High Quality Dies

[JoeSoap]

I have hear a number of folks mention that more important than the press is getting good quality dies. What brands or models of die are considered good or what are the ones to avoid for large calibers? Are all the big names fine, RCBS, Hornsby, Redding?

 

[DaddyFlip]

I reload on a Forster Coax press expressly because I believe the die is more important than the press (the Coax lets the die be the star of the show). I evaluate dies based on the cartridge being loaded; some dies are better than others for specific cartridges for various reasons. In some cases, it takes more than one brand of die to optimize loading of a specific caliber. I think I use three brands of dies to load 458 SOCOM and 45 Cowboy, for example. Unless I find need for a specific die or die set for a caliber, I will purchase the best 2- or 3-die set for a caliber AND the corresponding Lee set containing the Factory Crimp Die. It also depends on your rifle and how a die forms the shoulder.

I find "the best" set by extensively researching the experiences and recommendation of others. Example: I just acquired a 375H&H. My study on this site suggested that a Redding 2-die set would be best, so I ordered the 3-die set (includes neck die) AND the Lee set that includes the FCD and micrometer seating plug. Therefore, I will full length or neck size with Redding and seat and crimp with Lee. Why the 3-die set? For practice shooting, I don't mind neck sizing. For hunting, full-length is best. For my 416Rem, I elected to duplicate the Redding/Lee combination.

On 458 SOCOM I full length size with Redding, expand with Lyman M-die, seat with Redding competition micrometer, and crimp with Lee FCD! How did I figure out that combination? The inventor of the cartridge said that's what he uses! (That's the value of extensive research)

I have a soft spot for Lyman dies but they don't have many African calibers. Hornady does and I am impressed with the quality of their dies, though their sliding seater sleeve is more gimmick than beneficial in my opinion. Redding is good, but not at everything. Note I am using Redding for long and wide cartridges, so that's going to be my recommendation to you for African. I use RCBS Cowboy dies for several of my BP cartridges and 45 Cowboy. Hornady and RCBS are probably tied for second behind Redding for African cartridges.

I have dies from CH4D, Hornady, Lee, Lyman, RCBS, Redding. I don't mind collecting die sets from all the manufacturers for a specific cartridge and experimenting. That's part of the fun of reloading.

 

[JoeSoap]

I reload on a Forster Coax press expressly because I believe the die is more important than the press (the Coax lets the die be the star of the show). I evaluate dies based on the cartridge being loaded; some dies are better than others for specific cartridges for various reasons. In some cases, it takes more than one brand of die to optimize loading of a specific caliber. I think I use three brands of dies to load 458 SOCOM and 45 Cowboy, for example. Unless I find need for a specific die or die set for a caliber, I will purchase the best 2- or 3-die set for a caliber AND the corresponding Lee set containing the Factory Crimp Die. It also depends on your rifle and how a die forms the shoulder.

I find "the best" set by extensively researching the experiences and recommendation of others. Example: I just acquired a 375H&H. My study on this site suggested that a Redding 2-die set would be best, so I ordered the 3-die set (includes neck die) AND the Lee set that includes the FCD and micrometer seating plug. Therefore, I will full length or neck size with Redding and seat and crimp with Lee. Why the 3-die set? For practice shooting, I don't mind neck sizing. For hunting, full-length is best. For my 416Rem, I elected to duplicate the Redding/Lee combination.

On 458 SOCOM I full length size with Redding, expand with Lyman M-die, seat with Redding competition micrometer, and crimp with Lee FCD! How did I figure out that combination? The inventor of the cartridge said that's what he uses! (That's the value of extensive research)

I have a soft spot for Lyman dies but they don't have many African calibers. Hornady does and I am impressed with the quality of their dies, though their sliding seater sleeve is more gimmick than beneficial in my opinion. Redding is good, but not at everything. Note I am using Redding for long and wide cartridges, so that's going to be my recommendation to you for African. I use RCBS Cowboy dies for several of my BP cartridges and 45 Cowboy. Hornady and RCBS are probably tied for second behind Redding for African cartridges.

I have dies from CH4D, Hornady, Lee, Lyman, RCBS, Redding. I don't mind collecting die sets from all the manufacturers for a specific cartridge and experimenting. That's part of the fun of reloading.

Thanks @DaddyFlip that was very informative!

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Different people like different dies, I like Redding, Lyman, rcbs, ch4d, simplex, NDFS etc, can’t stand Lee dies for reloading (had issues with them) but use Lee factory crimp dies. The hornady dies are ok, the sliding seater die is great for small calibres like 17fireball but annoying for larger like 404. I have around 100 different die sets, but not all are for calibres I shoot, some are for intermediate stage reloading of oddball cartridges like my 32-35, I use4 different dies from 4 different sets to form and load for that one.
Gumpy

 

[BC Tal]

There is quality and then there is quality.
Forster and Redding are my go to for dies. For top tier look at Triebel dies, they are next level quality.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

I use LE Wilson hand dies and an Arbor press with all cartridges Wilson has dies available.

 

[Ray B]

Depends on the function. For sizing and bullet seating I prefer LE Wilson and Redding bushing dies. For trimming I prefer LE Wilson and Forster. For priming I prefer the old Lyman 310 tong tool.

 

[gbflyer]

Really the only die set I’ve ever had trouble with was a Lyman. I have 20+ cartridges I have or do load for. I have every make imaginable. For todays money, Lee dies are hard to argue with.

 

[MacJenkins]

Depends on what were are doing. For precision work I like Area 419, Short Action Customs, Cortina, Wilson, Widden. Then for great dies for hunting rifles I love Forstner, Wilson, then move onto Redding and RCBS if needed. CH4D only if that’s the only thing available.

 

[Bandera]

I also feel that what you are loading and the type of press can influence what dies you pick.
Loading calibers, 9mm, 45 ACP, 38 Special. 5.56 and 308, high volume loading in a progressive press, I use either the LEE carbide or Dillon carbide dies. The Dillon dies have a nice easy clean feature.
On a single stage press, I use Lee, RCBS & Dillon when loading 375 Ruger, 458WM, 450/400, 45-70, 5.7X28 and a couple of other calibers.
The only die set I have had a problem with was a RCBS Cowboy set in 38-55. Sizing die was under sizing the case. A call to RCBS and problem fixed.

 

[MacJenkins]

Forgot about the dillions for the progressives. Love them for the pistol calibers. Probably have around 15 sets set up ready to go.