RCBS X-Dies = no trimming. Any good?

nandoaqui · February 7, 2007, 06:41 PM

(I searched for "x-die" and "x-dies", but the results were 1,000's of threads containing the word die or dies. Not much help.)

Although they have been around for a few years, I just learned about RCBS X-Dies a few days ago. I am very tempted to buy a sizing die for .223 Rem, small base, for an AR15.

According to RCBS:

Quote:

X-Dies
Trim the case once - never trim again! The X-Sizer Die looks like a regular Full Length Sizer Die. Inside, the die features a specially designed mandrel with an expander ball and decapping pin attached. The mandrel is what the X-Die is all about. The patented X-Sizer Die eliminates the need for repeated trimming after initial trim of .020" off the maximum case length to standardize the case. The X-Die doesn't shorten the length of the case: the mandrel reduces the growth rate as the case grows as a result of the case mouth contacting the mandrel during sizing. Because of an extremely close tolerance between the mandrel and die neck wall, the neck wall of the case odes not thicken as the case length is pushed back. Cases repeatedly sized in the X-Die will initially grow a few thousandths of an inch, then stabilize below the maximum case length with no discernable loss of accuracy or case life.
(continues) If you already own a regular set of dies for the chosen caliber, order only the X-Full Length Sizer Die, as you won't need to purchase another Seater Die.

Has anyone here had any experience with the X-Dies?

Thanks!

Steve in PA · February 7, 2007, 08:28 PM

Yes, they work as advertised. I use them for reloading .223/5.56 and .30/06 (M4 Bushy and M1 Garand). After the initial trimming I have not had to re-trim after several firings.

Ken O · February 7, 2007, 09:21 PM

They work great. I have them in .223 for my Service rifle, 30-06 for the Garand matches, and .260 Rem for my Long Range match rifle. I don't miss the trimming at all.

hhrgprez · February 7, 2007, 09:34 PM

I wanted to know whether you are getting longer case life when using this die when reloading for ar-15. Do they retard the case stretching down the bottom neareer to the case head?

Crosshair · February 7, 2007, 11:39 PM

Hmmm, if they increase case life alot it could save alot of money considering the increase in brass prices.

ziggy222 · February 8, 2007, 12:58 AM

i bought them for 22-250 and 30-06 and i set them up perfect and all i ended up with was dented casings.i even cut the casings shorter and aloud them to eventually grow after many uses until they met up with the dies setting.as soon as they got long enough to touch the part of the die that prevents stretching,they dented.i sold them on ebay and don't miss them

February 7, 2007, 08:28 PM	#2
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	Yes, they work as advertised. I use them for reloading .223/5.56 and .30/06 (M4 Bushy and M1 Garand). After the initial trimming I have not had to re-trim after several firings. __________________ Steve

February 7, 2007, 09:34 PM	#4
hhrgprez Member Join Date: November 17, 2006 Posts: 18	x-dies I wanted to know whether you are getting longer case life when using this die when reloading for ar-15. Do they retard the case stretching down the bottom neareer to the case head?

February 7, 2007, 11:39 PM	#5
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	Hmmm, if they increase case life alot it could save alot of money considering the increase in brass prices. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

February 7, 2007, 09:21 PM	#3
Ken O Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Half way between Grayling and Cadillac, Michigan Posts: 353	They work great. I have them in .223 for my Service rifle, 30-06 for the Garand matches, and .260 Rem for my Long Range match rifle. I don't miss the trimming at all.

February 8, 2007, 12:58 AM	#6
ziggy222 Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2006 Posts: 184	i bought them for 22-250 and 30-06 and i set them up perfect and all i ended up with was dented casings.i even cut the casings shorter and aloud them to eventually grow after many uses until they met up with the dies setting.as soon as they got long enough to touch the part of the die that prevents stretching,they dented.i sold them on ebay and don't miss them