What are your thoughts on Redding Pro-Series dies?

[Rockrivr1]

I'm looking at a set of Redding Pro-Series dies to start loading 500 S&W in my Dillon 550B. I'm pretty new to reloading and am only reloading 45acp right now, so this will be my second caliber. Dillon doesn't make a die set for 500 S&W so I'm starting to look around. I'm noticing that most die makers include an expander in their set for this caliber, but I'm not going to need that with the Dillon setup. Plus these sets seat and crimp the round in the same step, leaving one station open on my press. Not sure I like that.

The Redding dies seem to be a little more expensive then others so before I buy I'd like to see what others think about them.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Walkalong]

Very nice, pricey to match.

 

[Turk]

Redding Dies are what my father-in-law always said about shotguns. "There are shotguns and then there's the Browning A-5" Of the 29 calibers I reload 25 are Redding. My opinion is you won't find better. Yes they are a tad bit more expensive but they'll last your life time.

Turk

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Can't buy better but....

Can't buy better but in some cases the Redding Pro dies are not quite so well funnelled as Dillon dies for use in a progressive press (despite advertisements) - not a choice where Dillon doesn't offer a set.

- I never seat and crimp in one operation myself - if appropriate I back off the seating die - but also use a Redding Competition Micrometer seating die which is handy for adjusting from the top in a Dillon (nothing wrong with Forster Benchrest and RCBS Competition or other non-crimping seaters in approprate cartridges) - and buy a crimping die (roll or taper as appropriate) to crimp only.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Unless there's some particular reason you'd want to spend that kind of money, I'd simply go with Lee dies if Lee makes that caliber. I find their 4 die sets to be excellent dies, they'll work well in your 550 and they don't cost a fortune.

The only time I'm willing to spend that kind of money on dies is when I'm loading for a long range rifle I've spent a bunch of money on and am looking for accuracy in the 600-1000 yard range.

I think it would depend a lot on your application though. That's a big caliber pistol and you may be looking for extreme long range accuracy for hunting, etc. I think I'd make my decision, were I you, on the application. If you're just punching paper at 100 yards or less, I would buy Lee. If you've got a more serious application in mind, I'd go with the Redding dies and perhaps get a Lee Factory Crimp die to crimp with.

Regards,

Dave

 

[cheygriz]

Redding Pro dies cost more. Much more. And they're darn well worth every penny of it!

Yeah, you can buy cheaper dies. but they're just that. Cheaper dies!:banghead: Why would you want a Kia when you can have a Mercedes?

I know the disciples of the " Holy Church of Saint Lee" will descend on me in all of their wrath, but you can't pay junk price and expect to get top quality.

It just aint agonna happen folks!

 

[CMcDermott]

I use the Redding Pro dies for all my pistol calibers, quality does cost more but in the long run it's also worth it. I use these dies and the Lyman "M" dies as expanders in my RCBS 2000. And they come with the profile crimp die - in my opinion the best crimp die on the market. Some prefer the Lee collet style crimp dies, but I like the Redding.

 

[gator378]

Redding Pro Dies

I have them for 44 Mag, 10mm, and 45 acp. I am very happy with them.

 

[teombe]

I have Hornady, Lee, Dillon, RCBS, and Redding dies. The Reddings are hands down, the absolute best I've seen and used. The difference isn't even close. Worth every penny.

For example - it is almost impossible to crush a case with a competition seating die.

 

[creekwalker]

Redding equipment is fantastic, best die's you can buy, also cost the most. I mostly use Lee and RCBS dies, great QC and CS and they work great as well cost less too.

creekwalker