Redding Competition dies

R

royta

Guest
I've got all the components I need to start loading for my .22-250 again, but I will be replacing my press and dies. I used to load for the same rifle when it had the original barrel about 17 years ago. I had Pac-Nor install a new barrel in 2002 and I have about 100 factory rounds through it. The barrel is a Pac-Nor, 24", #5 Sporter contour, 1:12 twist, 3-groove, Stainless Steel Super Match.

17 years ago, I had planned on buying a Redding Competition seater die. I'm still considering it, but am also thinking I should get the Competion neck sizer die as well. Although, I've heard good things about the Lee collet sizing die too. I guess I'll need the Redding body die since I'm sure I'll suffer hard bolt lift after a few reloadings of the case.

This is not a benchrest rifle. It is a rifle used for varmints & predators and some minimal paper punching. I'm just trying to get the most accuracy I can. I guess I'll more than likely need to start neck turning too.

Suggestions?


Roy
 
Hi Roy. Redding makes great stuff and you're wise to consider their dies for your 22-250.

My suggestion would be to get a Type S Full Length Bushing die (#77106) and a Competition Seating Die (#55106). Redding pakages them together in a set (#36106) called the Type S Match Full Bushing Set. These two dies will f.l. size, decap, size the neck and let you quickly adjust your seating depth. Add four non-TiN neck bushings at .002, .003, .004 and .005 under what the neck o.d. of a loaded round measures (with the exact brass you'll be using) and you'll be set. The little bushing storage box (#76999) is another thing to pick up...best couple of bucks you'll ever spend if you have more than one neck bushing.

If you're stuck on wanting to use the Competition-style Bushing Die, grab the Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die kit (#58106). This set gives you a Competition Bushing Neck die, a Body Die and a Competition Seater. You'll almost certainly need to use the Body Die to f.l. size the case before you use the neck die.

I'd steer you away from trying to neck size only. For a rig like yours, you'll want the rounds to chamber with zero muss and fuss.

Another way to consider would be to get the Redding Type S Full Bushing Die, the bushings, a Wilson seating die and a small arbor press like the excellent K&M unit. Though I stay away from anything with the Lee name on it (except fo the the primer seater), their Classic 'o' frame press is one heck of a press for not a lot of money.

With this setup and a couple of c-clamps, you could easily do your loading at the range....huge advantages to this. And you probably won't have spent any more $ than if you'd bought the complete set of Competition Dies and a big RCBS Rockchucker or Redding Boss type press.

Just my 2 cents worth. Have fun and good shootin'. :) -Al
 
Thanks Al for the advice. Though, I'd probably use the Competition Shell Holders. Barely bumping back the shoulder to just fit the chamber sounds like the hot setup. It would guarantee easy chambering rounds and keep from over working the brass.

My main conern is concentricity of the sized brass and of the bullet seated brass.
 
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