Since I need some new dies set for my dillon xl650 I am looking at many other cals I need. Redding has the pro series available in many cals that I do need. Are redding a good quality die?.
I am used to dillon dies sets but not sure if they are available.
If you were looking for a couple sets of dies what would you be getting and why?
Brian
I started with the RCBS carbide dies in early 1990 they were not made for 40S&W back then, they have served me well ever since. But beings I deal with plenty used brass for 10mm, I have started utilizing a LEE FCD with the guts removed for "Pass-Thru-Sizing" to recondition my casings. The reason was I was seeing bulges that were very low on the casing and this area doesn't get touched for proper sizing by standard dies due to the radius at the entrance of the sizer die and the area occupied by the shell holder or plate. "Pass-Thru-Sizing" has made quite the difference to recondition my 10mm, 40S&W, 357Sig and 9x25Dillon brass that all share the same case body size. ;D
All I can say is I started with a Hornady die set. Tried a Redding die set. Now I'll never use the Hornady die set again.
The difference in smoothness of operation is clearly noticeable.
Forgot to mention; All I have ever used in either are 10mm Auto die sets. And, the Hornady die set I used was their newer Taper Crimp die set. The Redding die set is the one dedicated to 10mm Auto (not the one they offer for 10mm/40S&W both which I've never tried).
I stared reloading using the Lee Loader and a Plastic Mallet
I then bought my Die set(s) and they are all RCBS
I like that they have a Lifetime Warrenty
BUT for the money, LEE Dies are a good Value
I have the Lee 3 die set. Gift from my grandfather. Now that he has passed away, I can't bring myself to not use it. The thought of putting it on a shelf and buying something else just doesn't feel right. Now that I'm really getting into it and stepping into higher pressures I just ordered the Lee factory crimp die. Supposed to be here tomorrow.
Another vote for Redding. They are top quality
Thanks guys I am going to put an order in for the redding dies soon.
Brian
:o I like the Lee 4 die sets, but really this a Ford/Chevy question ;D
Quote from: 445 supermag on June 04 2013 09:20:47 AM MDTThanks guys I am going to put an order in for the redding dies soon.
Brian
Redding makes individual crimp dies too if you want to seat and crimp in separate operations.
Redding Part #85253 = taper crimp for 40S&W and 10mm Auto both.
Redding Part #85520 = taper crimp for 10mm Auto only.
Get either RCBS, Hornady or Lee and use the money you save over buying Redding on a pound of powder. They all work exactly the same. I have many RCBS, Hornady and Lee dies that produce great ammunition and I see no reason to pay more for Redding.
Quote from: doverpack12 on June 04 2013 04:46:36 PM MDTGet either RCBS, Hornady or Lee and use the money you save over buying Redding on a pound of powder. They all work exactly the same. I have many RCBS, Hornady and Lee dies that produce great ammunition and I see no reason to pay more for Redding.
In my personal experience that is not true between the Hornady and Redding die sets I have for 10mm Auto. I even sent my Hornady die set back to Hornady to ensure there was no issue with them. Horandy sent them back tweaked a hair and my Redding Die Set clearly still outperforms them in smoothness of operation. No question whatsoever.
Either other die manufacturers aren't sending us all the same quality of product, or some people are simply happy settling for less. And most times I here about someone switching to Redding Die Sets after having used others, they never go back to the other again.
There's a reason Redding dies cost more, and plenty of us have attested to first hand experience why. Plus, die sets are usually a one time purchase, and since my personal experience both ways, they are not one I'm willing to save a couple bucks on for lesser overall quality.
I'm not suggesting anyone not buy any other competitors product. I am telling you there is a positive difference between Redding, and the rest.
They will all get-r-done, to quote the cable man.
But, my RCBS dies are noticeably smoothing than my Lee dies. I would guess you will find similar differences as you move up the pay scale.
I should add though, I generally still buy Lee dies. They work fine. In fact in the last 3 months I have picked up 7.62X54R and 300 AAC Blackout dies from Lee.