Lately, I've been shooting quite a bit of .30-.30. I was given a Marlin 336C in SS and also have a T/C Contender barrel in that caliber.
So, with all the brass I've been keeping, I was wondering what dies I should get.

I have a Dillon RL550B, but will be using that to reload, albeit in a quasi progression mode. I'd like to size and deprime on one die, hand-prime the brass, insert the powder manually using an RCBS ChargeMaster for a specific charge, manually add the powder to the case, then seat and crimp on the RL550B.

My question to you is: what do I need for dies? Which die manufacturer do you suggest? also, I'm assuming that I need to lube the case necks before sizing, correct?

Thank you all for your answers and enabling me to continue my addiction!! -odin

My 2 cents worth...I'd just go with the Dillon dies. Getting too fancy(trying to neck size or shoulder bump) shouldn't be necessary with a 30-30 lever action. You ought to get good results with a standard die and a bit of care.

Yes you need to lube otherwise you can get a stuck case. I find the spray on works quick and easy.

I use rcbs dies but work up all my brass first on an old rockchucker for sizing then trimming and cleaning in the tumbler again.
I loaded this 30 30 and 06 lots way back then.
The 3030 need good roll crimp and can be accomplished by a stripped seating size in the fourth station on the Dillon 550.
Did not have great sucess in the seat station doing both.Fourth station they came out perfect.

I reloaded 30-30 in Pre-Dillon days on an RCBS Jr. Later used a succession of Dillon equipment to load other calibers. If Dillon offers 3-30 dies for your press, that's what I'd use. If not available, perhaps Redding, RCBS, etc. Two things in reloading 30-30. Make sure all brass is trimmed to the same length. If not some case necks will ripple/collapse when the bullet is crimped into the bullet cannelure. After first firing, back off size die to just neck size/bump the shoulder,etc. The rear locking lever actions sometimes flex a bit and/or develop just a little excess headspace. I agree about seating and crimping in separate operations. Once set up, I'd take advantage of the automation of the Dillon press as much as possible, rather than removing/replacing cartridges on the shell plate for this or that...........ymmv

Thank you! I appreciate the input and tips!
odin

You won't be able to use the ammo in both guns unless you full length size. Any dies will do, let your wallet decide. You will need a way to trim brass as rimmed stuff stretches quite a bit.

30-30 shoulders are super easy to crush. It is one cartridge where a Lee FCD is helpful.