Long time reloader but just getting into a bit more precision loading (at least for my definition of precision). Have a 6.5 CM rifle on order, probably will be a month or two before I actually see it so figured it's a good time to start looking at components.
I'm looking at Whidden dies (didn't realize they were in south GA, always nice to support a "local" company) for the 6.5. They make a standard and a bushing die set. I've read their website about what they do (adjusting neck tension) just not sure I really need the bushing dies.
I get a bit confused with the whole "turn the necks" vs neck bushings, etc. It seems that if I'm sticking with one rifle and one brand of brass and do consistent prep initially, I don't really need the bushing setup, or could adjust neck tension with a slightly different expander balls. Their standard dies include a shoulder bump gauge to help set up the die so that's good.
My plan is to use the same brass (more than likely Hornady, possibly Lapua) and more than likely bullets (Hornady ELDm mostly and maybe ELDX if I end up hunting with it). More than likely I won't build another 6.5 any time soon so would be a one round one rifle kinda setup.
I will have to work on my shooting skills first but my hope is to have a solid sub MOA (.5-.75?) rifle when I'm done with a couple of loads (140/147 ELDm and 143 ELDx). rifle is a PVA John Hancock/ARC Nucleus action.
I'm looking at Whidden dies (didn't realize they were in south GA, always nice to support a "local" company) for the 6.5. They make a standard and a bushing die set. I've read their website about what they do (adjusting neck tension) just not sure I really need the bushing dies.
I get a bit confused with the whole "turn the necks" vs neck bushings, etc. It seems that if I'm sticking with one rifle and one brand of brass and do consistent prep initially, I don't really need the bushing setup, or could adjust neck tension with a slightly different expander balls. Their standard dies include a shoulder bump gauge to help set up the die so that's good.
My plan is to use the same brass (more than likely Hornady, possibly Lapua) and more than likely bullets (Hornady ELDm mostly and maybe ELDX if I end up hunting with it). More than likely I won't build another 6.5 any time soon so would be a one round one rifle kinda setup.
I will have to work on my shooting skills first but my hope is to have a solid sub MOA (.5-.75?) rifle when I'm done with a couple of loads (140/147 ELDm and 143 ELDx). rifle is a PVA John Hancock/ARC Nucleus action.