dawgg,
Depends, whether you are loading for a semi-auto or bolt gun. Full-length sizers for semi-auto, and neck-sizers for bolt guns. Also, we have to talk about manufacturers as there are important differences worth considering.
Lee gets a bad rap on this Forum and from the measurements shared probably deserves it. They are the cheapest but I avoid most of the stuff they sell. Their collet neck-sizing dies for bolt guns are innovative as they come in from the sides instead of the top (no need for lube), but for everything else...
I use Forster for both the sizing and seating dies. These are the two dies you need to get rounds down range. You have to full-size cases for use in a semi auto to ensure reliability. The other issue is the violent feeding which requires a firm grip on the bullet, so it doesn't move when feeding into battery. Forster have basic and more expensive versions of both sizers and seaters, and all are capable of loading best quality ammo.
As far as managing the grip on your bullets, you can buy a bushing sizing die which will do this well, or get the cheaper basic die and for $17 Forster will machine the neck to your preferred grip. Or, just use the grip that the basic die imparts, which will work in a semi-auto but might not be perfect.
Other non-essential dies are crimp, and shoulder bump dies. After testing a few things I have stopped using both - you don't need them to load perfectly good ammo.
.
Depends, whether you are loading for a semi-auto or bolt gun. Full-length sizers for semi-auto, and neck-sizers for bolt guns. Also, we have to talk about manufacturers as there are important differences worth considering.
Lee gets a bad rap on this Forum and from the measurements shared probably deserves it. They are the cheapest but I avoid most of the stuff they sell. Their collet neck-sizing dies for bolt guns are innovative as they come in from the sides instead of the top (no need for lube), but for everything else...
I use Forster for both the sizing and seating dies. These are the two dies you need to get rounds down range. You have to full-size cases for use in a semi auto to ensure reliability. The other issue is the violent feeding which requires a firm grip on the bullet, so it doesn't move when feeding into battery. Forster have basic and more expensive versions of both sizers and seaters, and all are capable of loading best quality ammo.
As far as managing the grip on your bullets, you can buy a bushing sizing die which will do this well, or get the cheaper basic die and for $17 Forster will machine the neck to your preferred grip. Or, just use the grip that the basic die imparts, which will work in a semi-auto but might not be perfect.
Other non-essential dies are crimp, and shoulder bump dies. After testing a few things I have stopped using both - you don't need them to load perfectly good ammo.
.