280 AI dies

[870 ExpressMag]

I am buying things while waiting for my Shilen barrel on my very first build. I am looking at buying my dies, I have heard Reddings are the way to go....but while looking at all their options i got lost. i want a good set, so i know i am making good ammo, but i don't need the absolute best top grade match winning stuff. My build is for a hunting/target rifle....primarily a hunting gun, but i would like it to be better on paper than "good enough for the hunt".

[nsaqam]

The inexpensive Lee Collet Die set for the regular 280 Rem will work great for the AI version.

You will not find a die that beats the LCD's as far as bullet runout goes.

Not to mention the fact that your brass will last forever and the cases require no lube.

[GaCop]

+1- I used the collet die with my 280AI exclusively. I performed the occasional shoulder bump (Redding die) when the cases were tight on bolt closure.

[870 ExpressMag]

whats the differences between these redding die sets? the two S-type bushing die sets for 200.99 and the 122.99.....i am wondering if i could get away with the 122 set and still make really good ammo

[GaCop]

I had the standard Redding full length set and was quite happy with them. I've read too much about bushing dies causing the "doughnut" in the neck of cases and didn't want another problem to deal with down the road. Some people swear by the bushing dies so I guess it boils down to personal preference.

[870 ExpressMag]

well i have handloaded a little, but not very experienced....i have heard of the doughnut in the neck...will this happen with the bushing dies? i don't want to have to start turning necks etc.

[GaCop]

Purported to happen using the bushing dies. Never having used them, I can't verify that.

[nsaqam]

I still think you'd be better served going with the LCD and the Redding body die.

And you'd have like $70 extra to buy more components.

[870 ExpressMag]

so i should be good with the following?.....

Redding body die in 280AI
Redding Seater die in 280AI
Lee Collet Neck Die in 280Rem

[nsaqam]

You would be set up superbly with those three dies.

[870 ExpressMag]

will i also need a crimp die? as i plan on hunting with this gun...

also i was under the impression that a seater die is usually just caliber specific, i.e. .277, .308, .264, etc.
i see reddings seat die is over a hundred dollars for the 280ai but under 100 for the 280rem why would this be?

[nsaqam]

I have never found the need for a crimp die in a bolt action rifle. Neck tension with the LCD's is usually around .003" which I have found to adequate.

The Redding seater die has a sliding chamber made for a specific caliber. Most others do not have this feature.
The Hornady standard seating die is a very nice low priced seater capable of very nice work.

If you're using the LCD you'll find that your bullet runout is next to nothing no matter the seating die you use.

I'd go LCD, Redding body die, and Hornady seater although the Lee seater that comes with the LCD will work just fine too.