Quarterbore.Net Forums

Scollins · #1 01-19-2006, 06:38 PM

First off, let me introduce myself! I'm a big fan of the AR, and I spend a lot of time over on AR15.com (same user name.) Anyway, now that I have a Gemtech HVT 30 Cal suppressor inbound, I thought that the 300 Whisper (or 300x221) would be an ideal cartridge to use with the suppressor. I had thought about loading up some subsonic 308 to use in my AR10, but it won't cycle the bolt. So the 300 Whisper seems like a match made in heaven.

My plan is to have Randall build me an upper (www.ar15barrels.com) and then I'd reload for it. If I time it just right, my Form 4 on the HVT will be ready about the same time as the upper. My last Form 4 took 60 days "mailbox to mailbox."

I'm no stranger to reloading. I reload 40 S&W, 44 Mag, 223 Rem and 308 Win. I use a Dillon XL650 for the 40S&W and 223 Rem, and an RCBS Rock Chucker for the 44 Mag and 308. Since the 300 Whisper would use the same floor plate as the 223 Rem, I'll probably load it with the XL 650.

I've already ordered brass from Davis and plan on using H110 (since I have 8 lbs on hand for 44 Mag loads) and the Sierra 240 grain Matchking for subsonic loads.

Anyway, I'm wondering whose dies I should get. I can get the Redding 2 die set (FL size and seater) from Midway USA for $52 or the SSK direct from them for $68. I tried searching the forum for this information, but I didn't really see it specifically addressed. Anybody have a strong opinion one way or the other?

Quarterbore · #2 01-19-2006, 10:07 PM

Before you get the upper make sure you get a 1:8 twist barrel! Lots of 300 Fireball uppers or barrels do not have the faster 1:8 twist needed for subsonic loads.

As for the dies, I use Redding dies and I love them. You can see details on my other website: http://www.quarterbore.com/300whisper

The redding dies are nice because of the unique taper expanders. I like these quite a bit as I reload using 221 Fireball brass. I am glad you joined us and hold on to your seat as as soon as I can finish up another project I have been working on http://www.timeshareforums.com I am going to start setting up my next website:

http://www.300whisper.com

Scollins · #3 01-20-2006, 01:13 AM

Oh yeah, I'm spec'ing a 1x8" twist! No sense in getting the 1x10" and not being able to shoot the heavy booolits! :D

Thanks Quarterbore. I think I'll order the Redding dies (they are cheaper too!) I wish they made a Competition seating die for this caliber. I just got one for 223, and boy it is NIIIIIICE!

I've pestered Randall with so many questions about the upper, he has probably added me to an inbox filter.... ;) He said he should be able to make an adjustable block out of a Larue low profile block. I want the LT 13.2 on a 16" barrel....

keith__davis · #4 01-20-2006, 01:44 AM

Having made and sold over 200,000 rounds of 300 whisper brass. I think that would qualify me to comment on this. There is a difference in the Hornady and Redding dies. Redding and RCBS dies are based on the ANSI standards and Hornady dies (under the direction of SSK Inc.) are smaller by a few .001’s. Of all the brass sold the only trouble I have had is with SSK Inc. guns. I have Redding, RCBS and Hornady dies and a SSK Inc. 300 whisper headspace cartridge gage. I can resize brass with the Redding and RCBS dies and the brass is out of headspace by a few .001’s based on the SSK Inc. headspace gage. But than I measure it and it is with in ANSI standards. If I resize with Hornady dies the brass will headspace in the gage but once I measure it. It’s a good way under ANSI standards. Trim length is a good point to. The standard trim length for the .221 fireball which is the parent case for the 300 whisper is 1.39 but SSK Inc. shorten it to 1.35 once they sized it up to .30 cal. I have seen many different makes of guns and barrel in the 300 whisper (AR15barrels.com, Shilen, Olympic Arms, bull berry, T&C contender, Model 1 Sales, Pac-nor, etc…)
and in 99% of them Redding and RCBS dies are fine with a trim length of 1.39. The only troubles I have had is with SSK Inc. barrels. With that I size all my brass in Hornady dies now to ensure it will function in all guns. I used to just ask what barrel the brass would be fired in but lately I have been selling large amounts to retailers and I have no control on knowing which barrels the end user maybe firing it in. If your using a barrel made by Randall at AR15BARRELS.com than the cheaper Redding or RCBS dies will work great. And his barrels like 1.39 trim length. Hope this helps

DonT · #5 01-21-2006, 12:23 AM

And Keith makes some mighty fine brass which I ordered and have sitting in the shop as I wait for my complete upper from Randall. Guys this is worse than bein a little kid and waiting for Christmas to come. Who ever said patience is a virtue never had 500 rounds of whisper brass, powder, primers and bullets waiting for an upper.................

I hope it shows up soooooooooooooooon...........

DonT

Scollins · #6 01-21-2006, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonT

And Keith makes some mighty fine brass which I ordered and have sitting in the shop as I wait for my complete upper from Randall. Guys this is worse than bein a little kid and waiting for Christmas to come. Who ever said patience is a virtue never had 500 rounds of whisper brass, powder, primers and bullets waiting for an upper.................

I hope it shows up soooooooooooooooon...........

DonT

I just mailed my check and order form today to Randall. He said something like 8 to 10 weeks for delivery. I asked who I could "bump" to get mine sooner. He said "Don" something or other.... :D

I'm somewhat used to waiting for stuff. I've got 4 NFA items, and each one took at least 4 months from the time I paid until the time I could take them home. Don't like it, but that is just how it is. Besides, I'm waiting for Midway to be back in stock on the 240 grain MKs.....

DonT · #7 01-25-2006, 10:03 AM

Scollins,

I am really lookin forward to getting the upper and hope to have it early March if Randall doesn't get to bogged down. He must be getting busier now cause I have dropped him a couple of emails asking the status and haven't heard a word back from him. Guess the next time I hear from him will be when the upper is ready to ship and I need to send him more money :)

You take care...

DonT

Cornholio · #8 01-25-2006, 03:20 PM

Please look no further than Mr. Davis for your brass needs. His stuff is top shizzle.

I made a point to thumb my nose at JD and buy the Redding dies.

keith__davis · #9 01-25-2006, 10:58 PM

Thanks for the nice words about my brass. Scollins once you get your upper let me know and I'll send you 20 rds each of brass sized in Redding, RCBS and Hornady dies and pictures of how they each seat in a SSK Inc. case gage. Randell mades great upper. The fact that he is so backed up should tell you something about his work. His upper work great with redding dies. He is so busy he sends people to me for all their brass needs he is to busy to make it anymore. The wait will be worth it. You will make hunting season.

Scollins · #10 01-28-2006, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keith__davis

Thanks for the nice words about my brass. Scollins once you get your upper let me know and I'll send you 20 rds each of brass sized in Redding, RCBS and Hornady dies and pictures of how they each seat in a SSK Inc. case gage. Randell mades great upper. The fact that he is so backed up should tell you something about his work. His upper work great with redding dies. He is so busy he sends people to me for all their brass needs he is to busy to make it anymore. The wait will be worth it. You will make hunting season.

Hmm... I already sent you funds for 1,000 pieces of brass (1/19 via paypal.) Should I have waited until I had the upper?