It makes a lot of sense to look for the best reloading dies for 6.5 Creedmoor, rather than buying brand-new 6.5 Creedmoor ammo.
One of the main reasons for reloading your own ammo is that you can save a substantial amount of money. That’s especially true for the 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, since these cartridges can be downright expensive.
Since dies need to be built for a specific caliber, that means your dies must be specifically meant for the 6.5 Creedmoor cases.
However, these dies aren’t all the same. Different sets can give you different dies, and these dies offer unique features and qualities.
So, which are the best 6.5 Creedmoor reloading dies you ought to set on your reloading press? This guide will help you answer that question.
Top 4 Reloading Dies for 6.5 Creedmoor: Comparison Chart
Here’s a convenient table showing the features of the die sets on our list that you’ll find important.
| Image | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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2x4basics 90164 Custom Workbench |
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Check Price |
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Seville Classics UHD20246B UltraHD Lighted Workcenter |
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Check Price |
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Seville Classics UHD20247B UltraHD Lighted Workbench |
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Check Price |
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LEE PRECISION 90688, Reloading Stand |
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Check Price |
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Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand |
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Check Price |
Best Picks for 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Dies
You actually have a lot of options when you’re looking for the best 6.5 Creedmoor dies. The main problem is identifying the best sets from the substandard options.
We’ve solved that problem for you, as we’ve already compiled a list of die-set options that will work for your 6.5 Creedmoor cases. In all likelihood, the best for your needs will be one of the sets on our list:
Lee Precision 90939
Lee Precision actually calls this its Ultimate 4-die set, and they’re not actually exaggerating all that much. It’s basically a complete set, and you probably won’t need another die to add to it.
This comes in a handy storage box, with slotted spaces for the dies. It has a clear plastic top cover so you know if the dies are inside.
This gives you 4 dies, and Lee Precision took a lot of care in manufacturing each one.
First you have the full-length resizing die, which turns back the brass to its factory-new condition. This is great for firing cartridges with another rifle.
Then you have the collet neck-sizing die, which works better for cartridges which you plan on firing with the same rifle that fired it previously. It offers terrific accuracy, and you won’t even have to lubricate the case beforehand.
Next comes the Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating die, which gives you the perfect seating depth every single time. Adjusting the bullet seating with this is virtually foolproof, given how easy it is.
Finally, you have the Factory Crimp die which puts in a crimp on your bullets whether or not you have a crimp groove to work with. This gives you a consistently higher start pressure to boost accuracy and reliability.
The set also comes with a shell holder and a powder measure scoop. There’s also some Lee loading data included for the most popular powder brands, set in a format that’s easy enough to read.
With the 4 dies (including 2 types of sizing dies), you have a lot of versatility here. Your rounds will work nicely for all types of shooting activities, whether you’re just practicing on a range or hunting.
The only thing you may object to is that the locking ring may move when you’re setting the dies. But you can fix this easily with locking die rings.
- You have 4 dies, with 2 types of sizing dies
- The collet neck-sizing die doesn’t need you to lube the case
- The Factory Crimp die here is truly fantastic, and considered by many as the best in its class
- You have lots of accessories, with the load data and a box with a clear plastic cover
- The locking ring may move
Hornady 546289 Die Set 2 6.5
This time you only get 2 dies, but then these are the 2 dies considered absolutely crucial when you’re reloading 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges. The other dies are actually optional in comparison.
Also, these aren’t your ordinary standard dies. These are the Hornady Custom Grade Dies. These come with absolutely terrific internal finishes, so that you can expect these dies to never wear out or break if you use them normally.
The dies are in a sturdy red-orange box, with the proper label on top. Open the box, and get the dies out, and you’ll marvel at their quality.
First you have the full-length sizing die, with the “Zip Spindle” design that prevents any slippage.
You have light threads on the spindle and spindle collet so that you’re able to turn the spindle for minute adjustments like a bushing-type die. But you can also zip the spindle up or down for major adjustments.
This sizing die also has the Sure-Loc lock rings, which clamps on the whole die to apply continuous pressure to secure the ring. Its locking screw tightens the ring without touching the threads, which makes sure you don’t do any damage with your pliers.
Then you have a really smooth finish to keep the case from sticking and to minimize the friction.
The final touch to this sizing die is the elliptical expander, which basically means you don’t need a separate expander die. It gives you really smooth neck sizing, while minimizing friction and stretching of the case neck.
The other die is for seating the bullet, and it comes with a seater adjustment screw that lets you adjust the depth of the bullet seating without any fuss.
You also have the Sure-Lock rings here as well. It also has a locking retainer ring that you can take out in a few moments, so you can disassemble it easily when you want to clean the die.
This also has the special in-line bullet seating system, which aligns the bullet with the case neck and the seating stem even before you put in the bullet through the case neck. This also has a built-in crimper to really get the job done right.
- You get the 2 most important dies
- The dies are absolutely secured in their position
- Adjustments are easy to make
- They’re built to last
- There are only 2 dies
- You don’t get free accessories
RCBS 6.5 Creedmoor (32097)
This is the first of the die sets from RCBS, and this time you get a small base sizer die mainly meant for semi-automatic weapons.
It works basically like its full-length sizer die counterpart except this time the die sets the case shoulder back a little more. The case gets an extra bit of compression (maybe 1/1000 of an inch),
This will make sure that you can chamber the round in your AR-platform firearms.
The other die is the taper crimp seater die. This will crimp the case around the bullet to finish things up, to make sure that it sets into your AR-platform rifle.
Lots of people tend to regard RCBS as the go-to maker of dies for small-base resizing cases for semi-automatics.
They do offer the standard 6.5 Creedmoor dies (32901), but if those dies give you trouble in chambering your reloaded brass then this 32097 set is your best bet. If you are using a rifle based on the AR-10, you won’t have any hassle anymore with your reloaded 6.5 Creedmoor ammo.
- It’s great for reloading cases for your AR weapon
- The quality is utterly reliable, and no one has any trouble using this
- The results are all hassle-free, with no trouble chambering your reloaded brass
- You only have 2 dies
- It’s meant mainly for an AR-platform rifle
RCBS FL Die Set, 6.5 Creedmoor (32901)
This 32901 is the other set of 2 dies, and this time you get the full-length die set (Group D) for bottleneck rifle cartridges. This is the “standard” set, as the 32907 is meant for AR-platform weapons.
Your set includes the full-length sizer die, which also comes with the expander-decapping unit. Using this returns your fired case back to the cartridge dimensions specified by SAAMI.
This die will size the outside of the case, take out the spent primer, and then also expand the neck so that the bullet can slip in more easily. The die even has vents, to prevent trapped air and excess lubricant from causing any sort of damage to the case.
You also have minimum tolerances for the headspace so that when it’s sizing the full length of the case, it doesn’t change the length of the case body.
It’s easy enough to set up the sizer die, after you’ve found the correct neck bushing.
Then you have the seating die, which seats the bullets in the right depth on a consistent basis. It also has a built-in roll crimper, so it crimps the case to secure the bullet even while your seating the bullet inside.
This is terrific, with the micrometer adjustment markings easy enough to read. All in all, the unremitting consistency is fantastic.
- The sizer die offers multiple functions
- The sizer die vents prevent case damage
- Minimal headspace tolerances keep the case body length from changing
- Seating die comes with crimper
- Easy-to-read micrometer adjustment markings
- Doesn’t work well with your AR-platform weapon
What are the Best Reloading Dies for 6.5 Creedmoor?
First of all, you need to get the resizing die and the bullet seating die. These are the 2 dies that you absolutely need—all the other types of dies are optional in comparison.
These dies should be easy to use, so that you can set them up with no trouble. These dies should be no problem to adjust, either.
All its features should in fact make it easy to use while minimizing various potential problems.
The dies have to be reliable, and offer consistent results. After that, you know the dies are fantastic when the resulting loads are as good as you wanted them to be.
Finally, the dies have to last a very long time. Some of the best dies for 6.5 Creedmoor are so durable they can last for a lifetime.
How Does 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Dies Work?
If you’re just starting to get your dies, you have to go with the 2 most important dies.
Resizing/Depriming Die
That means you start with the sizing die, which turns back the case to its proper size and shape. Often it also de-primes the case (removes the spent prime), and sometimes it even expands the neck for smoother bullet insertion.
Bullet Seating Die
The other die you can’t go without is the bullet seating die. This is the die that will set the bullet in the case with the correct depth each time.
Some of these dies can also crimp the die, which means “tucking in” the die to secure the bullet in the case.
The other dies are optional, but you can get them for your press to make things easier for you. These include:
- Case trimmer die. Cases tend to stretch when you keep reusing them, and this die trims the case back to the right length.
- Powder-through expanding die. This works mainly with progressive reloading presses, and it helps to funnel the powder into the case.
- Crimping die. If your bullet seating die can’t do this function (and if you need crimping in the first place), you’ll find this useful. This die tightens the neck of the case around the bullet, to secure the bullet in place.
Things to Consider Before Buying 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Dies
Obviously, you need to make sure that your reloading dies are meant for your 6.5 Creedmoor cases. In fact, you better see “6.5 Creedmoor” explicitly labeled for the dies.
But that’s not the only factor you have to consider. When you check out the specs and reviews, pay a lot of attention to the following factors:
Brand of 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Dies
Brand snobbery makes a lot of sense in the reloading industry. That’s because the famous brands earned their reputations the hard way—by consistently offering high-quality reloading tools and accessories for many decades.
This is the reason why you only find brands like Lee Precision, Hornady, and RCBS on our list of top picks.
Number of Dies in the Set
Normally, you start with the 2 most important dies. Then you can add more dies, and you’re not limited to the same brand.
But if you want things easier for yourself, then you can go all the way and get more dies in the set.
Types of Dies (According to Function)
You need these 2 dies first:
- Resizing die
- Bullet seating die
When you’ve got the “must-have” dies, you may want to consider these “optional” dies:
- Case trimmer die
- Powder-through expanding die
- Crimper die
Type of Resizing Die
When you’re getting a set, you have to check what kind of resizing die comes with the set. The right type depends on how you’re using your used 6.5 Creedmoor.
Full Length
This die resizes the whole length of the case. The die basically returns the case back to how it looked like when it came out of the factory.
That means it works for lots of different rifles. If you have lots of different rifles to use 6,5 Creedmoor ammo, then you’ll want this type of sizing die.
Neck-Sizing
This doesn’t change the whole case, and resizes only the neck part of the cartridge. Since the body is untouched, it retains the form resulting from firing it.
This is ideal if you’re reusing the case for the same rifle you’ve fired it from. But it’s not really good if you’re using this ammo for another rifle.
Small-Base
This is the kind of sizing die you need if you’re going to use the 6.5 Creedmoor with an AR-platform weapon, or any other semi-automatic rifle. For .308 and M14 rifles, this’ll work too.
Ease of Use
Just how easy are these dies to set up and adjust? You have to check out the features to see whether these features minimize the hassle and speed up the work.
These features can include micro-adjustments, and vents that prevent damage to the case.
The dies should stay secure when set. But when you need to take them out for cleaning or for single stage presses, it ought to be easy as well.
You can check how many rounds you’re able to reload per hour, depending on the dies.
You can also take note of how enjoyable the reloading experience is. When you don’t encounter problems, reloading your own rounds can be downright satisfying.
Consistent Results
Just how satisfied are people (and eventually you) with the resulting rounds? This is entirely subjective, as it will depend on what results you’re expecting.
The fault, when you’re dissatisfied, may even be with the press and not with the dies.
But often, lots of people change dies and use the same press, and they can get much better (or much worse) results. That means the dies are responsible for these results.
Durability of 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Dies
How long will these dies last? The best reloading dies for 6.5 Creedmoor can last for the rest of your life.
Check for durable materials, with superior steel as a minimum. Some prefer carbide since you don’t even need to lubricate cases for resizing, but carbide dies are expensive.
Cost
If you have 2 die sets with the same quality, and one set costs less, then go with the more affordable one.
However, when it comes to dies the usual rule is that you get what you pay for.
How to Set Up a 6.5 Creedmoor Die
When you have your 6.5 Creedmoor dies, you now have to set it with your reloading press.
If you have a single stage press, you have to set one die at a time.
You then have to do that one task (like resizing the case) for all the rounds you’re working on. Once you’re done with your rounds for that task, you then have to remove the die and put in the new one, and then you use that die for all your rounds again.
That’s why the progressive press (or even the turret press) is much more efficient. You can then set all the dies on the press at the same time.
After that, follow these steps:
- Clean and lubricate the dies.
- Clean your reloading press as well.
- Loosen the lock bolt of the resizing die, just enough to let the ring move freely.
- Set the lockable ring in the reloading press, with the hole towards you.
- Set in the die upwards.
- Push the press down.
- Screw the die back down. Everything ought to feel secure, but it shouldn’t feel too tight.
- Lock in the lock ring, and the die will be ready for the case.
Who Makes the Best Reloading Dies for 6.5 Creedmoor?
That’s obviously a question without a specific answer that everyone will agree to. Basically, you’re the one who decides which reloading dies are best for you.
Still, it’s true that the maker of the best reloading dies will be an old and famous brand with decades of history. It also has to be a US brand, since most reloaders live in the US too.
The famous brands such as Lee Precision, Hornady, and RCBS are veritable icons in the reloading community. These brands offer high quality reloading tools, and these include accessories like dies for the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Final Verdict
After all is said and done, which one is the best?
Again, that’s for you to say. If you feel that a die set is best for you, then what others (even us) doesn’t really matter.
But if, at this point, you’re still unsure, then here’s our top recommendation: go with the Hornady Custom Grade Dies.
Yes, they’re not exactly cheap. But then again, these dies are like Lamborghinis in the auto industry—you get the quality but you pay the price.
True, our recommendation also only gives you a 2-die set. But that’s to introduce to you just how fantastic these dies are.
Once you’ve enjoyed all their features (from ease of use to durability), you can then just add more dies from the Hornady Custom Grade set. These are arguably the best reloading dies for 6.5 Creedmoor.