RCBS AR Series 2-Die Set 264 LBC-AR - Any Experience? Is this what I want?

[Chrazy-Chris]

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/ar-series-2-die-set-264-lbc-ar-sku100200225-55395-113364.aspx

Hello,

I have been reloading for a few years and have been exclusively using RCBS dies in my Lee single stage. I just purchased the AA 16" Lite barrel and will be using Hornady brass to reload 123 SSTs.

I was wondering if this is the right die for my needs or if I should look at the Hornady? I prefer two die sets versus three. The "264 LBC" is casting some doubt in my decision. Also, it has been awhile since I've bought shellholders. Can anyone verify which shellholder I need?

Thanks all!

[cory]

Go with Redding Dies, much higher quality than RCBS.

[Chrazy-Chris]

Go with Redding Dies, much higher quality than RCBS.

Ouch! $93 bucks on Midway. One of the primary reasons I reload is to cut down on ammo costs so I'm not sure I can justify that if there is something out there that will do the job for almost half the cost. I've never had an issue with RCBS dies other than the decapping pin breaking, which was covered by their warranty. I do appreciate your input though.

[cory]

You can always find prices cheaper than Midway's if you're patient and/or willing to search.

[Chrazy-Chris]

You can always find prices cheaper than Midway's if you're patient and/or willing to search.

Thanks. kindly let me know if you spot a good deal or if you have any place in particular I keep an eye on. Much appreciated Sir.

[VASCAR2]

I have the RCBS 264 LBC dies and the Hornady 6.5 Grendel dies. Both work but I prefer the RCBS dies. I bought my RCBS dies at Brownell's on sale cheap. I've mostly used RCBS Dies over the years and just like them more than Hornady.

[NugginFutz]

I have the RCBS 264 LBC dies and the Hornady 6.5 Grendel dies. Both work but I prefer the RCBS dies. I bought my RCBS dies at Brownell's on sale cheap. I've mostly used RCBS Dies over the years and just like them more than Hornady.

Not here to be contrary, but I've had the exact opposite experience. I started with RCBS, danced once with Lee (no longer), and tried Hornady for 22-250. Love the set. Ordered for 6.5 Grendel. Excellent quality. Very minimal runout on both rounds (.001 typical, .003 worst case). The main thing I like about the Hornady dies is the finger adjustable knurled adjustments and lock rings.

Having said all that, I still use the other RCBS dies with no regrets. They just are not as convenient to change setups, is all.

[mnhntr]

I use the dies you are asking about and they work great for me

[diddlyv]

I use hornady new dimension on virtually every thing I shoot with the exception of 7 mm mauser and 32 win spec. Internet was not quite what it is now back then when I got the dies. Could not find hornady for those 2 so went with rcbs I like hornady dies. Recommend getting the shellholder that goes with the die set you use if hornady use hornady if RCBS use rcbs. For years I got away with using lyman for everything but recently got hornady for the grendel.

[Boostmeister]

I sense that this will discussion will turn in to a popularity contest rather than a recommendation based on quantitative measurements or detailed functional results. I have used both the RCBS and Redding dies for the 6.5 Grendel, and both work very well. I have also used Hornady, Forster, and even Lee in various other calibers. Although I am not a cheerleader for Lee, I don't think that you will go wrong with any of the others out there. It just comes down to the features you want, and what you can afford. Pick one, start loading, and share your results.

[mongoosesnipe]

i have used hornady ad redding for grendel i didnt much care for the hornady they make a fine product but i dont love there seating dies i have the in several calibers and they work perfectly when they are dialed in and there lock rings are fantastic i just prefer the redding, i have a set of foster grendel dies i have not gotten a chance to play with yet, for other calibers i have dillon, hornady, rcbs, redding, lee..... they all load the lee dies are not as nice as other brands but they are cheaper, hornady is my go to for cheap or new/low volume cartridge loading

[Joseph5]

I have the RCBS 264 LBC small base dies and they have worked flawlessly for me. As for the shell holder get whichever one RCBS says to use. That seems to be when people have problems is when they use one brand of dies with a different brand of shell holder. Don't let the 264 LBC name worry you. The difference between the two, 264 LBC and 6.5 Grendel, is with the chambers and not the case dimensions. The only dies I have heard of people having problems with are the Lee brand dies. I have only used RCBS dies for my reloading needs but I have never heard anyone complain about Redding dies.

[Chrazy-Chris]

I ended up going with the Hornady because I was in Grand Island and I stocked up on 123 SST projectiles ... and I had just shot 160rds of factory SSTs over the course of a week and they performed great. I guess I was feeling good about the brand and supporting the economy in my home state. I look forward to loading up all that empty Hornady brass with some more 123gr SSTs. Thanks for the input all.