Brand names for reloading dies... does it matter?

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When reading different forums, 2 die brands seem to have more problems then others. Lee & Hornady. :uhoh: Just how i see it. :) Some problems are because the person is new to reloading. There is a learning curve involved also. I like RCBS. http://www.huntingtons.com/ Many different types of RCBS dies at link.
 
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I think most new to reloading go with Lee & that is why we see more problems that talk about Lee dies. They usually end with use helping them fix there issues when they listen. Seems the Hornady normally had to go back in tho.
 
I'll toss in my $.02 for what it's worth. By cartridge:

* .357 Magnum: I have Hornady and Redding dies. Zero issues with the Hornady but the Redding resizing die is out-of-spec so I don't use it. Redding would possibly replace it if I sent it in but I just haven't gotten around to it. I do use the Redding Profile Crimp dies for the .357 and I like them a lot.

* .40 S&W: It's been a couple of years that I have reloaded for this but nonetheless I have Hornady dies and had zero issues with them. I also use a LEE Factory Crimp die with the .40 which works very well indeed.

* .405 Winchester: I initially bought an RCBS die set (used) at a local gun show which works fine for the most part but I must note that the resizing die seems a bit overzealous at squeezing the brass. So I snagged a new Hornady set and they work fine as well, and the resizing die doesn't squeeze quite as hard but the rounds chamber just fine. I use the LEE Factory Crimp die with this cartridge as well and it is very good. Additionally, I picked up a Lyman 'M' Series expander for when I start casting for the .405 but have never used it.

That's all I had.
 
RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, Dillon. I haven't had good luck with Lee dies in the past. Maybe they are better now.
 
I've only used RCBS and Hornady for pistol dies, and despite all the hype I have been unimpressed with Hornady's premium pistol dies, but have had great luck with the RCBS carbide dies
 
I use Lee. No problems and gets the job done. Others swear by the more expensive dies. For me 1 to 1/2 MOA is enough. If you need one hole groups, then maybe the more expensive dies will give you tighter tolerances.

I'm like readyeddy, I can shoot MOA sometimes sub MOA with my stock Rock River AR 16". I have only used Lee and Dillon and like Lee better. Lee dies are easier to adjust if you change bullet profiles a lot. I use Lee dies on a classic turret and Dillon 550. I think it's safe to say I'm not a good enough shooter to be able to tell if other dies would make more accurate ammo.
 
My die sets are RCBS,Dillon or Redding. Wrote Lyman off my list ages ago,tried Hornandy dies for pistol had a titanium nitride coating on it IIRC they worked all right but I prefer tungsten or titanium carbide. Someone earlier said it I buy from companies that offer a lifetime warrantty that way thee's no problems at a later date.
 
What I 'prefer' is meaningless so far as what can be done with any die brand. On average there's no difference in what can be done with any brand of dies. They are all cut to produce ammo within SAAMI specs and anything inside those tolerance limits are fully as "precise" as any other; there's as much variation between dies of the same brand as between brands. Those who go ape over pretty external polish and knurling are paying more for cosmetics, not precision ammo.

ONLY Forster and Redding's comp rifle seater dies are consistantly very good because only they have a full body and bullet alignment sleeve that virtually duplicates what can be done with hand dies. And that performance advantage is due to the design, not the tolerances.
 
They all have quirks and specialties. Research your specific caliber based on desired end result. If you are looking to shove cheap bullets in range ammo as inexpensively Lee is it. But is that the goal. I have been switching existing dies sets for Dillon to be used on my Dillon progressives. Been adding quite a few RCBS X-sizer dies in certain rifles cartridges to eliminate the trimming step. This feature does somehow work. Then you have your micrometer seating dies. Most brands who offer these are good. I use some of all but if was going to standardize to one brand only, RCBS would be it. I own 3 sets for every one of somebody else's.
 
How about beginner rifle dies for the following:
223 (AR)
308 (for Garand)
30-06 (for Garand & bolt)
243
270

I'm a newbie so I don't know how many dies I need for each rifle caliber. On the pistol press (Lee Classic Turret) I will have the Lee Deluxe 4 Die Sets.

Ill be using a Lee Classic Cast for the rifle reloading. May do .223 on the Lee Classic Turret.

So on the single stage how many different dies for each caliber & brand?
 
For the autos is just get the Lee RGB dies but the bolt I'd get the deluxe.
 
How about beginner rifle dies for the following:
223 (AR)
308 (for Garand)
30-06 (for Garand & bolt)
243
270

If you do not have dies already, I would recommend small base sizing dies for the Garands and ARs, basically the semi-auto rifles.

While lots of folks say it is not necessary, the small base dies will prevent some problems of rounds not chambering under certain circumstances. Since you do not have any of those dies at present, it will not cost you any extra.

Why take a chance on problems.

The small base resizing die will work just fine for the 30-06 bolt rifle.

If you already had dies, my answer would be different. Determine if you really need small base dies before investing.

Standard resizing dies for the 243 and 270.
 
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I have dies by Lee,Hornady,Lyman,RCBS, and Redding.They all load ammo that shoots better than I can.. No problems with any of them. My last 5 sets have been Lee because they work and are the best value. My next ones will likely be Lee as well.
 
Well yes, there is a difference. According to PRECISION SHOOTING Mag (just so I am not attacked for telling the truth...again, or is that still?) the best dies are Redding, Dillon, Forster (not in any order). Then RCBS and Hornady, with Lyman and Lee bringing up the rear. Admittedly Hornady does seem to have some problems with their new design of dies, but the old ones I have seem fine.

I own a LOT of Lee dies. Where the lie came from that I hate Lee I have no idea, but am regularly slandered with it. I have owned or used nearly everything Lee makes, so I have informed opinions about their stuff (OMG! An INFORMED opinion!! How did THAT happen?!) that seems to offend some who seem not to have tried the item under discussion and then am viciously attacked for telling the truth. Other than the occasional broken decapping pin, I have had minimal problems with Lee dies. The major problem is that you either need to buy a few back up rods w/pin or call Lee to get another decapping rod w/pin. With other brands of dies you just replace the pin and keep going. I am especially fond of the Lee FCD. Some people claim you don't really need them, and that is true, but they make life easier so I like them, just like the Lee shell holder kit and (old) primer tool. Some of the other stuff, especially the presses, seem to be, to quote kingmt, "cheaply made", in my experience. Just an INFORMED opinion, not made up BS.

Every problem I have had with used equipment from RCBS, Redding, Dillon, etc., etc., such as dies and presses being messed up or damaged has been taken care of under the LIFE TIME warranty of the company. Have a Redding/RCBS/Dillon die (even bought used) that is screwed up? I have NEVER had a problem with any of them repairing/replacing it! Same with press problems or other gear. Lee has an (according to the piece of paper that came with the equipment I got at least) "UNLIMITED two year warranty". Else where in the HANDLOADING section here is a person who has a three month old Lee bushing press. Go read what they have to say about the service they got. Here is a hint: same "service" as I got and am regularly attacked for reporting on.

Triumph asked about dies for .223 (AR), .308 (M1 Rifle), .30-06 (M1 Rifle), .243, .270. Personally if I didn't have any dies yet, I'd get a set of small base dies for the auto rifles. He might not need them, but would have to buy a set and see, and if he does, he is out twice the money. RCBS AR dies or any of the above "best" die brands should be fine. As for the .243 and .270, some people like RCBS for rifle and Lee carbide (because it is cheaper) for handguns. Personally I really have not had any problems with either RCBS or Lee rifle dies and buy the Lee deluxe four die sets when possible.

The bottom line here is that if price didn't matter, I would own only Dillon, Redding, Forster, RCBS dies and equipment, along with my 40+ year old RCBS ROCKCHUCKER. These companies have LIFETIME warranties they actually stand behind and give excellent service and no BS when there is a problem. Since I live in the real world, and not a world of make believe, I avoid junk that will wear out quickly, that the company will NOT stand behind, even, or especially, under warranty. As I am too old and too broke to buy even "cheaply made" stuff that I will have to replace sooner (usually) or later, no matter how "cheaply" it is sold, the high cost (and high quality) stuff is much cheaper in the long run.
 
"Well yes, there is a difference. According to PRECISION SHOOTING Mag (just so I am not attacked for telling the truth...again, or is that still?)[/I] the best dies are Redding, Dillon, Forster (not in any order). Then RCBS and Hornady, with Lyman and Lee bringing up the rear."

Well, that's according to one man's opinion in his article in that excellant magazine anyway. So far as the average results, there are two grades of dies; Forster and Redding are tied for first place and every thing else is tied for second. The differences aren't great nor are better results automatic, the user has to have excellant reloading skills AND a very accurate rig to see any difference on his targets.

Of course my die appraisal doesn't give any weight at all to personal tastes on such 'critical' things as the size of the box they come in, the lock rings or the shiney externals and really neat knurling. But no matter how much some people care about those, no one should think they matter to the ammo the dies can make.

As a side issue, all makers 'stand behind' valid manufactoring defects. RCBS and Dillon will replace (some) of their stuff forever but it's not for free to us nor does it make a lot of difference to them - we pay for the average costs of 'free' parts when we buy the tool. So, if we don't routinely bust or bend our tools, we pay for those who do! Meaning lifetime warrantees are a really good deel if you tend to mess your tools up no matter how long you've used 'em. Otherwise a standard warrantee of one or two years is easily enough time to detect a valid defect. I don't abuse my stuff and I can't afford to pay extra to take care of those who do! ??
 
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I have to admit that I like being able to take apart the Dillon dies for cleaning with out having to change settings.

But is that worth the added expense?
Not for me.

I have 10 sets of Lee dies, 1 RBCS & 1 Dillon.
I don't think the RCBS or Dillon dies are worth any more than Lee.
 
I solved the problem to my satisfaction guys. I mostly buy Lee dies. For the price they can't be beat. I order a set of deluxe dies and a set of RGB dies at the same time.:) Still cost less that the nearest competitors basic dies. For handgun dies I buy Lee deluxe die sets. FWIW I also own RCBS, Forester, Bair, Herters, Pacific, and Lyman sets and they all work fine as well. I still like my Lee dies best. Or you can pay more up front once and get lifetime warantee dies.
 
You guys do realise this thread is a month old?

Just another thread that Legion489 has dug up to try to start something. Taking words out of context & quoting is not bring truthful.
 
Each brand has specific features, some you may find more usefull.

1. Some bullet seaters don't have a lock ring on the seating plug. It's possible for the screw to turn itself out a few 1/1000 over one reloading session.

2. Hornady seating dies have a guide sleeve, that helps the bullet alignment straight during seating.

3. Some bullet seaters don't crimp

4. Some bullet seaters do not support the case wall fully while seating, causing case bulges.

5. Some brands of sizing die size a bit smaller than others. [ RCBS small base is one ]

6. RCBS X-dies limit case length on full-length resizing [ you should look at this if you reload .223 for semi-auto, or if you find case trimming a boring job ]

7. For bottleneck brass, you can get a neck sizer only , instead of a full-length sizer

8. Some brands offer a micrometer measure on their seating dies

9. Pistol sizing dies can have either carbide or nitride sizing rings

10. Some decapping dies have replaceable decapping pins

11. Some decapping dies have the pin and rod in one piece

Over time, you'll find you prefer certain features, or dislike certain others, and you'll end up with specific die sets or combinations of die sets that best suit for what you reload.
 
I'm still a bit of a nob, but I would gladly steer anyone to Lee for pistol dies. They come with a shell holder, and for .45s I have added the factory Crimp Die to my RCBS carbide set anyway.

For rifle cases, I would still steer people to RCBS, I have found they are less likely to be sticky and difficult. (I do still have Lee 30-06 and .270 dies still in the box I haven't tried yet.)
 
THE LAST TIME I COUNTED about ten years ago I had used 28 different brands of loading dies. ONLY one set would not load good viable ammunition as they were received. It took a bit to figure out what and where to cut steel but it was easily fixed.
AT the same time I counted 135 die sets in service at that moment in time.
And so it goes...
 
I like what Otto said about the warranty. Now that being said, just buy a set of dies and try them out if you don't like them you can always sell or trade them for something else. I don't see too many used sets out there for sale that don't sell for a reasonable price. (Except for nowadays but this should pass) You may be like most that have several different die sets for the same caliber rifle or pistol.
 
For me it did.

Two years ago my Dad gave me his old RCBS 30-06 dies, probably produced in the late 70's. Would take three seperate depressions on the press handle before they FL sized and with significant pressure. Why I simply do not know, cleaned them, inspected them but to no avail. My brother had two sets from the same period, the .303 used to shave the cases while the 7mm used to collapse the neck (he is an experienced reloader) so it was not die setup. We can only put it down to there being a factory problem late in the 70's as RCBS is a great brand.

Bought a set of Hornady, even with the FL sizer all the way down the cases were still a lttle tight in the chamber. Like the bullets seating die though. Gave the set away to someone less fortunate than me and he is dead happy with them.

Bought a set of LEE and no problems.

My chamber in my CZ550 30-06 I think may be very tight and was not tolerant of cases that were not sized to the bottom end of the spec. I think that conincidently the LEE's just happen to fit my particular chamber best.

My experience hardly makes for being a statistic but it is my experience none the less.

The next set I bought was for my 6.5mm and here I bought LEE and no problems although I am sure most other brands would have worked.
 
Well. From my experience, lee makes great pistol dies... But I've had horrid luck with lee rifle dies. In rifles, hornady has been my bread and butter. I love them.
 
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