Redding 280 Ackley Improved Bushing Die Set

The Redding 280 Ackley Improved bushing die set is built for handloaders who demand precision and control over every loaded round. This three-die set combines Redding's Type S bushing full sizing die, Type S bushing neck sizing die, and their renowned Competition seating die—a proven combination for shooters who want consistent, accurate ammunition from their precision rifle or hunting gun. Whether you're working up loads for competition or preparing ammunition for long-range hunting, the interchangeable bushing system lets you dial in neck tension to the thousandth of an inch, giving you the repeatability and quality that separates good ammo from ammunition that truly performs.

The heart of this die set is Redding's Type S bushing technology. Rather than fixed dies that assume a one-size-fits-all approach, these dies use hardened steel bushings—available with or without titanium nitride coating for extra lubricity—that control case neck diameter with surgical precision. The bushings float freely to self-center on the case neck, which means less working of the brass and higher sizing accuracy shot to shot. You get complete control over neck tension without the guesswork, and without over-working your brass into early retirement.

The Competition seating die is where consistency becomes ammunition. It's designed to seat bullets with the kind of runout control that matters when you're chasing groups at distance or competing. Combined with the sizing dies, this set delivers the kind of dimensional consistency that turns good handloading into truly repeatable results. If you're serious about 280 Ackley Improved ammunition and want a die set that responds to what you tell it to do, this is the tooling for the job.

Key Features

• Type S bushing full sizing die with interchangeable bushings for precise neck diameter control
• Type S bushing neck sizing die for independent neck control
• Redding Competition seating die for accurate, repeatable bullet seating
• Interchangeable bushings available in hardened steel or titanium nitride-coated versions
• Free-floating bushings self-center on case neck for improved sizing accuracy
• Bushing system controls neck tension in 0.001" increments
• Reduces brass work-hardening in the case neck

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What comes in the Redding 280 Ackley Improved die set?

The set includes a Type S bushing full sizing die, a Type S bushing neck sizing die, and a Competition seating die. Bushings are not included by default but are available separately in hardened steel or titanium nitride-coated versions.

What's the advantage of interchangeable bushings for neck sizing?

The bushing system lets you control case neck diameter and tension in 0.001" increments without guessing. Because the bushings float freely and self-center on the case neck, they size more consistently and with less brass work-hardening than traditional fixed-diameter dies.

Is this die set suitable for competition or precision hunting loads?

Yes. The Type S bushing dies provide the precision and repeatability that competition and long-range hunting reloaders demand, and the Competition seating die is designed for minimal bullet runout and consistent seating depth.

Can I use titanium nitride-coated bushings with this die set?

Yes. The bushings are available in both hardened steel and titanium nitride-coated versions. The TIN coating provides greater lubricity, which can reduce sizing effort and improve die longevity.