Anyone ever try the RCBS X dies?

[ISUSteve]

I was looking at these for my Garand and AR. Just curious what you guys thought of them?

[craig110]

I'm curious as well as I'm planning on getting X dies for my upcoming rifle calibers. I've heard good things about them, but any first-hand knowledge here in GP?

[Steve Koski]

I started using an X die in .223, but never had enough loads on any brass to see if it made a difference.

How's that for a useful post?

(Don't say "typical.")

[ISUSteve]

Ordinary Koski post.

I've read some good things about them, but haven't heard much about them from real people. They sound good. Basically full length sizing with accuacy/brass life of neck sizing.

[MullahElRon]

Got one, unused. Gonna integrate it into the show this summer sometime. Did you trim the cases shorter per RCBS recommendations Steve?

[ISUSteve]

Haven't got one yet. Trying to deceide if I want to dump $35 apiece for the 30/06 and 223 ones.

[MullahElRon]

I think it'll work as advertised based on reading quite a few reviews. I'm just looking to getting away from trimming each cycle. I'd be happy to get 2 or 3 reloads before trimming was required. Got plenty of 223 brass, the bullets gettin' downright deepressing...

[Steve Koski]

Ron,

I trimmed them so short, they were, well, a bit too short.

Koski

[ronterry]

I have X-Dies for .338 WinMag, and the only time I trimmed the brass was when it was new per instruction.
Over ten firings and brass length after resizing is the same every time.
I do anneal the necks every 3 or 4 firings.

[ron b]

I have them for 30.06 and .223. I followed the instructions at first and am curently on about the 5th reloading without trimming.

Yesterday I did some first time (once shot factory that I picked up at the range) .223 without the trimming and they spec o.k. I will see if they are alright without the first trimming. Otherwise I think they perform as advertised. I like them.

[craig110]

I have them for 30.06 and .223. I followed the instructions at first and am curently on about the 5th reloading without trimming.

Yesterday I did some first time (once shot factory that I picked up at the range) .223 without the trimming and they spec o.k. I will see if they are alright without the first trimming. Otherwise I think they perform as advertised. I like them.

Five reloads without having to trim them yet? I'm sold.

[MullahElRon]

5x is a beautiful thing.

[ronterry]

I guess 10x is nuts?

[Washington,D.C.]

I use RCBS small base dies. I recently wanted to try the Redding small base dies I'd seen at the local shop. Well they still sell Redding dies but no longer have Redding small base dies. But they do still have RCBS small base dies.

RCBS says when using the X-dies you must wipe all case lube from the shoulders of each case. Especially if spray lubing. This is also true with full length dies and the reason for case lube pads but it's not quite as important with standard full length dies as it is with the X-dies.

I think I might try some X-dies. Mainly to see how the cases turn out. Not so much for longer case life. It might save some trimming and chamfering time but I really want to see how straight the cases are and if they do last longer, even if I replace them as often, they might be less likely to fail.

[Gashira]

I just ordered the .223 Small Base X-Dies to reload for my EBR. I hate trimming brass with a passion. I should be getting my package from Midway either today or tomorrow. I'll post the results after a few reloads.