Forster or Redding dies?

[Scott Spencer]

I'm strongly looking at the Forster micrometer/competition seater die and the Redding competition seater die. The Redding is almost twice as much in cost but is it that much better?

I've used RCBS dies for years but have come to really like the Redding dies a little better. I've never used Forster products so I don't know anything about them.

Are the micrometer seater dies worth their cost as compared to just a regular seating die?

 

[hardpan]

Hi there,
I use the forster dies and get typical runnout in the 5-10 thousandths range with almost perfect length (within 1-2 thousandths.) If the redding die is better, then only the runnout would improve in my setup.
Hardpan

 

[rick smith]

I have and use both. I wil normally buy the Forster if they are available in the caliber in question. Don't see that much difference in performance.Rick.

 

[DrMike]

I have Forster micrometer seater dies in six calibres. I find them to be accurate. Never used the Redding competition dies, but they do look good. Given my experience with the Forster, however, I would not hesitate to recommend them. Consequently, I used the RCBS competition die set in 30-06 recently (after a hiatus of a couple of years), and I am favourably impressed with the accuracy observed.

 

[BK]

I need to get a concentricity gauge. That way I could prove to myself that:
a. There is a good reason why I like the RCBS comp dies better than standard dies, and Redding standard dies better than RCBS which I like better than Hornady and Lee; or
b. I totally full of crap and don't know what I'm talking about.
Until then, I'll just state that the one micrometer seating die I have, an RCBS comp 7mm Rem Mag, is the smoothest, best-quality die I have.

 

[DrMike]

Really, I've loaded good (even great) ammunition with a variety of dies (RCBS, Redding, Forster, Lyman, Lee and Hornady). All work. Some require more attention than others, but all work and each has their good points. I generally prefer the Forster dies, but it is the sizing dies that are most impressive for me. BK is right that the RCBS comp die set is a great die, if it is available in the calibre you want.

 

[Scott Spencer]

You are sort of like me, BK. I have found that I like my standard Redding dies better than my RCBS standard dies. There may be no difference what so ever but I have really grown to like the Redding dies.

I've just never owned anyone's comp dies and found the Forster for a great price...as compared to the Redding comp dies.

 

[BK]

When I get my loading gear set back up I need to pick up three more die sets, I probably will try Forster when I do... at least in the rounds that they make dies for. I may be out of luck with the .300 Savage and .221 Fireball. .270 Winchester shouldn't be a problem.