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Die set survey / recommendations

3310 Views 31 Replies 28 Participants Last post by  lapriester
I'm buying a 6.8 set (the ARP barrel/bolt is on the way) and need recommendations for a die set, using it on AR15/6.8 exclusively.

New to 6.8, not to reloading. I've used cheap Lee dies for 223 for many thousands rounds over years, Redding for 308. My local Palmetto State Armory has the Hornady set on the shelf for about $40 - seems like a good deal.

I've ordered an RCBS small base/x-die set for 223 as I've had a few failure to chamber over the years. (and had a stuck case in the old die that required "getting midieval on it" so figured I'd get a new die). Does anyone have problems in the AR with 6.8 using regular base (full length) dies?

Can't seem to find much using search. Thanks for any input.
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Redding FL two die set (Size and Seat) is what I use. Plus a Lee FCD.
Thanks. I forgot to mention I use the Lee factory crimp die also. Just seems like a smart idea for magazine fed rounds for very little added effort.

Redding FL two die set (Size and Seat) is what I use. Plus a Lee FCD.
i had lee at first but i bought Hornady and use it exclusively. i also use lee FC
Hornady runs a rebate every year, 100 free bullets for buying a die set. May not be a selection for 6.8 bullets but most can find something to select from their list,
There is a Hornady die set for sale on this forum.

6.8 Dies
Redding FL brushing! Also have the Hornady but love the bushing die concentricity.
Sometimes I hate spell check! Usually it helps a spelling challenged guy like me.
I use the rt1500 size trim die (FL) and Redding comp die, and lee factory crimp die.


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RCBS is my first choice on any new dies. The Hornady and Redding in no particular order and lastly Lee. I was raised on a RockChucker press and dad had more RCBS products than anything else. Their customer support over the years has always been stellar. That had instilled a degree of customer loyalty. The only die I have ever had an issue with was a Lee. They did replace it but the process involved was a bit more than what I have experienced with RCBS and Dillon.
I have 30 odd sets of dies . I buy Lee's because others aren't available .

RCBS is generally my first choice , call it brand loyalty if you like , I'd buy Redding if they were on the shelf and within $5 . They aren't . Lyman and Hornady seem to be in the same way .
I don't have multiple sets in the same cartridge for a direct comparison but I've found CH to be of extremely good quality .
Hornady die with the floating bullet seater is a great choice. I've been buying Hornady exclusively since the first set I tried. I wish all my dies were like these. No Lee for me!
Hornady die with the floating bullet seater is a great choice. I've been buying Hornady exclusively since the first set I tried. I wish all my dies were like these. No Lee for me!
I use the Hornady new dimension seating die and Redding bushing dies for resizing. I also use the Lee FCD for a light crimp.
I like the Hornaday New Dimension dies....
Don't forget to get a shell holder

Hornaday #12.... Or....RCBS #19.....Or ... Lee #21
I have all LEE for all the calibers I load except for the 6.8.
I bought RCBS Full Length Sizer Dies for the 6.8
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/5...2-die-set-with-taper-crimp-68mm-remington-spc
I have not found the need for small base dies. I like RCBS but the lock rings suck. Tried some Hornady new dimension. The split lock ring is solid and does not move. The floating seater is really nice. The only think i don't care for is the zip spindle on the sizer but overall very pleased.
I use the Hornady new dimension seating die and Redding bushing dies for resizing. I also use the Lee FCD for a light crimp.
+1.
After trying all of them, this combination yields the most consistently uniform and precise loads in my Redding T-7. Chamfer neck opening before steel pin tumbling for smooth perfection of the seat. .301" titanium bushing, no lube needed.
Thanks for the great info. I bought the Hornady FL set from the member on this forum, will give it a try when it comes in. Upper is almost built, just waiting for the gas block to come in.

Side note: ARP barrel/bolt/comp look great, shipped to me in 1 day. Great service. You guys turned me on to him, thanks Constructor.
I'm surprised there was no love for Forster shown in this thread. That's what I've decided to go with
Hornady runs a rebate every year, 100 free bullets for buying a die set. May not be a selection for 6.8 bullets but most can find something to select from their list,
Yea.................Hornady has a rebate going on right now. IF you want to call this a rebate. 100 FREE bullets when you buy their overpriced dies...........AND pay the freight cost for them to ship the bullets to you. What a deal! To me it's a screw job. Bait and switch crap.

Unfortunatly you have to pay about $7.00 in freight to get their FREE bullets. That doesn't sound free to me. How about you?

They didn't use to do that when they ran this rebate in the past which I have participated in. The bullets use to be shipped free when they ran the rebate. I've done it two or three times.
Hornadys definition of Free ................isn't Free any more.

I didn't find this out until just tonight as I filled out the rebate form after buying their 6.8 dies. Yea I'm pissed. I'm not going to send them money for freight when I send the rebate info into them. If they don't honor the rebate and send me bullets for FREE..................I'll never buy anymore Hornady products. I'll send a letter to them explaining how I feel along with the rebate. If they don't honor it...............screw them. I don't HAVE TO buy their products.

I'll let yall know if these dies are the last Hornady product I buy.
Out of the 49 die sets I own..................This is only the third set of Hornady dies I have. The Titanium Nitride insert on the resizer of my 44 Mag set requires more resizing lever effort than a typical Tungsten Carbide die. Ti/Ni is not the best material for this purpose and will wear out faster than a TC insert. I haven't used the other die set I own in 450Marlin yet so I can't give an opinion as to how they preform. My impression of their slip spindle arrangement on the resizer die is not to my liking. It's a sales gimmick. You really have to crank down on the locking nut to keep it from slipping. A normal lock nut arrangement (like everyone uses) is a time proven problem free design.

To add insult to injury...............Their FREE bullet selection you get to choose from is lousy. The only bullet I would want to use for any of the calibers they list is a 115 grain 9mm XTP. Most of the selections are crap bullet weights IMHO. Too light or too heavy for caliber.

If I knew all of this before I bought their dies............I probably would have purchased Redding or RCBS dies. RCBS dies are great bang for the buck mass produced dies that work just fine and are fairly priced for their level of workmanship.
Redding, while expensive, are worth every dollar if you value and appreciate precision dies. They are works of art!

Forester are great dies as well. Just a notch under Redding workmanship.

Lee are on the bottom rung of quality but you get what you pay for. They are inexpensive and I own seven sets of theirs in pistol calibers. They work well enough for pistol accuracy. I do like their Factory Crimp dies and use them quite a bit in many different pistol and rifle calibers.
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Use Lee full size and crimping dies with great results.
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