30-30 reloading dies

[xhare]

Is there a set of dies that are better for reloading the 30-30 in the Handi than others?  Or should I just get what it cheapest, or what I find first. 

[Lefty Dude]

I neck size only, with a Lee 30-30 neck size die set. This is for both lead & jacketed bullets. For Lead reloading, The Lee neck collet sizer die is used, for neck expanding I use a Lyman "M" 30 cal. die, and for bullet seating an RCBS seater die W/O crimp. I crimp with a Lee FCD collet die.

[carbineman]

We reload for 4 different 30-30 rifles using a RCBS die set. I  use Lee die sets also. Lee and RCBS are all that I've used. No special reason except that is what was available here in Cheeseville.

[tacklebury]

I'd say get a Lee Deluxe Set if you can find one in stock.  It comes with the Full length sizing and collet sizing dies in one package.  I definitely recommend getting the factory crimp die at the same time.  You get the deluxe for about 50 bucks and can then neck size, but you have the full length to bump your shoulder or resize brass fired from someone elses gun, etc.  I also use the lee length trimming system and I put the lock stud in a little battery powered screw driver with a magnetic extension.  I can then lock in a fresh shell, length trim it, then I pick up the chamfer tool and smooth the inside and outside burrs.  I like the battery powered screwdriver, because if something catches, it doesn't torque enough to mess up the brass and keeps the speed reasonable.    

***edit***

Actually the deluxe is on sale at Lee Factory Sales right now. 

http://factorysales.com/html/xcart/LEE-DELUX-RIFLE-3-DI-30-30.html

[necchi]

Guy's,, Why crimp? Is it a 30-30 thing?
Just curious,, I get better accuracy in my rimless cases without crimping.,,

[tacklebury]

I crimp, so that shock, vibration, dropping  , helps keep the bullet where it should be when hunting.  If you have a lever action or want to load any for a lever action it's a necessity.  Also, the FCD post sizes to make sure that if you missed a re-size on a case, it will still typically chamber.  I also get better accuracy in my .45-70 BC and .45 colt BC with the crimp.  If it's moist, I think it tends to help avoid bleed, especially if you don't lube the seam with liquid alox etc.  I know some do well without it though, so that's up to the individual.    I find that with .45 ACP I cannot seem to have issues chambering a few bullets here and there if I don't also.  I think it's the slight bulges in the case from the base of the bullet entering.  I have a Blackhawk chambered in .45 COLT/.45 ACP and the acp cylinder is SUPER tight tolerance.  Without FCD, I get about 20% that won't chamber in it properly and they hang up the cylinder often when they do go in but not fully.  I think it's good also, if shooting many lower power loads, ie. my .45-70 Round ball loads. 

[xhare]

Thanks for the replies.  I have one more question.  Will these dies seat spitzer bullets? My 45-70  has seating plugs for round nose and flat nose bullets, but I would have to get a special plug for a spitzer if I wanted. 

[Papa Jack]

Thanks for the replies.  I have one more question.  Will these dies seat spitzer bullets? My 45-70  has seating plugs for round nose and flat nose bullets, but I would have to get a special plug for a spitzer if I wanted.  

  I seat spitzers with my RCBS die Set, also my Pacific set in .30-30 .  I also seat the 500 grain lee pointed lead bullet in my .45-70 with my Lee Die Set, it does leave a slight ring around the bullet ogive...
  One thing to think about, if you plan to shoot cast or lead bullets, it's sometimes easyer to seat the bullets with a slightly oversize neck, that is a size die with a larger diameter neck sizing button. You cannot change the size of the Lee sizers, but other die sets that have screw in neck sizers can be easily changed to seat larger diameter cast or lead bullets without deforming them in tite necks.
                Have fun...... "PJ"

[Papa Jack]

Guy's,, Why crimp? Is it a 30-30 thing?
Just curious,, I get better accuracy in my rimless cases without crimping.,,

 Crimping helps prevent to bullet from setting back into the case from Recoil, especially in a tube magazine like the lever actions, one round ahead of the other slamming back and forth.
 . It's also good to crimp when using slower burning powders, that way the bullet doesn't "jump" into the throat quite so fast, gives the powder time to burn and build pressure for a cleaner burn.
 These terms are all explained in each reloading manual......    "PJ"   

[gcrank1]

I have mostly Lee dies and really like the Collet Neck Size Die. I dont crimp for single shots. If the collet die is adjusted for the right bullet 'pull' my loads never last long enough to get the 'potential' contamination and my bullets never move. I full length resize (to my chamber) when I get 'new' brass and when I get sticky extraction/ejection, otherwise the collet die gets the neck to a few thou' under bullet diameter and Im good to go. With it I have total adjustability without the need for expensive 'neck size dies' (which I can lathe turn for one of my other brand sets, but rarely do now except for real oddballs). Nor do I need to buy or make different dia. neck expander buttons. In short, the Lee Deluxe set c/w Collet Neck Size Die will simplify your reloading process and do all you need to do.
BTW, if the nose punch for the seater die is for the typical round nose 30-30 bullets you could replace it with the one for the .308, or such, or just drill the tip of the round nose cavity a bit deeper so the tip of the spitzer has somewhere to go into while the ojive contacts the punch and seats in. 

[Lefty Dude]

If you own an RCBS 30-30 die set and it has a Spitzer seating plug, call RCBS and they will send you a Round nose flat point plug. I do not know if Lee has such a seater plug.

I seat flat nose lead pills with my RCBS die and Jacketed spitzer's with the Lee die.

[xhare]

Thanks for all the help folks.  Hope to be into a project soon. 

[BluDino]

I'm using Lee and do not have any problems.  I do not crimp for the single shot (do for the 336).  I was in the middle of working up a load for the 165gr Hornady spitzer and the 125 grain sierra spitzer but that has to go on hold until deer season is over.