The 6.5 Creedmoor was released in 2007 as a suped up, long-distance round capable of greater accuracy, greater velocity, and less recoil than those heavy caliber loads that preceded it. It has grown in popularity to become a favorite amongst long-distance competitors as well as hunters who prefer the drive and effectiveness of the design.
If you truly want to customize your shooting experience (and maybe save a bit of money in the long run), you also may prefer to reload your own rounds. This can be a bit tricky for those new to it, but with proper instruction, practice, and a little bit of patience- you can get quite adept at it in no time.
One thing to keep in mind when searching out the best reloading dies for a 6.5 Creedmoor is that there is no one, good option. This is a tricky tool to get advice about since the 6.5 CM load is very specific in what it is built, and those who favor it may prefer various uses- such as power over distance and accuracy for hunting. We’ve provided some top die picks in order to allow you the chance to find the best for your shooting experience. Read on to determine which best reloading dies for the 6.5 Creedmoor are available.
Comparison Table of The 9 Best Reloading Dies for the 6.5 Creedmoor
BRAND
Redding – Competition Bushing Neck Die Sets
DETAILS
- Size: Neck and Full-Length
- Set: Yes, 3 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Redding – 6.5 Creedmoor Premium Deluxe Die Set
- Size: Full-length, seat stem, and neck die
- Set: Yes, 3 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Redding – 6.5 Creedmoor Premium Full Length Die Set
- Size: Full-length and seating set
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Hornady – Match Grade Rifle Die Sets
- Size: Full-length and seating die
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Redding – National Match Die Sets
- Size: Full-length die, taper crimp die, and competition seater
- Set: Yes, 3 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
L.E. Wilson, Inc. – Bushing Neck Die Sets
- Size: Neck die and seater die
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
RCBS- Matchmaster Competition Full Length Bushing Die Sets
- Size: Full-length, seating die
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Lee Precision Ultimate 4 Die Set, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- Size: Full-length sizer die, a mouth expander die, a seater die, and a crimp die
- Set: Yes, 4 piece
- Micrometer: No
RCBS FL Die Set, 6.5 Creedmoor
- Size: Full-length, seating die
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Benefits of Reloading Your Own Cartridges
There are quite a few reasons why you may want to consider reloading your own cartridges. First, you can save quite a bit of money overall when you reload. Ammunition can add up fast, and if you are planning on doing any sort of shooting that requires multiple rounds, it is worth becoming skilled at this task.
When you resize the casing and reload you also have the ability to control accuracy through the dimensions, ballistics, and quality of the cartridge. This customization allows you the chance to play with grain weight, and find the perfect match for your shooting needs.
This is also a great way to stay on top of advancements in ammunition, powder, and accuracy techniques. As a hobby it hones your skills and knowledge of shooting.
Understanding Reloading Die Basics
It’s important to understand the basics of reloading dies in order to understand the specific design of those products you are considering. This is especially important when reloading a 6.5 Creedmoor due to its specialized shooting use.
Type of 6.5 Creedmoor Die
There are actually three types of dies you can use with the 6.5 Creedmoor. These include the full-length, neck, and small base. Each has its own set of pros and cons to consider, but all can provide an accurate reload experience.
Full Length versus Small Base Dies Explained
The full-length is named such because it resizes the entire cartridge case. Because of this the rounds don’t have to be limited to use with the rifle that originally fired them. However, this process puts a lot of pressure on the casing and limits their overall use.
A small base die works just like the full-length, and is generally used only for semi-automatic rifles, such as an AR- style rifle or M14. The difference between the small base and full-length is it compresses the casing just a little bit more. This added compression ensures it will extract as expected, providing a precision load. The downside is, like the full-length die, the life of the casing compromised.
Neck Size Die Explained
Neck size dies only resize the neck part of the casing, and keeps from placing too much pressure on the rest of it. This allows you to use it a lot more often, but you are limited to using it only with the rifle you fired it from since it will fireform to that specific weapon.
Standard versus Bushing
Bushing dies are a better quality compared to a standard set. They allow you to customize and tweak the stress upon the case neck while you resize. When you are allowed to size the outside diameter of the brass casing neck which can result in better performance.
Why is this important? First you need to understand how the die works. When using a die the bullet casing is forced downwards through the neck section of the die as it is resized. As it moves through, it moves over an expander that sizes the case outwards without expanding the neck.
Standard dies will be designed to have the neck portion machined as small as possible, but the neck portion of the case can still become weakened and cracked, or be left too hard, over time. As mentioned, a bushing die allows you to customize the brass casing neck during the resizing process- providing a longer life.
Brand Guarantee and Warranty
Reloading dies are designed for repeat use, and you want to ensure you have a dependable option that can hold up the heavy use it is made for. Always check with the manufacturer concerning warranty and replacements in case something goes wrong.
Handy Tools to Help With Your Die
Although your dies are part of the entire reloading process, it is a main part, and there are a few helpful tools you may want to have around to ensure it’s working to the best of its ability.
Reloading Manual
Have an up to date reloading manual on hand that specifically addresses the 6.5 Creedmoor to make sure you have thought of everything to ensure a precision cartridge resize and reload. These are an invaluable tool and provide tips and tricks to learn from, as well as the minute sizing of your task.
Bump Gauge
These are for a full-length die and can make them much more useful overall, and extend the life of your casing. When used correctly they provide a more customized fit that is similar to a neck size die because it allows you to resize the casing as little as possible.
Shellholder
Each cartridge reload requires the appropriate shellholder that works with the die during the resizing process. Most die sets come with the shellholder, but not all do, so be sure to check and then purchase the same brand shellholder to ensure you don’t have issues with tolerance while you work.
Top 9 Reloading Dies for a 6.5 Creedmoor Reviews
Reloading dies often come in a set in order to provide all you need to perfect your resizing needs. The following sets are considered the best for the 6.5 Creedmoor, and choosing the best for you really comes down to your specific shooting needs.
It is hard to call one better than the other because of this, and keep in mind that our own editor’s pick is based on our shooting style rather than what you prefer. These are all top picks that are considered excellent quality, and each is made for anyone looking to reload their own cartridges.
1. Redding – Competition Bushing Neck Die Sets
- Size: Neck and Full-Length
- Set: Yes, 3 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Redding is a top manufacturer of gun accessories and makes a durable, quality die for your reloading. Their 6.5 Creedmoor bushing neck die set includes the neck sizing die, body die, and competition seater. They do include micrometer adjustments, but the bushings and shellholder are sold separately.
This neck die has a completely supported and aligned cartridge case with the sizing bushing prior to sizing. The case is supported while you are able to take advantage of the micrometer adjustment for precise control of the neck length. The body die is a full-length resize and does not disturb the case neck.
PROS
- Incredible precision on the seating stem
- Very easy to adjust
- Long-lasting, and probably the first and last you ever need to buy
CONS
- Bushing and shellholder not included
2. Redding – 6.5 Creedmoor Premium Deluxe Die Set
- Size: Full-length, seat stem, and neck die
- Set: Yes, 3 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Reddings Premium Deluxe set is top of the line and is amongst the best in value for a set that includes a full length sizing die and a seating die with micrometer Seat Stem, as well as a neck sizing die. It also includes the carbide expander button.
With the ability to size the neck of your rounds to exact specifications, this provides a customization to help you beat out competition. The storage box doubles as an excellent place to stand your die andcartiridges in as well.
PROS
- 3 piece set with expander button
- Easy to adjust with micrometer
- Excellent box for holding die
CONS
- Expander die not included
3. Redding – 6.5 Creedmoor Premium Full Length Die Set
- Size: Full-length and seating set
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Redding delivers again with this full-length sizing die and seating set that also includes a micrometer seat stem. The new Premium box provides just about everything you need to resize and reload your 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges. Although no shellholder comes with the set, it does include a carbide expander button.
With the ability to size your rounds to exact specifications, this provides a customization to help you beat out competition. The storage box doubles as an excellent place to stand your die and cartridges in as well.
PROS
- Very easy to adjust
- Considered some of the best available
- Highly durable and long lasting
CONS
- No neck or expander die
4. Hornady – Match Grade Rifle Die Sets
- Size: Full-length and seating die
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
Hornady knows ammunition and is a leading manufacturer in the world of the 6.5 Creedmoor since they first introduced it in 2007. This match grade die set includes a full-length and micrometer seating die, but does lack the expansion and neck sizing die. This set is made for those who may already have those in their reloading arsenal of products. Packed in a nice storage case, this helps keep everything on one spot and protected when not in use.
PROS
- Accurate and durable
- Hard case storage is helpful
- Easy to adjust
CONS
- No expansion or neck
5. Redding – National Match Die Sets
- Size: Full-length die, taper crimp die, and competition seater
- Set: Yes, 3 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
The Redding National Die Set was designed very specifically for the serious match competition shooter and for military specs. It includes a non-bushing, full-length die, taper crimp die, and competition seater. They are a popular option at National Matched nation-wide, and this set expanded the need for shooters who required a separate taper crimp option.
Since the 6.5 Creedmoor has quickly risen in the ranks to become a (if not, THE) caliber of long-distance target shooting, this is a great choice to have on hand. It is durable and well received for how easy it is to adjust for accuracy.
PROS
- Incredible accurate and easy to use
- Improves accuracy of shot when used correctly
- Extremely durable and comes in its own case
CONS
- Does not come with expander button
6. L.E. Wilson, Inc. – Bushing Neck Die Sets
- Size: Neck die and seater die
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
L.E. Wilson makes a durable die set as seen in this bushing style neck resizing die and stainless steel seater die that includes a micrometer top for fine adjustments of seating depth within .001 inch increments. Made for use with a mallet or arbor press, you want to avoid the ⅞ press if you want the precision it can create.
It also has interchangeable bushings for sizing the case neck, and provides great control of tension. However, the bushings are sold separately so you can get exactly what you need.
PROS
- Excellent precision
- With bushings, you can get true, perfect sizing customization
- Great accuracy for hunting purposes and target practice
CONS
- Not for use with a conventional ⅞ press
7. RCBS- Matchmaster Competition Full Length Bushing Die Sets
- Size: Full-length, seating die
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
This is yet another excellent precision set made specifically for competition reloads to increase accuracy and provide a customized shot. The precision neck bushings provide accurate neck tension, and the expander is designed for easy case extraction and helps reduce brass build up, and neck stretch.
The seating die provides a bullet seating window with a retaining system that allows you to simply raise the case to seat the bullet. No more smashed fingers! It also has a micrometer self-centering seating stem for incredible accuracy.
PROS
- Incredibly easy to seat the bullet for precision resizing
- Best control over neck tension in a full-length die ever
- Bushings provide pinpoint accuracy
CONS
- No case or shellholder
8. Lee Precision Ultimate 4 Die Set, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- Size: Full-length sizer die, a mouth expander die, a seater die, and a crimp die
- Set: Yes, 4 piece
- Micrometer: No
If you do a variety of shooting and like to mix up your shooting style, this is a great reloading set as it comes with 4 dies for all your needs. Included is a sizer die, a mouth expander die, a seater die, and a crimp die- these final 2 are separated to provide you excellent precision and customization rather than having them in an all-in-one design.
It also comes with a shellholder and a hard case for storage, so you can easily take your dies with you wherever you go. On top of it, a powder measurer comes with it, making it possibly one of the best all around value sets you can find.
PROS
- Incredible affordability
- Shellholder and powder measurer included
- Great for beginners and excellent quality
CONS
- Might not be best for precision shooting
9. RCBS FL Die Set, 6.5 Creedmoor
- Size: Full-length, seating die
- Set: Yes, 2 piece
- Micrometer: Yes
The full length and seating die set offered by RCBS is another quality, yet budget choice for those looking to add a quality option to their reloading arsenal without breaking the bank . The precision manufacturing ensures thousands of uses so you are never left without a dependable option.
Created with micrometer adjustability, you can easily customize your load for shooting needs. Pair with a good expansion and neck die, and you have a complete set. Although it doesn’t come with a case, these are perfect additions to an existing set, or a start of a new one.
PROS
- High quality, precision design
- Awesome price
- Seriously long-lasting
CONS
- No expansion or neck die
Conclusion
We’ve provided quite a few options here for you to look over. Everything from top end match shooting quality die, to beginner reloading sets is included without sacrificing material or design. These are easy to use and adjust, and contain various dies for your specific reloading needs. Although each person may have a personal preference for their own customized load, these selections help span anything and everything you could possibly need.