die set reccomendations

kingudaroad · June 30, 2005, 08:21 PM

Shooting .44 mag. Sometimes special loads.

CaptainRazor · June 30, 2005, 08:33 PM

I'm partial to RCBS Dies myself, Lee's are OK, but I prefer the adjustments and lock rings on RCBS.

To answer your question though, it all depends on how much you want to spend.

Short story:

Back when I used to hang around, and sometimes work in local garages, we used to get young guys in there that would stop by want us to build them a "fast motor".

The Old guy that has build many an engine used to reply:

"Speed costs money son.........how fast do you want to go?"

Upon reflection, I can see where that same statment could apply to firearms, and for that matter, reloading.

kingudaroad · June 30, 2005, 08:55 PM

I just want the correct tool do do the job. I don't need to scimp.

Edward429451 · June 30, 2005, 09:04 PM

I never had a problem with RCBS dies that wasn't operator induced. All 3 sets of 44 dies are all RCBS.

(One set stays set up for special, one for mags, the other was just given to me)

Coltdriver · June 30, 2005, 09:25 PM

I would toss in Redding for your consideration.

I have only reloaded for about 18 months. The first dies I ever used were Redding.

I recently purchased a set of Hornady Dies. Immediately had problems with them sticking and with the button adjustment.

As a rank amature I never realized just how excellent the Redding dies were until I tried something else.

Their customer service is also exquisite. I bought a new set of Redding Dies and the decapping pin/expander button was not perfectly centered. I sent Redding a note asking about this. They sent back a note and said send us your address and we will send a new decapping pin assembly. Came three days later.

They are a little pricey, about $60 for a three die set, sometimes a bit more. But I will never use another brand.

If you get smooth and easy operation and perfect results, why search around?

HSMITH · June 30, 2005, 10:55 PM

Redding are the best you can buy under $100. RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, and so on are second. Lee are third but close to the RCBS group. If you have a budget get the Lee dies, otherswise you might as well get a set of Redding dies and be done with it right away.

WESHOOT2 · July 1, 2005, 05:13 AM

Perhaps you might consider the 4-die Lyman Deluxe set; it include the superb 'M' flare-and-powder-through die.

(I have many 'sets' from multiple makers, but I mostly mix-n-match the dies rather than using them as a set.)

MADISON · July 1, 2005, 08:28 AM

My die set preferences...in that order:
Hornady
RCBS
Lee
Lyman...I ran into some Lyman dies with FLOATING DECAPPING PINS.

BigSlick · July 1, 2005, 08:40 AM

Die preferences :

Pistol - Dillon
Rifle - Redding

Nothing else comes close for the money

BigSlick

**Mike Irwin** · July 1, 2005, 09:26 AM

I've reloaded many thousands of rounds of ammo on Lee dies. If you're just looking for low-cost plinking ammo, Lee's really the way to go as far as I'm concerned.

Dave R · July 1, 2005, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Redding are the best you can buy under $100.

I agree completely.

I tend to buy used dies, and have RCBS, Lee and Redding. The Redding are by far the easiest to adjust and use. And they include the hex wrench and a spare decapping pin, and (if memory serves) the shellholder. With a nice place in the box for each of those items. Just classy.

June 30, 2005, 08:21 PM	#1
kingudaroad Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Location: austin Posts: 735	die set reccomendations Shooting .44 mag. Sometimes special loads.

July 1, 2005, 05:13 AM	#7
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	consideration Perhaps you might consider the 4-die Lyman Deluxe set; it include the superb 'M' flare-and-powder-through die. (I have many 'sets' from multiple makers, but I mostly mix-n-match the dies rather than using them as a set.) __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

July 1, 2005, 08:28 AM	#8
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Die set preferences My die set preferences...in that order: Hornady RCBS Lee Lyman...I ran into some Lyman dies with FLOATING DECAPPING PINS.

July 1, 2005, 08:40 AM	#9
BigSlick Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Texas of course Posts: 277	Die preferences : Pistol - Dillon Rifle - Redding Nothing else comes close for the money BigSlick __________________ Nobody likes war, but if you find yourself in one - fight for those you serve with and to make the trip home. Show mercy to those that deserve it and a relentless, ruthless, cunning evil to those who don't.

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June 30, 2005, 08:33 PM	#2
CaptainRazor Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 302	I'm partial to RCBS Dies myself, Lee's are OK, but I prefer the adjustments and lock rings on RCBS. To answer your question though, it all depends on how much you want to spend. Short story: Back when I used to hang around, and sometimes work in local garages, we used to get young guys in there that would stop by want us to build them a "fast motor". The Old guy that has build many an engine used to reply: "Speed costs money son.........how fast do you want to go?" Upon reflection, I can see where that same statment could apply to firearms, and for that matter, reloading.

June 30, 2005, 08:55 PM	#3
kingudaroad Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Location: austin Posts: 735	I just want the correct tool do do the job. I don't need to scimp.

June 30, 2005, 09:04 PM	#4
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I never had a problem with RCBS dies that wasn't operator induced. All 3 sets of 44 dies are all RCBS. (One set stays set up for special, one for mags, the other was just given to me)

June 30, 2005, 09:25 PM	#5
Coltdriver Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2001 Posts: 683	I would toss in Redding for your consideration. I have only reloaded for about 18 months. The first dies I ever used were Redding. I recently purchased a set of Hornady Dies. Immediately had problems with them sticking and with the button adjustment. As a rank amature I never realized just how excellent the Redding dies were until I tried something else. Their customer service is also exquisite. I bought a new set of Redding Dies and the decapping pin/expander button was not perfectly centered. I sent Redding a note asking about this. They sent back a note and said send us your address and we will send a new decapping pin assembly. Came three days later. They are a little pricey, about $60 for a three die set, sometimes a bit more. But I will never use another brand. If you get smooth and easy operation and perfect results, why search around?

June 30, 2005, 10:55 PM	#6
HSMITH Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2002 Posts: 2,019	Redding are the best you can buy under $100. RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, and so on are second. Lee are third but close to the RCBS group. If you have a budget get the Lee dies, otherswise you might as well get a set of Redding dies and be done with it right away.

July 1, 2005, 09:26 AM	#10
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,379	I've reloaded many thousands of rounds of ammo on Lee dies. If you're just looking for low-cost plinking ammo, Lee's really the way to go as far as I'm concerned.