Best reloading dies

[truck driver]

No doubt Redding is at the top of the list but what about the others, Hornady , RCBS, Lyman and Lee? Did I miss any one?
Value wise dollar for dollar is any one that much better?

 

[JD338]

Redding is at the top of my list, I have a few sets. Most of my dies are RCBS but I do have 4-5 from Hornady.

JD338

 

[mjcmichigan]

After buying my first set of Reddings, that's all I bought since. I also have RCBS and Lee. No Qualms with them, but the Reddings are easy to make small adjustments. Micrometer helps!


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[elkhunternm]

RCBS and Redding are the only ones I'll buy.

 

[Polaris]

Redding is tops for me also.

I do use Lee dies for some limited use cartridges or metrics where the other brands are far more expensive. They are functional, produce quality ammunition, but the ergonomics are not there for me. Have also had to return a couple and one of their shell holders as they were out of spec. I do not like the collet style tensioner on the expander/decapper, and the fact that the decap pin is integral and cannot be removed separately from the expander. This limits the versatility for some specific applications.

Ditto with Hornady. Not a fan of the collet tension on the spindle. All I need are my fingers to adjust RCBS or Redding. Also their elipitical expander seems to be harder to pull through than either my Lee or Redding FL sets. Could be just limited to my one caliber, and the brass stretching M99 I fire it in though.

I'd rate RCBS a very close second to Redding. Just like the fit/finish and ergonomics of the Redding a bit better.

 

[5shot]

Forrester and Whidden also make great dies if you are looking for more of a competition die. I like Redding and RCBS.

I will add that RCBS Customer Service is the very best. Lose or break something and they send it to you at no charge.

 

[NWBlacktail]

I use mostly RCBS. I have one set of Redding Competition dies, and they are very nice.

One thing about the Redding comp die sets. Redding needs to fire the designer of the box they come in! Once you set-up the die, they won't fit in that box again. lame.... :mrgreen:

 

[35 Whelen]

I guess I have more RCBS for sure, and have a couple sets
Of the Lee cheepie ones for calibers I knew I would hardly
Ever use the dies. But I recently purchased a new set of Hornady Custom dies and the quality of those really surprised me, very nice. However what really surprised me
Even more was you buy their dies($30) and that entitles you to download a rebate form, send it and six bucks for shipping and they send you a box of a hundred Hornady
bullets($30) of you choice on that list! How do you beat that???????

 

[SJB358]

I am a Forster first guy, then Redding, then RCBS. Saying that, my majority is RCBS since that is what I bought initially. The Forsters are Cadillac's in my opinion. Their sizing dies seem to produce the least amount of run out from a plain old FL die I have found. I like how their seating die cradles and supports the case as well.

Nothing wrong with the RCBS either, but they do require a little more fiddling for me to make straight ammo.

I have a set of 35 Whelen Hornady dies and they seem okay, but they don't work especially well through my COAX. They work, just not as nicely as the Reddings, RCBS and of course, Forster.

If they are available when I am buying I usually look for Forster's first and then Reddings.

I just ordered a new set of custom Reddings for my 7mm MSM. I used the RCBS's for a few years and they did just fine as well, so I am not sure I'll see much improvement..

 

[MAinAR]

Redding for brass preps and Wilson Seater die for bullet seating (use with K&M arbor press).

 

[DrMike]

+1 on Scotty's post. I've made fine loads with dies from almost every manufacturer. I use Forster if possible, then Redding. I see quite a few RCBS dies and even a set of Hornady dies above my bench. I also see a set of CH4D dies which have worked well for many years. I note a set of Lyman dies that I picked up cheap, and they produced some fine hunting loads. I have quite a few Lee dies, and they all make fine loads. Clearly, favourite dies are a matter of preference. Really, you won't go wrong with about any dies manufactured today.

 

[35 Whelen]

How about these, I have an ancient set of Herter's 30/06 dies from 1950's I have no idea who actually made them
For them? Guy had them for 50 years and never did reload
So gave me the dies and brand new Herters press to put
Them in!

 

[DrMike]

That'll work, Earle! The price was right, that's for sure.

 

[TenMileHunter]

I have a couple of sets of LEE. They have always served me well.


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[DrMike]

I have a couple of sets of LEE. They have always served me well.


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The Lee Collet Die, especially, can produce some excellent ammunition. Despite my predilection for Forster Dies, I like the Lee Collet Die.

 

[TenMileHunter]

That's what have for my bolt actions. Love the collet dies.


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[AFG270]

I have mostly RCBS and a couple Lee dies.

I have been looking at Redding Competition dies for my 25-06 as the RCBS bullet seater is not consistent. I just started working up loads for E-Tips and can't get a consistent seating depth.

Would you guys recommend the Redding Competition Dies or the Forster Micrometer Seater Die? And will they give a more uniform seating depth?

Sorry TD don't mean to hijack your thread, hope this will help others.

 

[BretN]

I actually prefer the Lee dies anymore and have given away several sets of RCBS standard dies. I don't shoot long range or compete. I like the Lees because they are easy to set up and the FL sizer button seems easier on necks than the RCBS buttons. Also, I do really like the collet dies, as you don't need to lubricate the cases and I think I get some pretty accurate loads from them.

 

[TenMileHunter]

That's what have for my bolt actions. Love the collet dies.


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[DrMike]

I have mostly RCBS and a couple Lee dies.

I have been looking at Redding Competition dies for my 25-06 as the RCBS bullet seater is not consistent. I just started working up loads for E-Tips and can't get a consistent seating depth.

Would you guys recommend the Redding Competition Dies or the Forster Micrometer Seater Die? And will they give a more uniform seating depth?

Sorry TD don't mean to hijack your thread, hope this will help others.

They are both excellent dies. I have both for different cartridges. I prefer the Forster, but the Redding produces ammunition that is equally accurate. Since I use a Co-Ax press, that helps lean me toward Forster. Mind you, I also have a Redding T7 press.