Reloading Dies, are all close in accuracy?

[Bayourambler]

New to reloading hobby and recently set up my brand new. (24 yr. old reloader)! I say this because I dug it out of my dads shed still brand new in the box! He bought a lyman t mag press kit from gander mountain (receipt still in box) in 1993 and never set it up! Had the dies for the same 30-06 i shoot today given to me. Also found 300 win mag die and a couple of others all in perfect condition. My question is, do you think these dies are as accurate in quality as the ones made right now? Should I buy new dies? Are these old lyman dies just as good? How good are lyman dies in general? And are "match grade dies " worth the extra money?

 

[captain awesome]

There are some differences, the real question is what is your purpose of reloading? If you are not going to be shooting bench rest matches, then those Lyman dies will be just fine. You won't know the difference. If you are loading for reliability,(hunting, general plinking, self defence) full length sizing is best. Some seating dies produce ammo with more run out than others. I would load on the Lyman equipment you have and see what you think. After all, it was free! Welcome to the hobby

 

[Reloadron]

Most of my dies were purchased between 1972 and the early 90s. They all work just fine. I doubt the basic die made last week is made any better than a die made in January, 1993. When properly used a good die should last the average shooter a lifetime.

My question is, do you think these dies are as accurate in quality as the ones made right now? Should I buy new dies? Are these old lyman dies just as good? How good are lyman dies in general? And are "match grade dies " worth the extra money?

Lyman dies, in general are as good as any other die out there. Different dies by different manufacturers may differ slightly in features but as to basic loading dies? They all do the same thing and get the job done. Match grade dies are just fine and offer some merit if you are loading for a match grade rifle. Unless you have a high end match rifle where you are concerned with for example neck tension (bullet hold) and other characteristics it really matters not, a standard die will get things done just fine.

Ron