[SA762]

Looking to start reloading for my Loaded, this will be my first time loading for the M1A. I have a Hornady lock and load single stage press. I like RCBS dies and own several sets for different calibers. Is it necessary to purchase match grade dies? Gonna watch Tony Ben's reloading video again before I start.

 

[green]

Started out with a Lee 3 die set. Later upgraded to a Redding micrometer seating die. Can routinely achieve sub moa accuracy with good components.

 

[KYMountainMan]

I've never had an issues with Lee, so I use them exclusively. Even when I load on my Dillon 650 ... I use Lee. They back up the accuracy of their dies, and I like the Factory Crimp die for every semi-auto cartridge I load.

 

[SGT John SWF]

RCBS SB Dies

 

[smleenfield]

RCBS small base after trying 3 different brands.

 

[WaM14gunner]

RCBS SB as above.

 

[perazziboy]

Redding, always worked great for me

 

[Fishjager]

Dillon carbide sizer, and Redding Competition Seater die, Dillon taper crimp.

 

[Thedutchman]

Dillon size/trim die.

 

[M1A's r BEST]

Used a set of Pacific (what they used to call Hornady) dies almost 40 years ago. Used them until 5 or 6 years ago when my wife bought me a set of RCB .308 X dies (along with a set of .223 and .30-06 X dies, too.)

 

[JeepFan]

Lee three die set. No complaints.
I get sub 1inch groups with my 700P and although I have not settled on a preferred load for my M-14, I get decent groups. I have thought about upgrading to Redding and probably will when I find a good deal on a set.

 

[gtanba]

RCBS small base for me as well, got them on a good sale and they were cheaper than anything else. Match dies won't hurt but I'm not sure there would be any significant advantages in a M14 type rifle, I'm not good enough to notice a difference if there is one. These aren't bench rest rifles.

 

[Strawstalker]

Which Die set

Most of all my dies and equipment, of all my reloading calibers, are RCBS. For the 308 I use, in the following order, :
1. A RCBS, 30-06, FL die, without the decapping pin in place
2. A RCBS, 308 Win, FL die - with decapping pin in place
3. If needed, a RCBS S/B die with the decapping pin in place
4. A Redding Competition Seating die
4. A also load the 308 Win. on a RCBS, single stage, Rock Chucker Supreme

 

[M1Army]

RCBS on my Grandfathers Lyman All American Turret Press....

Old school - but it works for me! I know he spent hours using the same press!

M1Army

 

[SA762]

Most of all my dies and equipment, of all my reloading calibers, are RCBS. For the 308 I use, in the following order, :
1. A RCBS, 30-06, FL die, without the decapping pin in place
2. A RCBS, 308 Win, FL die - with decapping pin in place
3. If needed, a RCBS S/B die with the decapping pin in place
4. A Redding Competition Seating die
4. A also load the 308 Win. on a RCBS, single stage, Rock Chucker Supreme

Why do you run a case through a '06 die first?

 

[JEFFJP_N_JJ]

I am using an RCBS SB 'X' sizing die and an old Lee 'floating' bullet seater die with an RCBS lock ring and different bullet seating depths marked with a permanet marker on the side of the die

 

[USAF42353]

Redding die for bolt gun, RCBS SB for the M1A

 

[BrokenVet]

All my dies are Lee, except for one RCBS small base dies that I use for M14 and .308 Garand. Reason why is that LEE don't make small base die, last time I looked.

 

[JEFFJP_N_JJ]

All my dies are Lee, except for one RCBS small base dies that I use for M14 and .308 Garand. Reason why is that LEE don't make small base die, last time I looked.

I love my Lee dies for sure; and my Reddings... RCBS #3

 

[Strawstalker]

use the 30-06 die first

This was a tip I picked up on this forum posted by member Phil McGraph. The purpose is to work the brass in stages so the process is easier on the brass and the reloaders arm. I does work and it has made processing the LC M/Gun brass MUCH easier and I feel it will extend the life of the brass (still in test stage).