If you are new to the reloading game, you have seen gun owners discussing something called dies for reloading. You might be wondering, what are those? What is their purpose?
Reloading dies are fixed at the reloading press. Their purpose is to decap, expand, and resize the case mouth. It also fixes bullet crimping and seating.
There are many different kinds of reloading dies available for 300 blackouts. But all of them are not good enough to use for a long time. How do you find the good ones then? Isn’t that why you are here? Let’s get started. (well, in case you need optics for your 300 blackout! then make sure to give a check…)
1. Lee Precision 300 Aac Blackout Limited Production 3-Die
Lee Precision is an American brand making gun accessories for a while now. Their 300 Aac is a reloading die made for Blackout 300 only. It’s a limited production 3-die set.
Will it support the 300 Winchester magnum?
No, it won’t. They are very different guns doing different things. They have nothing similar among them. That’s why, it won’t work with a magnum.
Can this be used as an arbor press?
The only way to use this as an arbor press is by using a single-channel die. Instead of going through that trouble, just buy an arbor press die made by Lee.
What are these dies made of?
They are made out of steel and colored with silver accents. It’s not a glossy finish. They are stainless steel. You don’t need to worry about rust at all.
2. Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 2-Die Set
The Hornady 300 Blackout die set is made for other guns as well. Hornady also makes die sets for Remington guns. All of their die set is a 2-die set. It comes with 2 die chambers. Unlike Lee, there is no small tool to install this. You will need to use your own tools.
Can I use this for hunting?
For sure. There is nothing wrong with using them on a gun made for hunting only. You can install them in a .224 chamber and shoot to your heart’s content.
What is this die made of?
Just like many other dies in the market, these are also made out of steel with a silver finish. Have to admit, the silver finish looks fabulous on this one.
Do you need a different die for the flare-out insert bullet or this die flare also?
Usually, bottleneck cases don’t need to flare out for bullets. But some bullets may deform as they are seated. If you are facing this issue, first find out whether you are using the right diameter bullet or not. But if you still find out that you need to flare out to insert a bullet, then you might need something like Lee’s universal die set.
3. RCBS .300 AAC Blackout SB Taper Crimp Die Set
RCBS makes some of the best reloading dies in the market. If you are someone reloading 300 blackout often. You need one of these sets my friend. Your gun reload chamber will thank you for this.
Is this a complete set?
Yes, this is a complete set. This die set combines bullet sitting with the crimping operation. You can use a 3-die set to make that step separate. But with this set, you don’t need to do that.
Will this die fit Lee Press?
If Lee press has a standard threshold, then yes it will fit Lee press. But for Lee Press why not go with something from Lee?
Is this easy to install?
Yes, it comes with all the necessary documentation and steps guide to make your journey as easy as possible. It’s good for newbies that never used a reloading die set before.
4. Redding 2-Die Set For 300 AAC Blackout
Redding is one of the oldest horses in this race. They have been making reloading equipment since 1946. You can say, they are one of the best in this business. This 2-die set here is made specially for our 300 AAC Blackout. You can’t use this on other models so I wouldn’t try wasting my money.
Do you also need a crimping die with these?
Depends on what kind of crimping you are talking about. As you can see in the instruction guide, the seating die has crimping in it. I don’t think you will need a separate crimping set with this.
Can you take out the crimping pin?
Yes, it comes out easily. It has a standard collet arrangement.
Do you get any warranty with these?
Yes, you get a lifetime warranty with each purchase. You are not throwing your money in the dark. It’s a company that wasn’t built overnight. You will have a pleasant after-sales experience.
5. Forster Bench Rest Full Length Sizer Reloading Dies
Forster Bench Rest is a full-length die for 300 AAC Blackout. It doesn’t require 2 or 3 sets of die to construct the chamber. One of these is enough. One-man army.
Can I use this with my Remington?
This specific model? No. But you can buy the model available for Remington. There are also models available for Magnum and Springfield. Just choose the right model while buying.
Is this item easy to use?
Yes, it’s actually one of the easiest to set up die set out there. There is no hard step involved in the process. You can just follow the guide included or take a look at the YouTube guide and you will be fine.
Is this Die set durable?
As it’s made out of rust-proof metal. It’s as durable as it can get. Implying you are not too keen on getting water inside your gun, this should last you for a good while. On top of that, you got a good warranty from Foster Bench.
Do you need a different die set for crimping?
No, you don’t need a different set for crimping or flaring out. It’s a complete package. Like I said, it’s as easy as it gets. You can’t find it easier.
Summary
I am sure you are aware of the importance of reloading die by now. If you want to prolong the life of your 300 AAC Blackout, might as well treat that right. With a reloading die installed in the chamber, your reloading process and ammunition waste will be much less.
Just make sure that you get a pair or a die set made for 300 AAC Blackout only. You might be able to work with a universal die set. But why not just go with one that was made for this gun alone?
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!