow the shooter the opportunity to achieve the desired neck tension after neck turning of the brass. I haven't done it so I can't confirm but I've been reading a bunch and I think it looks appealing. . The expander ball passes through the neck of the case and sets the amount of neck tension. Upon completion your brass will be returned to you with your Custom Die. Once you pass about 600yds or so if everything isn't in order you'll know about it pretty quickly. 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. Wilson bushings. Cookie Notice Some shooters prefer using no expander ball with a bushing die. Please read before using our Custom Sizer Die, Lead time for Custom dies is currently averaging 10 weeks. I should have been more clear in my OP. Not sure why. The dies are reasonably priced too and there Micro Seating dies work great too. I ordered a FL Bushing set for my 300 PRC. The micrometer adjustable seating die has flutes for precise hand adjustment at the loading bench. In Stock. Send them 3 fired brass from your rifle. I got a Redding standard FL die and it has been successful getting the brass back into spec. 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. I have used all except the Whidden and get good results although I am partial to Forster. In those circumstances we can use your reamer print but please note the fired brass will usually yield the best results. Short Action Customs Sizing & Seating Dies - Evaluation & Discussion, Alpha Class Long Range Scope Review - TT, ZCO, Schmidt, March, Vortex, Doug from Camera Land's Day 2 SHOT Show Report, Camera Land is Prepping for Year End Sales. If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. With the exception of the Whidden inline dies. Necks are not overworked, and neck diameters are consistent to within .0005. These two die types are not to be confused as being interchangeable. Sent it in back in June and still waiting, I know the lead time is pretty long. We also made a video on this subject that you can, Whidden Gunworks manufactures custom dies for you to match your exact specifications for .20 Caliber and larger. Is there a specific caliber or do you mean all Lapua brass? They also include a pin retainer should you chose to use your sizer without the expander. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. What decapping pin is appropriate for small primer lapua brass with the small flash holes? I want full length resize but am open to bushing. JavaScript is disabled. Today I shot a .1150 group with Redding match dies and I was a bit shaky. whidden dies vs redding 4 In 1 Paper Log Maker , Ohio Ordnance M60 , Mecha Sonic 2 , New Hcc Codes For 2021 , Reddit Psychiatry Spreadsheet , Scarr's Pizza Eater , Kerdi Niche With Cement Board , Lockheed Martin Corporation Bethesda Md , Im pretty much running Whidden for everything now. The sizer will accept Redding or L.E. If you don't like Redding, you really won't like Whidden.. my last set was a polished turd that failed to go through polishing. Looks like its time to step up to some Whidden dies and a T7 or Zero press! .300blk set for subsonic and set for supersonic with 155gr boolit.) It may not display this or other websites correctly. Text SHOOT to (855)-240-6807 to receive exclusive news and deals! My experience isn't complete with them yet. Round. Yes. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I'd like to get an AMP machine but struggle with the price. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Dont you advently get a donut from this? Do you have a reamer print or know anything about the chamber reamer dimensions? This really depends on the bushing/expander relationship. Redding type S fl sizing die with titanium nitride bushing. That being saidif there were anything else available in that cartridge Id save the $. 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 use a lot of bushing dies with great success. 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 dont believe that using or not using an expander should be generalized as a proper practice. $19.95. I prefer to full length size every time and Forster does not make such a die that will FL size and control neck tension. The wide knurling on the die and lock ring make small hand adjustments simple. Other JLC Precision Products. For turned necks you can get away with as little as 10 seconds. The bushing sizer die uses a bushing to aid in the sizing of the neck while the body of the die does the sizing of the case body. This increase, however, is slow and gradual and the .001" increment in bushing size is too coarse to control it. Whidden Gunworks White Oak Armament Wilson Inc. Shop all within Wilson Inc. . Using my Hornady concentricity gauge I sampled each batch of 20 and runout was 1/2 thousandth in each direction. Thoughts? The quality and outcome is far superior to anything else I have tried. I've had great luck with Redding S type bushing FL dies. I have some loads that I have been able to achieve my lowest runout values and most consistent neck tension by using an expander. Custom dies are best made using three pieces of fired brass from your rifles chamber. The Seater Die comes with a micrometer top for precise adjustments. OTM tactical has a decent price on Whiddens and they are usually in stock, I have a set for a 280 Sherman theyre really nice. If a bushing die is used, a bushing must be used to ensure the case is properly aligned in the die. So given that collet neck sizing is not available for a given caliber, is there any empirical evidence on the induction of run out when using a bushing based die versus a well machined precision honed, non-bushing sizing die? I bought Redding to start but ran into major issues with the FL sizer denting the shoulder of the brass. However, the non-bushing sizer die uses an expander ball to size the neck of the case. After some time a forum member (FEENIX) told me about Olson Gunsmithing in Montana. Dillon Powder Die for RL 450 RL 550 XL 650. Lets get started. I have both, but have more of the Forester seaters. $710. No products in the cart. This allows for a consistent setting from one loading to the next without the need for adjustment. That's what I look for off the bat when I gear up for a new caliber. This really cuts down on case neck run-out. I then bought a RCBS FL sizer and havent had an issue since. I got a Redding standard FL die and it has been successful getting the brass back into spec. 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. For $12 additionally they will hone the neck to the correct size so no expander is necessary. I tried everything I could think of to fix it but no matter what it would dent the shoulder. I told him what I was looking for, he recommended Lilja barrels, I was very happy with the suggestion and now he is building my rifle. What are your experiences with these? You can send them a print of your reamer and they will deliver a die set that matches your specific chamber dimensions and they cost about the same as a Redding type S set. This is the reason I solely use Forster honed FL sizing dies. JavaScript is disabled. Home; . Home; Categories. I'm disappointed in quality/control of the whiddens and also the seating stem on the micro seater. No issues with either. To ease case neck entry into the bushing, all bushings have a small radius on the inside edge. I much prefer this over a bushing as the bushing won't resize the entire neck on a lot of cartridges. You are using an out of date browser. Certain calibers are only available from Whidden so that's why I prefer the Whidden. It is not advised. The expander enters the case neck while it is still held and centered in the neck of the die. It seemed to me that you could size the neck down with a regular die and then set neck tension with a mandrel. This is similar to a Wilson hand die with micrometer top. 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. Can you make good ammo with cheap dies? Furman are you sizing with a bushing die only then? Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway". I posted in reloading forum and may not have been seen. whidden vs redding dies +1 (760) 205-9936. The pin retainer is used to retain the decapping pin and protects the stem of the die. Just did the powder dispenser as a separate step. I prefer them over my Whidden Seating dies. No bushing is included with the set. Some smiths flat out told me that I was making a mistake going with the Ruger, others simply wanted to sell me a custom or blueprinted Remington action, others told me that they get a whole lot more money to do the build because Rugers required special tooling to work on them. When this action occurs the inconsistencies of the case neck wall are forced back to the outside of the neck case. See our custom diesproduct pagefor further information. Dillon 650 with Whidden Floating Tool Head and Floating Lock Rings. I run a separate expander mandrel die, for context. It gives you what it gives you(too much). Reloading equipment for rifles, handguns, pistols, revolvers, custom dies, bullet casting equipment, powder measuring and weighing equipment, bullet seating dies New Products - Redding Reloading Equipment: reloading equipment for rifles, handguns, pistols, revolvers and SAECO bullet casting equipment Both the Whidden Bushing Die and Whidden Standard Die are manufactured to tolerances that exceed most expectations. I don't believe you would be making a mistake with any of the die makers you mentioned for work out to 300 yds. Neck dies are not meant to bump the shoulder. AS AN EXAMPLE: the loaded rounds measure on average .270 at the neck. Whidden custom VS H. Latest Post: Pay attention to inside neck tightness or inconsistencies. I'm waiting to make a judgment on Whidden dies until I receive the custom die back. Ended up taking the gauge back to Cabela's as there was no need for it. I currently have Redding Type S full length bushing dies for each and have been using RCBS seaters and not using the RCBS sizer at all. I did NOT find a nylon bushing in the seater stem. 224 Valkyrie Type-S Elite Bushing Die Set. Yeah I am referring to .059" flash holes in lapua brass (namely 6.5 x 47 mm) that milo was referring to. So you were not able to bump the shoulder with a neck die? The Power-Pac linkage and solid steel arm multiplies the leverage you apply to the handle, making is easier to size cases and reduces fatigue more. You can get away from bushings if you dedicate a die to one rifle or at least one reamer. I think when I sent my last one in it was $10.00. Our Custom dies will solve problems such as sticky extraction and the dreaded Bolt click without over working your brass. Remove case to trim and hand prime via Sinclair Hand Priming tool. I have the Redding Competition dies for my .22-250 AI and they work great. So its just the bushing sizing the neck tension thats it? I want full length resize but am open to bushing. A micrometer seating die is also better for many reasons. Wilson Neck Sizing Bushings. Whidden Gunworks bushing dies will accept Whidden Gunworks, Redding, and Wilson bushings. 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.