I see that some use Lee, Hornady, etc die sets, etc and wondered if this was a Ford vs Dodge vs Chevy, etc thing or what ?

I'm new to reloading, but like anything I do, I love learning and like hearing (read in this case) others thoughts and/or views ?

I use Hornady equipment mainly such as; single stage press, balance beam, dies, etc, because it's a personal preference and I like what Hornady  has done, stands for, etc.

Please, this thread is to see what others like, etc and not a bashing thread

Well I started over 35 years ago with RCBS equipment and I use their 10mm carbide dies this was before the 40S&W was conceived, so they are too long to properly crimp the shorter 40S&W rounds.  These dies had served me very well and still do to this day.

If I had been born rich, instead of so good looking , I would use more of the Dillon dies and products.  I have several of their dies sets and they are great to work with, even on my single stage presses.  Working with the 9x25Dillon cartridge and dies and also with the 357Sig set shows why they are more expensive and worth the prices.  They have dual carbide sizing sections  for the casing body and the neck sections as well, giving a smooth operation. 

I tried the LEE 357Sig dies at first, but they being steel started gauling the brass even with lube...HOWEVER I use the LEE FCD with its guts removed as a "pass-through sizer", this has become the single most important step to restoring my brass to provide proper dimensions at the lower part of the casings.  This step has allowed the brass to fit a cartridge case gauge and improve feeding in all of my guns and barrel chambers (some almost as tight as a case gauge).

One thing I can say is, companies like RCBS, Dillon, Hornady & Lyman they have "NO BS" warranty services.    Lee is like two years... :'(

I started loading over forty years ago using the Lee Loaders
After thousands of Rounds loaded with the Lee Loader, I bought an Original Lee (non-indexing) Turret Press, but have always used RCBS Dies

I have Lee, RCBS, Hornady, and Redding dies. Never seen much of a difference between them. All make good reloads.