by Rod_outbak » 07 Apr 2018, 7:31 am
JasonF,
The best reloading dies are what works for you, that you can afford.
I have Lee, Hornady, Redding, RCBS, Dillon, Forster, and a few Sinclair dies.
[I reload for 13 different firearms at this point, and am hoping that I get to add a couple more to the list in the near future...]
I have multiple dies of the same stage for almost every cartridge that I reload.
In the case of my more commonly-used cartridges, I have multiple seating dies; many set up for my more commonly used projectiles.
[The Forster press allows me to have a die adjusted and locked, where it only takes seconds to swap it in/out]
I would agree with your assessment; I (personally) rate Lee as the bottom end of the market.
HOWEVER; plenty of times when I've been able to find Lee dies on the the shelf of the Local Gun Shop, so occasionally that has been worth the time saved.
Keep in mind that many die manufacturers can run 2 or 3 different lines of dies.
Usually, the competition dies tend to be more expensive, but usually have more option to tweak the die settings 'on the fly'.
Often, competition seating dies have micrometer setting for adjusting bullet seating depth.
Some lines will also have Carbide dies in some calibres(especially .223 and handgun calibres), which are supposed to need less lubrication in the resizing step(s).
Also be aware that there are dies that use bushings, so reloaders can tweak neck tension etc.
In Redding, I think they are the 'S' class dies. Forster also do bushing dies, and I'm sure other brands do so as well.
If I have a choice, I'd buy Redding, Forster, RCBS, Hornady and Dillon dies in preference.
[Usually in that order of preference, as well].
If desperate, I'd buy Lyman and Lee dies, if I dont have a choice.
[They will get you out of trouble, though.]
Other manufacturers that I havent seen/handled: Pacific, L.E. Wilson, Whidden Gunworks.
Some brands/lines of dies have more 'adjustment' on bumping the shoulder back when Full-Length resizing.
In some calibres/rifles, this might be important to you.
I find it's often not possible to stick with just one brand of die, unless you can wait.
In my experience, the Phukup Fairy dictates that IF I'm looking for a particular brand/style of die, it will be unavailable for a minimum of 6 months.
[Hence having a ****** of different brands in my gunroom..]
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Rod.
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