Questions About Die Sets

[RichardInFlorida]

I've done a lot of reloading with some Dillon SDB's in the past. A few moves, states, and wives later, I am without most of my original loading equipment and I am starting over.

Having used just the SDB's, I've never had to "think" about die sets, since they were all included.

Now, I am looking at starting off with a single stage press (probably a Lee) and picking up a Hornandy L-n-L progressive before the end of the year. My question is: what die sets to use for pistol cartridges: the three or four die sets?

Obviously I want dies that will transfer over to the L-n-L when I add it to the program, so if I need four dies to make the progressive hum, then I need to know that. If both presses will run fine with the three die sets, what is the special benefit to the four die sets?

Also are there any special benefits to using Hornady dies in the progressive press, or can I use Lee, RCBS, etc just as easily as in a single stage press?

Thanks,

Richard

 

[RugerBob]

I guess it depends on what you are loading. I use all Lee dies and have 2 single stage presses. I hace a 3 die set for my 45LC and a 4 die set for the 45acp. The 4th die is because you crimp semi-auto differently. Or so I am lead to believe. I don't have a semi-auto 45 , but have a 45acp cylinder for my blackhawk. But I will eventually have a 1911 . good luck and be safe , Bob

 

[DWARREN123]

I have a Lee Anniversary Kit with single stage press and use Lee 3 piece die sets. The only thing I would suggest is carbide dies for straight wall pistol cases.
I reload for 40 S&W and have had no problems with the crimp.

 

[lordgroom]

I prefer the 4 die lee sets for handgun. The 4th die is for crimping as a separate step. I prefer this. Make sure the set is carbide. I also have dillon, RCBS, and Redding sets. For handgun I see no difference between the Dillon and Lee so price is the deciding factor. For rifle, I just started using the redding and it is a far superior product, but I imagine the Lee will serve you well.

All standard dies will work in progressive and single stage presses. Good luck.

 

[nambu1]

Most of my pistol dies are Lee. I am very satisfied with the results.

 

[Jim Watson]

(Nearly) all current production loading dies are threaded 7/8"x14 and (nearly) all single stage presses use the same type T-slot shellholder. So you can go by price or "features" and not worry much about brand.

The separate crimp die of a 4-die pistol set is needed for a taper crimp on autopistol cartridges and either auto or revolver if you use the cheap plated bullets without crimp groove. A real revolver bullet with crimp groove or cannelure will load ok with crimping in the (3rd) seating die. No reason not to crimp even them separately in a progressive which has a station for the purpose.

 

[NotSoFast]

As a newb I bought the Lee four die set. It has everything I need to start. I am beginning to switch over to RCBS though, mainly in rifle dies.

 

[RichardInFlorida]

Thanks for the responses!

 

[RustyFN]

Do a search. I can't remember where it was but I remember reading a thread about the Hornady LNL AP having problems with the Lee crimp die in the last station. The die had to be ground and modified to work right. If I can find it I'll post it.
Rusty

 

[RichardInFlorida]

Thanks for the heads up Rusty. I tried a search, but didn't find that post. If you can find it, please post the link!

Thanks,

Richard