Regular VS Competition Dies???

Big joe · #1 05-23-2006, 12:42 AM

I was at the sportsmans warehouse picking up some dies for my new 223 and I noticed RCBS has a "competition" die set for apx. 3 times the price. The question is... what do you get for $80 that you don't get for $25. I'd be happy to pay the extra money if it made a "significant" difference. So, what do you think... is there a significant, practical difference?

Thanks in advance for your advice...

Dom · #2 05-23-2006, 01:12 AM

I've got some Forster and RCBS Comp Dies. I use the RCBS Comp Die Bullet seater for the .22 hornet, and there are two points that make it stand out. First, there is a side window for dropping the bullet in to seat, that is a BIG plus, then secondly, the adjustments for seating depths are done by the micrometer with markings on top instead of a screwdriver. It was worth it for me, but not sure I'd upgrade to all the calibers I load, although Forster has a great comp die also and I have two of them. The markings on the adjustment are black, so I took some whiteout and filled the lines in so my old eyes could see the marks. Is it worth it? For me yes, the quality and finishing is also tighter, or at least I think it is. Guess it's kind of a personal route as to what you are looking for, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

Rocky Raab · #3 05-23-2006, 09:36 AM

Big Joe, if the rifle is competition grade, the brass is match grade and the bullets are match grade, AND you shoot in competition...then, yes, a competition die set makes a difference.

Otherwise, not.

Here's an analogy that's timely: The Indy cars this weekend all use "racing grade" tires. Would those tires "help" on your car? Yup, if your car went 225 miles an hour, and you were willing to buy new tires when the racing ones wore out - after 150 miles.

L. Cooper · #4 05-23-2006, 10:08 AM

What Rocky said.

My rifles are used exclusively for hunting and "playing" at the range. I have never owned a rifle capable of utilizing the tiny extra measure of accuracy that competition dies might provide. The expense would be a waste of money for me.

There may be a chance, just a small one, that I'm not even a good enough shooter to notice the difference. Small chance. Maybe.

Cal Sibley · #5 05-24-2006, 10:04 PM

Unless they've changed recently the only difference betwen the RCBS regular and competition dies is with the seater which has a side port for dropping the bullet in. I see no difference in the sizing die. I use Wilson NS knockout dies and am quite happy with both the sizer as well as the seater. The Redding Competition sets are also very good. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal