Rifle dies?

[ny32182]

I am trying to decide what brand of rifle dies to get for .223 and .308. These will be my first sets of dies.

I will be shooting the ammo in semiautos, so I want the first priority to be reliability in a semi; however I would like to build ammo that is accurate in those guns as well with good components.

I assume I will need the full length resizer and bullet seating dies.

I think I will also get the Lee factory crimp dies for now as well, but need advice on the sizing and seating dies.

Right now I'm looking at Hornady and Redding.

Description of the Redding says this:

The Redding 2-Die Set contains a full-length sizing die and a bullet seating die with roll crimp. Standard 7/8 x 14 thread. Shellholder sold separately.

Material: Steel

Die Types Included:
Full Length Sizer Die (with decapping / expander unit)
Seater Die (with built in crimping ring and seater plug)

Accessories:
Plastic Storage Case
Spare Decapping Pin

Allen wrench included for lock rings

The info for the Hornady says the following:

This die set includes Custom Grade New Dimension (CGND) Full Length Sizer and a CGND Seating Die. The Full Length Die now features a Zip Spindle with a series of light threads cut on the spindle and spindle collet to eliminate slippage and make it easier to tighten the spindle lock when making adjustments. Improve bullet seating and accuracy with the CGND Seating Die. Shellholder is sold separately.

Material: Steel

Die Types Included:
Full-length Sizing Die
Seating Die with Roll Crimp

Accessories:
Plastic Storage Box
Two Sure-Loc Rings

Notes:
Sizing die features precision-polished elliptical expander to reduce friction and case-neck stretch.

Seating die features seater adjustment screw, built-in crimper, locking retainer spring as well as a floating bullet seater alignment sleeve and seating stem, which prealign the bullet and case before seating occurs.

Is there really any difference in function between these two sets? Any reason to go with one over the other? Thanks.

 

[loadedround]

Basically any die set you buy will do the job. However it is my opinion that Redding dies are the finest ones on the market today for their precision, tolerance, and internal finish. They cost slightly more but in the over forty years I've been reloading, they have been my first choice and I have used them all. Second choice would be RCBS and Hornady.

 

[mc223]

In function, no. I use the Hornady FL set with a Dillon taper crimp. I also added the micrometer top for the seater. I think the Hornady is a bit cheaper also. Hornady quality is at least equal to the Redding
RCBS "X" sizer die may also be an option as it will reduce the necessity to trim cases as often and will to a slight extent extend case life.
If money is no problem go with the Forster die set.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

I'd go with the Hornady dies for a couple of reasons. Their seating dies with the sliding sleeve can't be beat. Their lock rings are the best in the business, and the fit, finish, and quality of material is every bit as good as Redding dies.

Redding are awesome dies as well. I just prefer Hornady.

 

[ny32182]

I was curious whether the "alignment sleeve" they describe was actually a functional difference or not... so it is? Can anyone describe this further?

I had also heard the Hornady lock rings were very nice and was wondering if they would figure into anyone's reply.

 

[strat81]

If you're shooting in any serious amount of volume, look strongly at RCBS X-Dies. They eliminate the need for constant trimming. And, if you plan on shooting brass that has been scrounged from a machine gun, you'll probably need small base dies.

 

[NuJudge]

Are you plinking or target shooting?

If you are target shooting and using one batch of consistent brass, you might want to consider the Redding S type sizing die. I bought one for .223 when I switched the Mouse Gun for match use. It gives me extremely precise control over how tight the neck is of my cases, without over-working. Instead of squishing necks smaller then expanding them, select the appropriate size bushing to squish the outside of the neck to be the right size inside:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=253720&t=11082005
I also bought one of their micrometer seat dies, which I believe seats 80gr bullets with less run-out than conventional dies.

M1 and M1A rifles are so hard on brass, I don't think these will benefit them. Also, if you are just plinking, ignore this.

 

[ny32182]

For now I'd call it "plinking". I'm going to be shooting it in Milspec AR and FAL. Nothing match grade that I expect to shoot .75 MOA or less. I would like to eventually see some accuracy that is good for what these rifles are capable of (1.5 or 2 MOA would be nice depending on the rifle).

I'm entirely new to handloading, so I don't really know what to expect as far as accuracy right out of the gate.

The brass will be once fired milspec 5.56 and 7.62 brass that has been fired in these same rifles.

 

[Phil A]

Reddings are very nicely finished. There is a micrometer seater option with the Hornady that can moved to another Hornady rifle die. The sleeve may not make a functional difference but it seems like a helpful feature on the seater die. Lock rings from either are good. Reddings have an insert behind the allen screw that engages the threads so they can't get messed up. Hornadys have a wrench flat and also can't mess up the threads when locked down. I get good accuracy from either brand in a good rifle.

I suppose I lean toward the Hornady for the lower cost. I use a Lyman M die rather than dragging an expander back up the neck. - Phil

 

[ny32182]

Are there any different considerations to take into account when considering .223 vs. .308?