Hornady custom grade dies look really nice.

[CoalCrackerAl]

I ordered a set of 223 to go on my new press. The dies came today. They look real nice. Machining finish is very smooth. Even the seating die barrel has a mirror finish. The other day when we were at the reloading shop. He wanted to upgrade his Lee dies for his 243. They have RCBS and the Hornady custom grade there. I told him to hold off. And we will see how the Hornady are. As of now im leaning toward suggesting he gets the Honady. My new press is due in tomorrow. After i see how well the dies work. I'll make my final recommendation.

 

[horsemen61]

I ordered a set of 223 to go on my new press. The dies came today. They look real nice. Machining finish is very smooth. Even the seating die barrel has a mirror finish. The other day when we were at the reloading shop. He wanted to upgrade his Lee dies for his 243. They have RCBS and the Hornady custom grade there. I told him to hold off. And we will see how the Hornady are. As of now im leaning toward suggesting he gets the Honady. My new press is due in tomorrow. After i see how well the dies work. I'll make my final recommendation.

 

[Mk-211]

Pictures, they're not showing up!

 

[.38 Special]

I prefer Hornady over RCBS (and Redding over Hornady) but only because nicer things are enjoyable to work with. Until you get into the specialty stuff, I haven't found that one brand produces a better cartridge, even when comparing with Lee.

 

[Charlie98]

Nice thing about the Hornady rifle dies is the bullet guide that helps keep the bullet straight during seating.

I have RCBS or Hornady dies, and one set of Redding (.348WCF, they were the only one making it at the time.) I like the Hornadys better, but RCBS has improved their dies some in 30 years. Another nice thing about the Hornady dies are the lock rings with wrench cut-outs. I ordered about 20 extra... so now every die I have has the Hornady lock ring.

 

[AJC1]

Nice thing about the Hornady rifle dies is the bullet guide that helps keep the bullet straight during seating.

I have RCBS or Hornady dies, and one set of Redding (.348WCF, they were the only one making it at the time.) I like the Hornadys better, but RCBS has improved their dies some in 30 years. Another nice thing about the Hornady dies are the lock rings with wrench cut-outs. I ordered about 20 extra... so now every die I have has the Hornady lock ring.

I to love their lock rings. They nailed their update, I can't stand Lee lock rings and their newest is even worse. I don't own a single Hornaday die but I'm not even one foot in the pine box, so there's time.

 

[Mk-211]

Hornady has the best lock rings in the business! Can't stand RCBS aluminum cheapo's, maybe they should see if Hornady will sell them some.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I'll get a pic of them in the new press tomorrow.

 

[Varminterror]

I to love their lock rings.

I kinda realized two or three years ago that I’m still buying a lot of dies each year, because I buy 6pk of Hornady lock rings every year… I wouldn’t think I was buying that many new dies each year, but apparently, I am, because those lock rings get put to work and are gone by the next year and I order more.

 

[AJC1]

I kinda realized two or three years ago that I’m still buying a lot of dies each year, because I buy 6pk of Hornady lock rings every year… I wouldn’t think I was buying that many new dies each year, but apparently, I am, because those lock rings get put to work and are gone by the next year and I order more.

They need a serious person 20 pack for us really addicted

 

[Mk-211]

Powder Valley has the 6 packs for $20, so $100 should keep you going for awhile.

 

[ParallelCode]

I to love their lock rings. They nailed their update, I can't stand Lee lock rings and their newest is even worse. I don't own a single Hornaday die but I'm not even one foot in the pine box, so there's time.

I buy Hornady lock-rings for all my dies, regardless of brand. They really are superior.

 

[AJC1]

I buy Hornady lock-rings for all my dies, regardless of brand. They really are superior.

I hunted down the perfect wrench for Hornaday lock rings.

 

[ballman6711]

+1 on the Hornady seater die with the alignment sleeve. Really helps me seat my bullets straight. And the lock rings are the best.

But I have to say I think I prefer the RCBS sizer dies that I have. Can't put a finger on it, but they just "feel" better to me.

chris

 

[ballman6711]

I hunted down the perfect wrench for Hornaday lock rings. View attachment 1114234

You made that! I can tell by the casting marks!

chris

 

[nettlle]

I bought this for all my Dillon and Redding dies:

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-87011...t=&hvlocphy=9016580&hvtargid=pla-423198302555

 

[Mk-211]

Those can tear up your dies lock ring or threads if they slip.

Better choices.

 

[nettlle]

There was a time before wrench friendly die locking nuts. I am a survivor.

 

[murray brook]

No doubt the Hornady rings are the best. The Forster ones are ok but not as good as the Hornady units. JMO

 

[Mk-211]

@frogfurr yep, I have older dies that have vice grip teeth marks on the lock ring.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I use an adjustable wrench. I checked my RCBS lock rings too. They are steel. My Lee ones are aluminum.

 

[Kaldor]

I ordered a set of 223 to go on my new press. The dies came today. They look real nice. Machining finish is very smooth. Even the seating die barrel has a mirror finish. The other day when we were at the reloading shop. He wanted to upgrade his Lee dies for his 243. They have RCBS and the Hornady custom grade there. I told him to hold off. And we will see how the Hornady are. As of now im leaning toward suggesting he gets the Honady. My new press is due in tomorrow. After i see how well the dies work. I'll make my final recommendation.

I own a bunch of different dies. For me the big decider on the Hornady dies is the sleeve on the seater die and the ability to screw in a micrometer adjustment. Other than that, I dont find the sizing dies to be any better or worse than anything from a Lee or a Redding, which I also own. The Reddings have the sleeve too, but they are twice the price on a set, which is hard for me to justify with actual holes in paper, as in "are they that much better?"

 

[AJC1]

You made that! I can tell by the casting marks!

chris

Actually I found on ebay. It's a type of wrench not modified in any way. Using a regular box end is kinda ridiculous, know that's what I used to do until I got this.

 

[AJC1]

I own a bunch of different dies. For me the big decider on the Hornady dies is the sleeve on the seater die and the ability to screw in a micrometer adjustment. Other than that, I dont find the sizing dies to be any better or worse than anything from a Lee or a Redding, which I also own. The Reddings have the sleeve too, but they are twice the price on a set, which is hard for me to justify with actual holes in paper, as in "are they that much better?"

Redding has some options that others don't, I've never seen or tested the dual ring sizing dies made for tapered cases.
Hornaday seating dies win a lot in my mind for seating stem options, and the addable micrometer is another bonus. Many seating dies have sleeves but not the other two options.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I cleaned the shipping oils off them. Put some dry lube on them as per the instructions. The press is out for delivery.