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Posted: 6/24/2011 8:30:25 AM EDT
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Who makes the best die set for reloading 6.5 Grendel for use in the AR platform? I've heard that small base dies are recommended for autoloaders. Is that true for the 6.5 also.
Thanks |
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As long as you understand the advice you are being given.... you need to know that there are only a few minor differences in dies when apples to apples as far as type. Brand to Brand isn't a big deal.
The real difference is if you need an orange.... For example, the advice is correct that you may want to full length size and have the neck diameter freedom offered by a bushing die. Many brands offer both fixed dies and bushing dies. They are all very good, so don't worry too much. As for small base versus regular dies, I have owned small base dies for many years and can count the number of times I have played with them on one hand. Those instances were driven by brass which was given to me and really a mystery. Range pick-up or "strange" brass isn't going to be real common in 6.5 or 6.8, so I wouldn't start with a small base die unless I had a Full Length Bushing die first. Try a FL Bushing die from any of the companies and maybe your choice will be determined by the combo of the seating die you like the most. If you like micrometer seaters, you can find sets with FL Bushing, Body only, and Micrometer seaters. You can always pick up a small base body-only die for cases which are really blown wide and then neck size with the bushing die. A set of stepped shell holders is good to keep from over working your expensive brass. That way you can control; the shoulder bump with the shell holders, and the neck tension with the bushing. |
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For the Grendel, the Redding Bushing die is fairly widely agreed to be the best thing out there.
I tried the LEE set and had bullets seat at odd angles, especially VLD types (i.e. MOST grendel bullets–– I'm not retarded either, I've been reloading for nearly 10 years and have 7 or 8 other caliber LEE dies), and have been reported to give significantly lower brass life. I currently use the non-bushing Redding die and have no complaints. ETA: have not heard of anybody needing special small base dies for the 6.5G. |
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I'm new to AR15.com, AR15 rifles, and I've only reloaded 600 to 700 rounds of ammo, 300 in 6.5 Grendel / .264 LBC. They're expensive but the Redding dies are great! The bushing dies allow you to leave a little of the neck unsized to center the case neck the chamber, in my limited experience no problems so far.
A separate question I have about seating dies, I bought the Forster micrometer seating die and it works great with Lapua 123gr Scenar's but 123 gr SMK's seem to get stuck on the ogive about .15" down from the tip, the SMK's ogive is rounder than the Lapua's, giving inconsistent seating depths. Has any one else had this problem? Do I need to order a different seating stem from Forster? Thanks |
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I been using Lee dies for years and no problems with short brass life with my 6.5 Grendel, 7.62x39, and .223. I load to the max load or just under. I use Lapua and Hornday brass for 6.5 Grendel and 7.62x39 and for .223 I have alot different head stamps, but for tactical or long range I use Lapua. I have found over the years is the cleaner the brass the longer the brass life. That's IMHO.
Mike |
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