Finally scored some powder for loading 300 blk, school me on dies...

[Double T]

I FINALLY found some powder. I am in need of a good set of dies. I've read mixed reviews about the Lee set (I use their pistol dies and they're fine for that).

I have a BUNCH of .223 brass that I can process over, and from the reviews I've seen about Lee dies, they are hit or miss at hitting SAAMI chamber specs.

That being said, I think I will probably use the Lee factory crimp die, because it's seems to give the best uniform crimp for feeding in an auto. But what about the other dies? What brands do you guys use?

For these rounds, I will mostly be loading supers as I don't have a Can yet. Thx!

 

[jwh20]

I've probably done 1500 rounds with the Lee 300 BLK set and have no complaints at all. I have the 4-die set and their crimp die works perfectly. Most of my cases are cut-down .223/5.56 cases but both those and factory loaded cases have worked fine.

By the way, I posted a while back with lots of detail and photos on my getting started with 300 BLK reloading. I'm sure you can find it as quickly as I can.

 

[Double T]

I read it. I'm just looking for an opinion on the dies. Apparently Lee's QC on the 300blk dies leaves something to be desired on certain chambers, as if sizing .223 to .300 it wouldn't chamber a round, and the case mouths were deburred already, something about the factory sizing die for .223 being needed to size them to .223, and then to .300 blk. If I'm going to buy another die set to get it to work, I just will buy another die set. Thanks for the post though.

 

[devious169]

I'm using rcbs ar dies. I've had a couple issues ( user induced ) with stuck cases. I narrowed it down to the lubes I was using. I switched to rcbs lube and haven't looked back. As far as supers I would highly recommend Sierra hollow point varminter 110 grain. As with the majority of Sierra bullets I've worked with the hpv are highly accurate and fairly priced.

 

[M67]

I use Hornady dies for 300blk. So far no issues that I know of die related.

I wouldn't use a separate crimp for 300blk, seems like a lot of guys have issues with them cycling, extra pressure needed to get the bullet started kind of thing.

I use a light crimp on the Hornady dies and so far it's been great with 9.2gr of 5744

 

[bmbutch]

I use Redding Dies with a Dillon ".30 cal other" funnel to allow for slight bell (if using some of the polycoated cast bullets, so much easier) & Lee Factory Crimp Die for a very light crimp. No issues thus far, I only load subs....for now.

 

[M67]

I use Redding Dies with a Dillon ".30 cal other" funnel to allow for slight bell (if using some of the polycoated cast bullets, so much easier) & Lee Factory Crimp Die for a very light crimp. No issues thus far, I only load subs....for now.

I've been debating about getting a Lyman belling die for .30cal for that purpose, I didn't look into the Dillon powder funnels too much when I ordered mine so I just got the funnel for the 7.62x39. I use lead bullets, and so far I've had luck with a slight bell from a 9mm belling die for getting a little flare.

 

[padawan]

No issues with Lee dies here on a Hornady SS press. Not doing any crimp. Chonographed velocities are following load data just fine with W296. Using 99.9% LC 556 resized brass.

 

[j706]

Two sets of Lee 300 BO dies here with zero problems. Both have done a crap load of 300 BO loads. I have gone through a 8 lbs. can of A-1680 per year for the past two years and loaded them all on Lee dies.

 

[Sniper 79]

Two sets of Lee 300 BO dies here with zero problems. Both have done a crap load of 300 BO loads. I have gone through a 8 lbs. can of A-1680 per year for the past two years and loaded them all on Lee dies.

Another vote for Lee! Dies are spot on and the factory crimp is sweet. I cut down a bunch of 223 brass.

Make my own lube like the Dillon stuff.

 

[throttletony]

I havent had any problem with my Lee set either. Just use lube.
I think some people get aggressive in their initial cutting/resizing when the convert 223 brass to 300BLK. Take your time, cut carefully to minimize trimming but keeping it slightly over length, lube, resize, trim, then verify in sizing dye again (optional), clean/wash (optional, but recommended), and you're in business.

I was surprised at how long it took me to convert about 150 pieces of brass, but then again, I don't have a proper shop or garage in which to do the work.
If/when I need more brass, I'll get some online.

 

[M67]

I just buy my brass already converted. Short on time, and I'd still feel dirty doing that to my stash of 5.56 brass

10 cents per case on once fired converted 300blk, I can like with that