Looking for Tips on 6.5 PRC Reloading Dies

Ammunition & Reloading
1

Seeking Advice on Choosing 6.5 PRC Reloading Dies

I’ve recently gotten my hands on a 6.5 PRC rifle and am eager to start reloading my own ammunition to enhance my shooting experience. However, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options when it comes to reloading dies. I’ve done some research, but I believe firsthand experiences and recommendations from fellow reloaders would be invaluable.

What to Consider When Choosing Reloading Dies?

Here are a few points that I’ve been considering but would love your insights on:

  • Type of Dies: I’ve seen a few options available, including full-length resizing dies and neck sizing dies. Which do you all prefer, and why?
  • Brand Recommendations: Are there specific brands that you swear by for 6.5 PRC reloading dies? I’ve seen names like Redding, Hornady, and Lee coming up often, but I’d like to hear if any have worked well for you.
  • Die Sets vs. Individual Dies: Should I invest in a complete die set or can I start with individual dies based on my immediate needs? What’s your experience?
  • Accessories to Consider: Are there any additional tools or accessories that you’d recommend getting alongside the dies to make the reloading process smoother?

My Current Setup

To give you some context, I currently have a basic single-stage press and some powder and projectiles that I’m ready to experiment with. My goal is to find a reliable and efficient way to strike that perfect balance of accuracy and performance out in the field.

Any tips or advice you could share on this would be helpful and appreciated! Looking forward to hearing your experiences and suggestions. Thanks in advance!

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I’ve been using RCBS full-length sizing dies for my 6.5 PRC. They work great and are very durable!

3

That’s awesome! I’ve been thinking about getting a set. Do you think single-stage presses provide better precision than progressive ones?

4

Absolutely, single-stage presses are great for precision. However, if you’re looking to load in bulk, a progressive press might save you some time.

5

Good point! I want to do both, but I guess it depends on my loading needs. What do you guys think of neck sizing dies?

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6

Neck sizing is fantastic for enhancing accuracy, especially if you’re going to fire the same brass repeatedly. Just remember—don’t mix it with different rifles!

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That’s a good tip! Do most experienced reloaders prefer full-length or neck sizing?

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It largely depends on personal preference and experience—many stick to full-length for reliability, while others swear by neck sizing for precision.

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I’m leaning towards full-length for versatility. Any recommendations on brands?

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I’ve had great experiences with Hornady and Redding. They both offer solid quality and reliable performance.

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Thanks for the tips! Are there any die sets that come with extras like shell holders?

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Definitely check out Lee Precision. Their die sets often include handy extras, which can save you some money!

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13

I’ve never really considered Lee before, but I will now! How are they for customer service?

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I’ve heard they have pretty good customer service, but results may vary. It’s worth trying them out, considering their prices!

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That’s true! I’d be curious about any cons people have experienced with them, though.

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Some mention quality control issues occasionally, but most agree that when you get a good set, they’re hard to beat for the price. Just lucky, I guess!

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I’m new to reloading, but I found that using Reloader 25 powder works great for 6.5 PRC. It’s quite forgiving in terms of charge weights too.

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18

Great tip! I’ve had success with H1000 powder as well. It gives excellent consistency for longer ranges.

19

Don’t forget about bullet seating depth! Manage that well, and you’ll notice a big difference in accuracy. I’ve set mine at 0.020" off the lands.

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That’s a good point. How did you determine your OAL? I want to try that with my next batch.