Best: Press and Dies

[dezmick]

I am getting a new press and some reloading dies, i am thinking about going with the
Redding T-7 Turret press along with Redding dies, in 7mm WSM, 270 WSM, and 30-06, i am thinking that they are both the best in there respective categories, but that is just my opinion, what i would like to know is what other people think is the best press and or dies.

 

[DrMike]

The best press is whatever you have available; and the best dies are those that you now have. Seriously, some dies have a better finish than others, but all can make excellent ammunition. Presses today will withstand many cycles and continue to turn out fine ammunition. All of us have preferences--some rational and some that are less rational. What I will say is that generally speaking, the major manufacturers of reloading equipment are among the finest, most conscientious businesses in our world today. Of course, I'm somewhat biased, seeing as how I use the stuff.

 

[Guy Miner]

I don't know which is "best" - that gets debated at every rifle match I suppose. Trial by fire.

Redding makes a dandy press and some very impressive dies. I have a few of their dies. Very well made. Their "competition" dies are excellent.

Regards, Guy

 

[SJB358]

I have become a large fan of the Redding dies, for the reason Mike mentioned, they have GREAT customer service and really have good quality for the money. I have never had an issue with Lee or RCBS either, I just prefer the Reddings a little more. Don't look past Forster either, they also make a first rate press and excellent dies. Redding was my second choice (ultramag) when I was buying a new press, but I liked the idea of no shellholder and I prime off my press, so the COAX fit my reloading a little better than the rest. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

I have a Redding T7 and a Forster CoAx on my bench. I have had and used for years an RCBS Rock Chucker and an RCBS Partner press. I still have a Lee Hand Held Press. I have quite a collection of dies from Forster, Redding, RCBS, Lyman and Lee. In addition to dies from these manufacturers, I've used Hornady dies supplied by people asking me to work up loads for their rifles. The major obstacle to making precision ammunition is failure to exercise care in setting up the die and lack of attention to detail in throwing a charge and seating the bullet. Reproducibility (consistency) is the primary need in producing accurate ammunition.

 

[BK]

I was just kind of putting together an order for Midway, and noticed a TON of Redding dies made the list (the Forster dies I wanted for my Fireball would have been a special order, so I went with Redding for them also). .221 Fireball, .270 Winchester (I may break down and get the Forster Ultras), .300 Savage, and Profile Crimp Dies for .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt. Despite my recent infatuation with Forster, I really do like Reddings. Truth be told, even the Lee .44 Magnum dies I have and really don't like load perfectly good ammo.

I just wish the Forster storage boxes were the same size as my Redding and RCBS boxes.

 

[boomer68]

I have become a big fan of the Forster BR dies. Redding are excellent also.

 

[old #7]

The major obstacle to making precision ammunition is failure to exercise care in setting up the die and lack of attention to detail in throwing a charge and seating the bullet. Reproducibility (consistency) is the primary need in producing accurate ammunition.

Bingo.
I believe the chrony is the most important tool available to the hand loader.
I have redding, hornady and RCBS dies. I have used a rock chucker for an eternity.
I have found that consistancy is the key to everything and if you don't shoot over a chrony you will never know how consistant your loading is.