I have a 260 rifle in the mail. I wanted to get set up for reloading this caliber on a Dillon 550. To this point I have only used standard dies for reloading. So I now want to cry once and get quality stuff. I looked around at web sites and stuff for the 260 is tough to find. Based on my web surfing, foster or redding is the way to go, along with Lapua brass. I found a "deluxe" set of redding dies at Graf +sons. They also have Lapua brass in stock for a buck a piece.
I felt comfortable with the Foster set for 100 bucks because it looks simple. It is out of stock. Link here
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/pro ... uctId/5320

They also have the deluxe set for 200 bucks, but I really don't know why or how they benefit me. Seems complicated, and maybe not for a Dillon 550. It is in stock.
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/pro ... ctId/14912

I guess I would need some type of bushings also. Since I don't have the rifle or brass it is hard to guess a bushing size. So should I order a few bushings? Should I get titanium nitride or steel? It looked like they have both, but again I don't know an appropriate size.

So, what should I buy, and where can I find it?

I can also borrow a standard set of RCBS dies and run through some virgin 7mm08 brass. Is that worth doing or should I wait for back orders etc?

Thanks.

Ter,

IMHO redding is the way to go. They support their product very well, both in replacement parts and knowledge. I would recommend discussing with Sinclair. They have made excellent recommendations regarding the bushing for me. I would go with the enhanced bushing.

I still size on a single stage then run in a progressive. I have just never like the idea of lube, bullets, powder, etc.

Greg

A lot of people are using the Redding type S bushing die. I have always used the Titanium Nitride bushings. As you have seen you need them .002, .003, or .004 smaller than the loaded round.
FYI my unturned Lapua 308 brass necked down to 6.5 and loaded measure .295. It would be best if you waited to measure some of your loaded rounds. If you get 260 brass it could be a bit different size neck. It would also be a good idea to have a regular full length 260 die to clean up cases that are a bit large or if you are changing rifles. 308 or 708 brass work great just size them down in your full size die till they fit the chamber--be sure to lube both inside and out. 243 brass also works just neck up with an expanding die and mandrel from Sinclair. And repeating Sinclair is very good at answering questions.
You will see that everyone has a different way to load and use different dies for this and that. It is nice to have some sort of micrometer seating die so you can repeat settings for different bullets used or for different rifles that may like the cartridges a little longer or shorter.

Ter,
I've been down the exact road your going and can tell you what you need. Get a redding type s neck die set. Mfr Part: 38531. It has a bushing neck die, a competition bullet seater, and a body die. If you are using Lapua brass get a .291 bushing. If Remington or reformed 7-08 brass use a .289 bushing. Who chambered you gun? If the chamber is super tight you may need a small base body die but that is doubtful with new brass. Any other questions email me at [email protected]. I can get you started on loads too or come over and help you get set up. Mark Varner

The rifle will be a Sako 85 Hunter, 1/8 twist, factory tube.

You may want to go back about a year and see what was said about the 550 powder measure and how ro fix it. The fix is simple to do with a hand drill and an old broken drill bit.