Redding Deluxe .223 Die Set - Good?

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peeplwtchr

peeplwtchr

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Hi All-

Saw this in a supply store, $112.00. I've got Lee dies now, and a beginning to suspect that the Seating die might not be the best. I am getting variations in C.O.L. in a .005 range. So I am wondering if this set would be a good upgrade. Does anyone have experience with this set? Is there a better option under $200?

EDIT - Now that I think about it, I always full size .223, so I guess I wouldn't need the neck sizing die. How are the other 2 dies?

I don't shoot competition.

Thanks
 

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troy fairweather said:
Probably just your bullets giving different lengths.005. is pretty normal.There great dies, not worth it in your case.
Click to expand...

I suspected bullet variation could be a contributing factor. They're relatively inexpensive bullets - Hornady 55gr. FMJ-BT W/C.
 
peeplwtchr said:
I am getting variations in C.O.L. in a .005 range.
Click to expand...
If you're measuring to the tip, not the ogive. . . you're measuring variation in the bullets, not the seating die.

Redding makes wonderful gear. . . but it'll be no better than Lee for your purposes. Skip the Redding dies, buy an ogive comparator and more bullets.
 
Redding is pretty much all I buy now. With the pistol rounds I tested, 40, 44 and 45, redding dies produced better consistency and all round just looked better when compared to Lee, Dillon and RCBS.
 
Is the Redding die good yes, is it the best option for your needs maybe. If your current die has good seating stem to bullet contact then you may be better served looking for other causes for variation. Is your neck tension equal case to case.... are you compressing loads and getting a different amount of crunch. Do the tips vary by that much in the bullet your using
 
peeplwtchr said:
I've got Lee dies
Click to expand...
Add a Redding type S fl bushing die. Use with bushing installed OR remove bushing, use as a body die. Size neck with Lee Collet Neck die. (Collet Die for Bolt Action)

The Lee collet die set comes with a Dead Length Bullet seater die. Said to better control COL.


peeplwtchr said:
variations in C.O.L. in a .005 range.
Click to expand...
Normal.
 
The S die uses bushing to size the neck. Can adjust bullet hold/neck tension. Brass lasts longer. Less split necks.

I find on 223/5.56 brass, the expander can be hard to pull thru the neck using standard dies. The bushing doesn't size all the way to the shoulder. Doesn't get into the donut.
full.jpg
 
I've read that .223 should always be full length sizing, is the S die just neck sizing?
 
peeplwtchr said:
Not sure, I don't know what that is.
Click to expand...

Add a step to your technique, if using a single stage press.

Put the charged case with bullet sitting on top into the shell holder.
Drop the handle lifting the ram part way to seat the bullet only part way.
Lower the ram some so the case starts to come out of the die, spin the case in the shell holder some and then seat the bullet the rest of the way.

This simple step will improve your OAL consistency, and once practiced, adds less than a second to the bullet seating process.
 

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Following with interest.

Questions:

1. Is the Hornady Item #B234 base to ogive tools set (plus calipers) useful & sufficient for folks that aren't shooting competitively?

https://www.hornady.com/reloading/p...s-and-gauges/lock-n-load-bullet-comparator#!/

2. Are the 3D printed base to ogive tool sets (plus calipers) useful & sufficient for folks that don't shoot competitively, such as this set as an example?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bullet-Com...rentrq:dac8265a1750a6e5bf7b4784ffed913d|iid:1

I know of Sinclair tools by web reviews only, and this thread is the first time I've been made aware of SAC tools.
 
1. Good question, depends on the use, accuracy potential, etc, might not help at all.

2. Less quality means less accurate, but is better than nothing

The more we know about our reloads the better, but people have been loading great ammo without this tool for a very long time.

But the point remains the same, .005 differences in OAL is nothing and base to ogive is what we use.
 
Interesting...I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon researching the Redding website and concluded that the Redding 68111 was best for me and the quality of loading and shooting that I do.

So I ordered a set. Just decided to spoil myself with a good set, an upgrade from my RCBS which were fine.. I did notice that the expander ball is "hard" or jerky in the removal no what what or how I lube.
 
Walkalong said:
1. Good question, depends on the use, accuracy potential, etc, might not help at all.

2. Less quality means less accurate, but is better than nothing

The more we know about our reloads the better, but people have been loading great ammo without this tool for a very long time.

But the point remains the same, .005 differences in OAL is nothing and base to ogive is what we use.
Click to expand...
Thanks, all part of the question "How good is good enough?".
 
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