.308 & .458SOCOM reloads

[Cozy439]

New to reloading. I'm sure I will create a stir, but what dies should I buy (and WHY) to reload my .308 and .458SOCOM brass? I have an RCBS Rockchucker press. Any and All suggestions appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Mgderf]

 

[DocIndy]

Im using Hornady dies for both. They have worked 100% with no issues and they weren't crazy expensive.

 

[Cozy439]

Where did you get them? Especially the .458? I cant find many
when I do they are expensive or on back order.

 

[DaKruiser]

Where did you get them? Especially the .458? I cant find many
when I do they are expensive or on back order.

PM Fireball, https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/members/fireball168.html

Or Aszerigan, https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/members/aszerigan.html

 

[shadow6492]

These are the two that got me started into reloading. I'm using Redding type S match dies for the 308 and Hornady dies for the 458. Also have a set of Lee dies for the 458 but only use the crimp die that came with it. Hornady work alittle better than the Lee.

Check out MidwayUSA for deals on dies.

 

[Cozy439]

These are the two that got me started into reloading. I'm using Redding type S match dies for the 308 and Hornady dies for the 458. Also have a set of Lee dies for the 458 but only use the crimp die that came with it. Hornady work alittle better than the Lee.

Check out MidwayUSA for deals on dies.

That is 1 reason I am writing this, I had heard bad stories about LEE. Just looking to buy thing once and not have to buy 2-3 times for each item. Thanks

 

[Broom_jm]

That is 1 reason I am writing this, I had heard bad stories about LEE. Just looking to buy thing once and not have to buy 2-3 times for each item. Thanks

Are you looking for dies that "work", or do you want something special from them? You're using (arguably) the best single-stage press ever made, so you aren't worried about cranking out hundreds per hour. In my experience (25 years doing this reloading thing) you can realistically expect Lee, RCBS, Hornady and most other dies to work, as they are designed. They will resize cases, remove old primers, bell case mouths, seat bullets, crimp mouths, etc, etc. They are reloading dies...that's what they do.

Now, if you're an elitist who is willing to pay a lot more for something that works a little better, you can certainly pay a premium for "better" dies. I think they are largely a waste of money and only useful to those in the benchrest shooting game. I am loading 308 rounds for my son's rifle that shoot 1/2 MOA groups at 100 yards. The dies are run-of-the-mill RCBS and they haven't given me a single reason to replace them with anything else.

I've got most of the major die manufacturers represented on my shelf, including a few sets from Pacific, a company that may not even be in business any more. I don't have any Dillon dies, nor any Forster dies. The one set of Redding dies I have are excellent, but I do not claim they produce better ammunition than any other brand.

 

[kludge]

I've had .308 Win and .40S&W Lee dies for ~18 years. They still work. I've added several more sets of Lee dies since then. Not one single problem.

If other dies are make more accurate ammo, I'm not good enough to tell the difference.

If money were no object I would buy more Redding dies, but I'd have to invest in a few micrometer bullet seaters as well.

 

[shadow6492]

That is 1 reason I am writing this, I had heard bad stories about LEE. Just looking to buy thing once and not have to buy 2-3 times for each item. Thanks

I know what you sayin, I've heard good things about the Redding dies for the 458 socom and 308. Bought the hornady 458 dies on sale @ midwestusa, haven't had any issues with them. I bought the lee dies used because it had the crimp die. Just remember you get what you pay for
-Shaun

 

[AllenM]

I have a new set of 458 Hornady dies I am looking to sell.

 

[Cozy439]

458

I have to ask WHY you are selling them? How much? How do I contact you?

 

[AllenM]

I have to ask WHY you are selling them? How much? How do I contact you?

They are gone

 

[U.S. Patriot]

All my dies are Lee and they do the job. Which is creating rounds to my liking.

 

[Josh Ward]

I'm a big fan of redding dies for single stage use.