I bought Redding to start but ran into major issues with the FL sizer denting the shoulder of the brass. The Braves' wrestler is a perfect 3-0 in state competition . This is similar to a Wilson hand die with micrometer top. Qty: Ive got 2 sets, 6.5 creedmoor and 6.5SS. I have some loads that I have been able to achieve my lowest runout values and most consistent neck tension by using an expander. Looking for a set of dies for 6.5 creedmoor and wondering which premium die set I should go with. Avoiding the expander ball is a really go thing. 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. I personally own and use a set of Whidden dies, and I am very, very impressed with them. forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/cost-of-redding-vs-whidden-dies.3963683/, Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10_15_7) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/103.0.0.0 Safari/537.36. Whidden dies worth the extra chedda? $58.95-$213.60. That is setting neck tension with a separate part(mandrel) and a separate operation. For precision loads, my favorite is the Redding Competition S die/ micrometer seater. Lololwhen companies are giving you barrels to test it's not a wasteand all you had to say is you want to see groups at distance big guy.. I've used all three brands. The donor rifle is a Ruger 77, round top, tang safety. JavaScript is disabled. You can anneal more or less to control neck hardness and maintain the same seating pressure. Home; Categories. Bushing The 224 Valkyrie flattens the competition at 1,000 yards. Some shooters prefer using no expander ball with a bushing die. Both the Whidden Bushing Die and Whidden Standard Die are manufactured to tolerances that exceed most expectations. Dies made by Redding for the Ackley version prior to 2011 were marked "280 Rem Imp 40 Degrees." They are still available. As the neck enters the bushing the bushing applies a predetermined amount of tension on the neck. 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. 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. Ammunition reloading dies and bushings. Hand charge powder using Fx120i and V3 auto trickler; +/- .02 grains. Most of the dies I have are Redding with some Whidden dies mixed in as well as a few others. Shop phone: (563) 689-6258, cell: (563) 212-2984. And please refill my mug with some bushing die stout, pronto. Not expanding with a button or expander mandrel? I like the Redding S sizer dies and the Forster micrometer seating dies. Round. Your comments are laughable and many have seen the groups I shoot. This allows for a consistent setting from one loading to the next without the need for adjustment. After some time a forum member (FEENIX) told me about Olson Gunsmithing in Montana. Privacy Policy. " Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" . Really enjoy using the competition bullet seating die with the micrometer, which has sped up my reloading process. Many of our Forum members have started using Whidden dies and they are reporting very positive results. Doesnt seem to hurt accuracy as it shoots as well as I can shoot it that particular day. 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. Forester Cross Bolt Locking Rings are recommended for all dies used in the Co-Ax Press.Lee Precision Cast Iron Hand Press Amazon Prices . Popcorn is popping, can you two provide live commentary during McGregor/Mayweather? $276.97. Forster honed die here. Aug 18, 2020. With the exception of the Whidden inline dies. We can custom match your dies for Factory Rifles as well as Custom Rifles including auto loading rifles. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Either a bushing change or collet die can control this. Why do you think you are seeing more runout with bushing dies? . I tried everything I could think of to fix it but no matter what it would dent the shoulder. Just a shiny spot right above the neck in one spot. It's the Chevy or Cadillac choice. Place back on Dillon to seat using Redding Competition Seater. 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. 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. What decapping pin is appropriate for small primer lapua brass with the small flash holes? Text SHOOT to (855)-240-6807 to receive exclusive news and deals! Ended up taking the gauge back to Cabela's as there was no need for it. Im also tempted to get the Sinclair expander mandrel (not there yet though). 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. My runouts are typically <.002. 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. Building the rifle on a Ruger 77 ts, 26 in (1-8) Lilja barrel, pillar bedding, some trigger work. I got a Redding standard FL die and it has been successful getting the brass back into spec. 1. 2023 Whidden Gunworks All Rights Reserved. It gives you what it gives you(too much). I much prefer this over a bushing as the bushing won't resize the entire neck on a lot of cartridges. Replacement Decap Assembly Item #WHIDDCA21308. I would advise against the whidden seating dies simply for the goofy nylon insert they use to seat the bullet. Thank you for your reply. Anneal every 3 firings, trim every firing. You are using an out of date browser. If you call die makers they will give you the specs of the sizing die so you know what would work. In Stock. In those circumstances we can use your reamer print but please note the fired brass will usually yield the best results. But hey thats just me. Upon completion your brass will be returned to you with your Custom Die. 4. Will work with Foster Co-Ax Press. Is there a specific caliber or do you mean all Lapua brass? I have sent several full length dies into both Redding and Forster to have to neck lapped to the dimension I want. A forum community dedicated to Mississippi State Gun Owners and enthusiasts. 076-66387 | Redding. charlie chaplin house new york why are blueberries from peru so big what holidays do methodists celebrate Agree completely. Below are some examples of a radius shoulder compared to an angled shoulder. I like Whidden dies. I prefer to full length size every time and Forster does not make such a die that will FL size and control neck tension. If you choose to send your fired brass, please do not resize and plan to send in three pieces. I want full length resize but am open to bushing. Get a price quote first. I don't believe you would be making a mistake with any of the die makers you mentioned for work out to 300 yds. Yes. IMO, well worth the extra $$$. For turned necks you can get away with as little as 10 seconds. I do not neck turn, and I do not want to neck turn which is why I use Forster FL sizing dies. Both the Whidden Bushing Die and Whidden Standard Die are manufactured to tolerances that exceed most expectations. This radius doesnt allow the sizing of the case neck fully to the shoulder. For more information, please see our The Whidden sizer dies are smoother inside, made fully of steel, and run a little smaller at the cartridge base compared to the Reddings. Cookie Notice I've have both Whidden & Redding but in different calibers. NOTE: Measuring several loaded rounds and using the average is advisable. Ive been debating between Whidden and Redding for my 6mm Creed. I sent them 3 or 4 pieces of brass and the old sizer and they are making me a custom die. A good set of bushing dies allow more control. This issue can be minimized or resolved by neck turning. They produce concentric rounds and theres a lot of options for customizing in regards to expanders and seating stems. Once the die is set, the locking ring is simply secured using an allen head machine set screw. Dont you advently get a donut from this? I am looking at the Redding Competition Seater, Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater, Forster Benchrest Seater, or Whidden Micrometer Seater (260 only). If you are uncertain just email a photo of the cartridge and we can make a determination. I dont believe that using or not using an expander should be generalized as a proper practice. We offer Custom Sizers, Seaters, Hydraulic Form Dies and Trim Dies from .20 Caliber to .408. I use a lot of bushing dies with great success. 224 Valkyrie Premium Series Full Length Die Set. I was getting terrible runout from both Redding and Whidden bushing dies in 2 different calibers with Lapua fireformed brass that was annealed. 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. Redding type s fls, neck bushing, comp neck bushing, Forster bushing, honed neck, whidden fls bushing dies all in various calibers. Appreciate Leadburner's feedback. 2) I have found with unturned necks, that if I don't hold the case in the die for at least 12 seconds that I get spring back, the less time the worse it is and the more variabiltity in the final case neck sizes. 2023 Whidden Gunworks All Rights Reserved, Click Adjustable Sizer & Micrometer Seater Set. See our custom dies. Whidden Gunworks bushing dies will accept Whidden Gunworks, Redding, and Wilson bushings. 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. 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. The diameter of the expander ball will determine the neck tension. This really cuts down on case neck run-out. Subtract .002 from the diameter you measure to select the bushing size. When a bushing sizer die is used with no expander ball, neck sizing is done by the bushing itself. In addition to our die conversions and custom full-length bushing sizing dies we make a benchrest seating die for use with arbor presses. I am looking at the Redding Competition Seater, Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater, Forster Benchrest Seater, or Whidden Micrometer Seater (260 only). Proponents of them say that the floating bushing is supposed to allow the case to self center, thus improve concentricity? The non-bushing die is designed to size the outside of the neck as the case enters the body of the die. I like Redding and Whidden bushing dies but will stick to Redding if I have a choice. Either can work best. *Please note that the .375 & .408 CT Micrometer Seater is not a sliding sleeve style seater. 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. This really depends on the bushing/expander relationship. Necks are not overworked, and neck diameters are consistent to within .0005. 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. I'm disappointed in quality/control of the whiddens and also the seating stem on the micro seater. .. lk150 hat pattern. I have an induction annealer and a hydraulic pressure gauge on my press. 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. JavaScript is disabled. This is becoming a known issue with their die and the ADG 300 PRC brass. If you have questions or need help with ordering feel free to email us at: CustomDies@whiddengunworks.com. 4. ablnx 2 yr. ago. Redding is top of the line in my opinion. To ease case neck entry into the bushing, all bushings have a small radius on the inside edge. Trustpilot. The Seater Die comes with a micrometer top for precise adjustments. Using my Hornady concentricity gauge I sampled each batch of 20 and runout was 1/2 thousandth in each direction. Hornady as been able to let me load a sub 1/2 rifle consistently, but I would still like the quality of Redding. With the exception of the Whidden inline dies. These will be for a 7mm STW and a 260 Remington. Our Custom dies are the best way to ensure you are getting the most efficiency out of your reloading process while gaining maximum precision and case life longevity. 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. 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 Out of Stock. Remove case to trim and hand prime via Sinclair Hand Priming tool. Everyone has their own method to their madness. Our hand-polished sizer die has a shorter OAL for better shoulder bump-back, a smaller base, and tighter internal tolerances. Then after case prep, seating primer, and powder the bullet gets seated with the forster micrometer bench rest seater.. i dont typically check runout anymore because its always .001-.002 these days. I use nothing but the Redding dies for my competition rifle. Honed Forster FL dies gives me the least runout. Most over-resize the front portion of the case near the shoulder, and don't resize the base of the case enough, if at all. Home; . Our Custom dies will solve problems such as sticky extraction and the dreaded Bolt click without over working your brass. Customer service is top notch. Thanks guys, I didn't realize the expander ball would cause issues with run out. Is anybody using Whiddens custom dies? The tolerances of the Whidden Standard Die give a repetitive measurement time after time. I have redding type s and Redding competition and theyve been great. Do you have a reamer print or know anything about the chamber reamer dimensions? Both are top quality dies. 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? Id chose Whidden over Redding any day personally. I have other Redding sizing dies (non-competition) where the decapping pin scribes a circle if you rotate it in your hand. These two die types are not to be confused as being interchangeable. These will be for a 7mm STW and a 260 Remington. I use the Redding Micrometer dies and have had good results. Point taken. Redding type S fl sizing die with titanium nitride bushing. Haha, the hydraulic press was my next ace in the hole for those thinking they have a handle on it. Run a bushing .002" undersize a loaded cartridge, and I "float" the bushing, don't lock it down. I had a custom made from my fired brass for my 300norma, as chamber is slightly different then samii. Answer: NO. I had used the same 100 Lapua cases for all of those, so averaging over 20 loads per case and still running fine. In reality, over the coarse of brass life, the properties of brass change, and the gripping power of the necks will be the first indicator. 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. Forster FL die ($68 and gives me super control over runnout) custom honed ($17) .004" under load neck dimension does not overwork neck. 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. Answer: Measure the neck diameter of a loaded round that you've produced with the brass & bullets you plan to use. As a side note, Fired/expanded neck diameters are rarely greater then .004-006 over my bushing sized neck diameter. and our I ordered a FL Bushing set for my 300 PRC. I have heard this from other folks too how a FLS/ collet/ honed die can result in less runout. 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? 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. Yes. No products in the cart. I have 5 Whidden sizer dies and about 10 to 12 sets of Redding dies. "Windage and elevation, Mrs Langdon. 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. Question: If the neck of my rifle's chamber is .XXX, May I select the desired bushing for my Whidden Bushing Die from this measurement? NOTICE: We do our best to keep all of our standard caliber reloading dies in stock. You are using an out of date browser. Access from your Country was disabled by the administrator. My typical set up now is forster FL sizing die to decap, bump the shoulder, and set neck tension. 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. The bushings allow for .001 increments in neck tension in a range from .20 to .408 calibers. JavaScript is disabled. You must log in or register to reply here. I have had more case shoulders dented with Redding dies than any other. However, the non-bushing sizer die uses an expander ball to size the neck of the case. Both the Whidden Bushing Die and Whidden Standard Die are manufactured to tolerances that exceed most expectations. Once you pass about 600yds or so if everything isn't in order you'll know about it pretty quickly. I can only guess that maybe this is an early production. I'm waiting to make a judgment on Whidden dies until I receive the custom die back. This would have to be checked out. 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 also have the Forster micro seating dies for my .223. I, however, would not be able to identify a die issue if I had one that was causing runout. Everyone seems to talk about overworking their brass. In every case, Im using a bushing/expander combination that the expander is only a couple of thousands larger then the bushing only sized case, and the stroke of the expander passing through the neck on the upward stroke is quite mild. How do you feel the Hornady Match Grade sets compare with Redding? For some reason I get a little creep in the seating depth after I set it with the Hornady die but the Redding are solid. You are using an out of date browser. The pin retainer is used to retain the decapping pin and protects the stem of the die. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You must log in or register to reply here. Sorry your skills dont stack up. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I'm not 100% sure about what dies will do the best job for what I intend to do. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As this action is performed the inconsistencies of the case neck wall are forced to the inside of the neck. Custom dies are best made using three pieces of fired brass from your rifles chamber. You must log in or register to reply here. This is beneficial when changing brands of brass, neck turning brass to achieve different wall thickness and experimenting with different neck tensions in loading. 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. I use my 25/06 collet die to size the necks of my 257 Weatherby mag and it works great. Neck tension can only be determined by changing expander balls with the non-bushing die. Send a reamer print to the die companies and see if their die will match up with your chamber. I'm shopping for a new set of dies for 300 PRC. AS AN EXAMPLE: the loaded rounds measure on average .270 at the neck. I was referring to the Custom Whidden Set vs Redding Competition. I was questioning the statement ". you cant control neck tension with a non bushing die ..". I like the Redding micrometer better than the Forster but i think it's a Ford vs Chevy thing. I then bought a RCBS FL sizer and havent had an issue since. I have way more Forster ultra micrometer and theyve all been great as well. The only way to get good repeatable ammo is to measure everything and make it the same. I'm not expecting this rifle back until April or May, then a 2-3 month waiting period for the hydro form dies and then another waiting period to get the actual die set made for full length sizing, it's going to be next Thanksgiving before I can actually get down to serious shooting. High End Die Face Off Forester vs Redding vs Whidden Dies Lowprice Remington 700 Pmag trade 5 Ac L Magnum . The expander ball passes through the neck of the case and sets the amount of neck tension. Anyone used both and was their much difference in group size? 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. . popcorn is popping, can you two provide live commentary during mcgregor/mayweather? Forum Icons: Forum contains no unread posts Forum contains unread posts. Thoughts? In determining neck tension with the non-bushing sizer die, simply change the expander ball size to obtain the desired amount of tension. 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. Redding Full Length Die Set. Looks like its time to step up to some Whidden dies and a T7 or Zero press! Lake Gibson senior wrestler Gabby Tedesco (105, 9-0) is one of those Polk County wrestlers who will be competing for a state title. And I always replace the Redding locking rings with the cross screw variety (Hornady usually) to save my die's threads. Certain calibers are only available from Whidden so that's why I prefer the Whidden. My venture into long range shooting and calibers is only about 5 years. JavaScript is disabled. Plus Whidden can make you a custom die for your rifle if desired. To reiterate you can not set tension with a non bushing die. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 13095 450th Ave. Bellevue, IA 52031. Runout was measured on a 21st Century Concentricity gauge. Some dies, mostly non bushing dies, overwork the brass causing it to be work hardened, you cant control neck tension with a non bushing die, using an expander ball is not great for runout. I set up for a tiny shoulder bump-- just enough that the bolt closes easy. I'm going to upgrade my dies for two rifles and am undecided which die manufacturer to go with. Pretty minimal sizing-- I had 2200-2300 rounds through my .260 barrel when I decided to swap to 6.5 SAUM. I have Hornady, RCBS, Whidden, Forster and Lee dies. Whidden Click Adj Fl Bushing Sizer Die As handloaders have become more aware of shoulder bump and proper adjustment of the sizer die in recent years, there has become a . Whidden Gunworks reloading dies are the best way to be sure you are getting the most out of your time at the reloading bench. Inside the die a slidingsleeve system helps to improve concentricity a must for repeatable precision. Whidden vs Forster vs Redding type S Looking for a set of dies for 6.5 creedmoor and wondering which premium die set I should go with. No bushing is included with the set. Whidden custom VS H. Latest Post: Pay attention to inside neck tightness or inconsistencies. Custom Dies. For precise, consistent OAL handloads, the internals of our sizing die are designed to keep your rounds . Topic Icons: Not Replied Replied Active Hot Sticky Unapproved Solved Private Closed. Redding makes the best body dies and competition shell holders. Its not a bushing die so Im still looking for an alternative but its hard to find anything in Canada right now. We have found the best method to make Custom dies is to use your firedbrass from the rifles chamber. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. So you were not able to bump the shoulder with a neck die? 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. 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?. 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. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. It seemed to me that you could size the neck down with a regular die and then set neck tension with a mandrel. For people who are searching for High End Die Face Off Forester Vs Redding Vs Whidden Dies review. Everett, WA. 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. $19.95. The bushings also allow the shooter the opportunity to achieve the desired neck tension after neck turning of the brass. I have a 280 AI being built to the traditional chamber so Im going to have them build me a set once I get my hands on the rifle. These dies are designed with a floating sleeve system which helps to improve concentricity- a must for repeatable precision. What are your experiences with these? Yeah I am referring to .059" flash holes in lapua brass (namely 6.5 x 47 mm) that milo was referring to. And please refill my mug with some Bushing Die Stout, pronto. This increase, however, is slow and gradual and the .001" increment in bushing size is too coarse to control it. 21st Century Expander Mandrel to set precise/straight neck tension. Whidden is by far the best, especially when doing a custom chamber rifle. Your gunsmith can give you a copy if you do not have it. Two-die set, FL Sizer and Micrometer-top Seater, costs $184.99. I think when I sent my last one in it was $10.00. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. With no preference on either, these types include the bushing sizer die and the non-bushing sizer die. Reloading and tunin. So now, which is best? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Standard die comes complete with a die locking ring to allow the operator to secure the die at the preferred setting. 7x5's work for you? The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. $710. Lee Precision Ultimate 4-Die Set - The Best for Lee Reloading Dies 6.5 Creedmoor. I like the concept of the Whidden Sniper's Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy . I'm indecisive about what die set to go with to get the best performance? I like the Forster a little better as the graduations are easier to read. Not sure why. I will say right now Forster FL dies using a mandrel to set inside neck tension with Redding Mic seaters are my favorite combo . It also fully sizes the case neck fully to the shoulder for smoother functioning. You are using an out of date browser. If you want maximum precision for your favorite rounds including many wildcat rounds you need the tools we build into each one. 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.