Multiple die sets of same caliber

Silver00LT · June 17, 2013, 05:50 PM

I made my decision on my new press already(not going to post here as it is irrelevant).

My question is...one kit comes with about 2-4 more pieces of equipment that I do not need and is around $20 bucks CHEAPER.

The small business kit of the same press comes with a set of dies included, but missing one thing I NEED yet it is $20 bucks higher.

So do I support the small business(out of state from me) and buy from them without getting the reloading book I want/need...or do I support the major online retailer who is a known NRA supporter.

Is having a separate die set really worth that much? Right now I only need ONE set. I plan on going with a different bullet setup to shoot two different kinds of ammo through the same gun. Is another set just for the other bullet really necessary?

Where would you spend your money personally? I am stuck here lol my mind is made up on the kit as its a good kit and I can easily resell the pieces of equipment I do NOT need and get the book I want/need. Or do I pay a smaller business more money and not get the book but a extra die set.

jwrowland77 · June 17, 2013, 05:56 PM

I'd spend my money getting what I need, especially if small business is not a local one.

lee n. field · June 17, 2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

s having a separate die set really worth that much? Right now I only need ONE set. I plan on going with a different bullet setup to shoot two different kinds of ammo through the same gun. Is another set just for the other bullet really necessary?

No.

You're over thinking this, because it doesn't matter that much. Pick one, at random if necessary, and buy it.

Misssissippi Dave · June 17, 2013, 07:33 PM

I have two die sets for .38/.357 magnum. I keep one set set for one caliber and the other one is set for the other one. I also have 2 die sets for .45 acp. They are used on two different presses so I can load small and large primer cases without changing the primer assemblies. I'm loading on progressive presses so these things help make things more efficient.

When starting out, having multiple die sets are not needed but are one of those nice to have things. If you are only looking to change the bullet for the same caliber, a second seating dies can be helpful. I would go with the best deal available to get the items you need. If you want to support a local or semi-local business you can do that on some of the misc. items you always seem to need. Saving some money on purchases will allow you to have more money for additional items you need or want.

Silver00LT · June 18, 2013, 03:10 PM

Thanks for the input everyone.

Misssissippi Dave · June 18, 2013, 06:40 PM

I prefer to seat and crimp with separate dies. When changing bullets or seating depth it is much easier to get things right when you can just change the seating depth until it is right. The crimp die normally would not change. It makes working up new loads with different components much easier in my opinion. There are many different seating dies available on the market. Some may work better than others for certain bullets. For me, most taper or roll crimp dies work pretty much the same once they are set properly. I'm not much of a fan of the Lee factory crimp die.

Most 3 die sets do seat and crimp at the same time. This is where getting an additional die either another seating die or a crimp only dies will allow you to make seating and crimping in separate steps.

Silver00LT · June 18, 2013, 09:36 PM

I've had zero trouble out of my factory crimp die. I bought the deluxe kit so I have 4 dies. I seat and crimp separately.

603Country · June 18, 2013, 10:30 PM

Like Mississippi Dave, I would only ever need seperate dies for 38 and for 357 (and for 44 Sp and 44 Mag, if I had a 44). I don't like resetting the dies when I move from 38 to 357. I keep putting off buying the second set, but I should just go ahead and do it. As for 9 mm and all the rifles I load for, one set is plenty, though I have to admit that if you added up all the dies I have for 223 you might come up with 3 sets. At least 2 sets.

WESHOOT2 · June 19, 2013, 06:29 AM

While I try to support my local businesses, I also have at least three dies sets for every chambering I load.
I try to have at least six sets for every chambering I load.

Perhaps I have gone a bit overboard

Geezerbiker · June 19, 2013, 06:53 AM

Why? I only have one die set per caliber I shoot with a couple exceptions but I keep spare decapper pins on hand in both sizes in case I bend or break one.

I have 2 sets of .22 K-Hornet dies because the second set came with my second .22 K-Hornet rifle. I started out with steel .45ACP dies but a couple years later I bought a carbide set. I use the seater from the steel die set and the taper crimper from the carbide sets in the 3 and 4 positions on my Dillon 550b.

I would be very interesting in hearing your reasons for owning so many die sets....

BTW, forget the book. You can get all the loading info on line for free these days...

Tony

WESHOOT2 · June 19, 2013, 06:57 AM

I have many sets because they differ dimensionally, and I use that difference to tailor specific loads.

(I am retired from manufacturing, and rarely need specialized tooling for the ammo I make for myself. But I can....)

stubbicatt · June 19, 2013, 11:07 AM

OP: This hobby has become very expensive to me, and I suspect you will end up buying several different tools as your hobby matures.

IMO, it is of critical importance to have at least one loading manual from a reputable publisher. Preferrably two from different publishers. While there is a plethora of online load data, I would always double check any posted load data against these two manuals to see if it is out of line from the book information.

There are many variables in handloading, I would do what I could to make as many of those variables "constants." So, ferinstance, using the same die set, same press, primer, powder, what have you, and work on one variable at a time.

There is so much to learn, but unless safety is your number one priority, you will likely not be around long enough to learn it. And knowing maximum charge weights is probably the most important safety related information to have. You can only rely on the stuff that is published to be safe.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Stubb.

Silver00LT · June 19, 2013, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Why? I only have one die set per caliber I shoot with a couple exceptions but I keep spare decapper pins on hand in both sizes in case I bend or break one.

I have 2 sets of .22 K-Hornet dies because the second set came with my second .22 K-Hornet rifle. I started out with steel .45ACP dies but a couple years later I bought a carbide set. I use the seater from the steel die set and the taper crimper from the carbide sets in the 3 and 4 positions on my Dillon 550b.

I would be very interesting in hearing your reasons for owning so many die sets....

BTW, forget the book. You can get all the loading info on line for free these days...

Tony

A lot of them require payment or you can not download them. I don't like reloading with a laptop beside me. I print what I need, but would like some hard copies as its cheaper than printing the PDFs and keeps me from relying on technology...if computer fries or internet goes down I can still reload.

Quote:

OP: This hobby has become very expensive to me, and I suspect you will end up buying several different tools as your hobby matures.

IMO, it is of critical importance to have at least one loading manual from a reputable publisher. Preferrably two from different publishers. While there is a plethora of online load data, I would always double check any posted load data against these two manuals to see if it is out of line from the book information.

There are many variables in handloading, I would do what I could to make as many of those variables "constants." So, ferinstance, using the same die set, same press, primer, powder, what have you, and work on one variable at a time.

There is so much to learn, but unless safety is your number one priority, you will likely not be around long enough to learn it. And knowing maximum charge weights is probably the most important safety related information to have. You can only rely on the stuff that is published to be safe.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Stubb.

It's becoming my only hobby here lately as all my play funds are going into reloading...I'm enjoying it keeps me home. Wife enjoys the range days as its time for us together without the kids. When the kiddos get big enough I can start training them on firearms then this would be a family outing.

I've dropped nearly a grand into reloading components and equipment the past 3 months. LOL! Equipment alone right now for just starting out with the very basics is around $800. I just spoiled myself with a Hornady LNL Auto Charge.

Already prepping where I reload to expand the reloading desk and throw out some of the junk to get more room. eBay has been getting a lot of listings from me cleaning out to get reloading room. LOL! I still consider myself new and probably will consider that until I die as reloading takes experience and knowledge which NO ONE knows everything. I got around 1k under my belt right now...98% pistol.

rclark · June 19, 2013, 04:52 PM

Quote:

BTW, forget the book. You can get all the loading info on line for free these days...

Not me.... I'd rather have a shelf of reference books at my finger tips than the internet. All loads I find on the internet are backed up by a hard copy reference. And each reference in a book is backed up by another book.

The choice is up to you with you buy. I buy 'local' if I can (within reason) before going elsewhere.

higgite · June 20, 2013, 12:19 AM

More gear than you need and $20 cheaper? A no brainer. If you feel guilty, just throw away the extra stuff and send the other place a $20 bill.

Real Gun · June 20, 2013, 12:38 PM

The small company/large company thing is a false dilemma. You should shop on price, availability, and service, leaving the socialist politics out of it.

Small businesses I have seen don't even try to be in the reloading market beyond a small shelf or two of powder and less than a thousand pieces of anything else. No presses except the very least expensive starter kits and maybe a few popular caliber die sets. It is unusual to find a gun shop around here with any reloading stuff at all. It's a mail order, big box or specialist market.

That said, yes like others, I have a separate set of .357 dies for .38 S&W Special. I do everything I can to save my setups and make caliber changes quick, if not dedicated to a single press. The question becomes [multiple presses?].

I try to take full advantage of the quick change features of my Hornady LnL AP, even going as far as having separate powder drop lower assemblies for each caliber and separate metering inserts for each powder charge, for which I have a relatively large supply of powder. I reserve another for use on incidental powders and bullet weights (no quick change).

kilimanjaro · June 20, 2013, 04:04 PM

If it's a genuine reloader business, I'd tend to try and keep them afloat, but if it's just a website, then it's not a concern to me.

There is a little shop here in Washington, Three Forks Inc., that I'll occasionally drive 125 miles to visit. It's a genuine storefront and they cater to reloaders and ammo buyers only.

Maligator · June 22, 2013, 11:52 PM

I voted to use the bigger store only because you stated it had everything you wanted/needed. As stated previously, they are both out of state to you so get what you need regardless of the large or small size of shop.

I drive to a store called Kesselrings and support them with firearms & scope purchases and while they have reloading supplies @ times (depends on availability) I most often order these items from poweder valley or Grafs in bulk.

I don't feel guilty @ all. They each provide a service so I say again: get what you want/need from the place that best suits your needs.

buck460XVR · June 23, 2013, 12:45 PM

Quote:

My question is...one kit comes with about 2-4 more pieces of equipment that I do not need and is around $20 bucks CHEAPER.

The small business kit of the same press comes with a set of dies included, but missing one thing I NEED yet it is $20 bucks higher.

Are these kits from the same manufacturer and contain the exact same components? A set of dies and a good current reloading manual cost about the same amount of monies. While the one kit may include something you don't need know, you may need it in the future as you progress, or they can be sold or traded for other items. A new reloader only needs one set of dies for any particular caliber. If in the future they decide they need more or better ones, their experience will let them know which ones to get.

Silver00LT · June 23, 2013, 04:43 PM

The major online retailer has the most value and the things I do not need I can quickly sell or give to a friend. Nothing beats a hard copy. Sorry I am tech savvy and LOVE it but sometimes you just want a book or piece of paper to hold.

Going with the most voted here. Reloading isn't the small stores primary revenue and they have a few things I will support them on at a future date.

Since their both online...my wallet will support my needs prior to theirs.

Thanks again for the valued input!

View Poll Results: Buy from?
Smaller company and get extra die set	1	5.26%
Online Retailer and get the book	18	94.74%
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll

June 17, 2013, 05:50 PM	#1
Silver00LT Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 286	Multiple die sets of same caliber I made my decision on my new press already(not going to post here as it is irrelevant). My question is...one kit comes with about 2-4 more pieces of equipment that I do not need and is around $20 bucks CHEAPER. The small business kit of the same press comes with a set of dies included, but missing one thing I NEED yet it is $20 bucks higher. So do I support the small business(out of state from me) and buy from them without getting the reloading book I want/need...or do I support the major online retailer who is a known NRA supporter. Is having a separate die set really worth that much? Right now I only need ONE set. I plan on going with a different bullet setup to shoot two different kinds of ammo through the same gun. Is another set just for the other bullet really necessary? Where would you spend your money personally? I am stuck here lol my mind is made up on the kit as its a good kit and I can easily resell the pieces of equipment I do NOT need and get the book I want/need. Or do I pay a smaller business more money and not get the book but a extra die set.

June 17, 2013, 05:56 PM	#2
jwrowland77 Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2012 Location: Conway, Arkansas Posts: 1,398	Multiple die sets of same caliber I'd spend my money getting what I need, especially if small business is not a local one. Last edited by jwrowland77; June 17, 2013 at 06:05 PM.

June 19, 2013, 06:29 AM	#9
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	tooling is NOT equal (he said, $90,000 later....) While I try to support my local businesses, I also have at least three dies sets for every chambering I load. I try to have at least six sets for every chambering I load. Perhaps I have gone a bit overboard

June 17, 2013, 07:33 PM	#4
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	I have two die sets for .38/.357 magnum. I keep one set set for one caliber and the other one is set for the other one. I also have 2 die sets for .45 acp. They are used on two different presses so I can load small and large primer cases without changing the primer assemblies. I'm loading on progressive presses so these things help make things more efficient. When starting out, having multiple die sets are not needed but are one of those nice to have things. If you are only looking to change the bullet for the same caliber, a second seating dies can be helpful. I would go with the best deal available to get the items you need. If you want to support a local or semi-local business you can do that on some of the misc. items you always seem to need. Saving some money on purchases will allow you to have more money for additional items you need or want.

June 18, 2013, 03:10 PM	#5
Silver00LT Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 286	Thanks for the input everyone.

June 18, 2013, 06:40 PM	#6
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	I prefer to seat and crimp with separate dies. When changing bullets or seating depth it is much easier to get things right when you can just change the seating depth until it is right. The crimp die normally would not change. It makes working up new loads with different components much easier in my opinion. There are many different seating dies available on the market. Some may work better than others for certain bullets. For me, most taper or roll crimp dies work pretty much the same once they are set properly. I'm not much of a fan of the Lee factory crimp die. Most 3 die sets do seat and crimp at the same time. This is where getting an additional die either another seating die or a crimp only dies will allow you to make seating and crimping in separate steps.

June 18, 2013, 09:36 PM	#7
Silver00LT Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 286	I've had zero trouble out of my factory crimp die. I bought the deluxe kit so I have 4 dies. I seat and crimp separately.

June 18, 2013, 10:30 PM	#8
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 4,039	Like Mississippi Dave, I would only ever need seperate dies for 38 and for 357 (and for 44 Sp and 44 Mag, if I had a 44). I don't like resetting the dies when I move from 38 to 357. I keep putting off buying the second set, but I should just go ahead and do it. As for 9 mm and all the rifles I load for, one set is plenty, though I have to admit that if you added up all the dies I have for 223 you might come up with 3 sets. At least 2 sets.

June 19, 2013, 06:53 AM	#10
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,909	Why? I only have one die set per caliber I shoot with a couple exceptions but I keep spare decapper pins on hand in both sizes in case I bend or break one. I have 2 sets of .22 K-Hornet dies because the second set came with my second .22 K-Hornet rifle. I started out with steel .45ACP dies but a couple years later I bought a carbide set. I use the seater from the steel die set and the taper crimper from the carbide sets in the 3 and 4 positions on my Dillon 550b. I would be very interesting in hearing your reasons for owning so many die sets.... BTW, forget the book. You can get all the loading info on line for free these days... Tony

June 19, 2013, 06:57 AM	#11
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I have many sets because they differ dimensionally, and I use that difference to tailor specific loads. (I am retired from manufacturing, and rarely need specialized tooling for the ammo I make for myself. But I can....)

June 19, 2013, 11:07 AM	#12
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	OP: This hobby has become very expensive to me, and I suspect you will end up buying several different tools as your hobby matures. IMO, it is of critical importance to have at least one loading manual from a reputable publisher. Preferrably two from different publishers. While there is a plethora of online load data, I would always double check any posted load data against these two manuals to see if it is out of line from the book information. There are many variables in handloading, I would do what I could to make as many of those variables "constants." So, ferinstance, using the same die set, same press, primer, powder, what have you, and work on one variable at a time. There is so much to learn, but unless safety is your number one priority, you will likely not be around long enough to learn it. And knowing maximum charge weights is probably the most important safety related information to have. You can only rely on the stuff that is published to be safe. Hope this helps. Regards, Stubb.

June 20, 2013, 12:19 AM	#15
higgite Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2010 Posts: 1,028	More gear than you need and $20 cheaper? A no brainer. If you feel guilty, just throw away the extra stuff and send the other place a $20 bill.

June 20, 2013, 12:38 PM	#16
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	The small company/large company thing is a false dilemma. You should shop on price, availability, and service, leaving the socialist politics out of it. Small businesses I have seen don't even try to be in the reloading market beyond a small shelf or two of powder and less than a thousand pieces of anything else. No presses except the very least expensive starter kits and maybe a few popular caliber die sets. It is unusual to find a gun shop around here with any reloading stuff at all. It's a mail order, big box or specialist market. That said, yes like others, I have a separate set of .357 dies for .38 S&W Special. I do everything I can to save my setups and make caliber changes quick, if not dedicated to a single press. The question becomes [multiple presses?]. I try to take full advantage of the quick change features of my Hornady LnL AP, even going as far as having separate powder drop lower assemblies for each caliber and separate metering inserts for each powder charge, for which I have a relatively large supply of powder. I reserve another for use on incidental powders and bullet weights (no quick change).

June 20, 2013, 04:04 PM	#17
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	If it's a genuine reloader business, I'd tend to try and keep them afloat, but if it's just a website, then it's not a concern to me. There is a little shop here in Washington, Three Forks Inc., that I'll occasionally drive 125 miles to visit. It's a genuine storefront and they cater to reloaders and ammo buyers only.

June 22, 2013, 11:52 PM	#18
Maligator Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 124	I voted to use the bigger store only because you stated it had everything you wanted/needed. As stated previously, they are both out of state to you so get what you need regardless of the large or small size of shop. I drive to a store called Kesselrings and support them with firearms & scope purchases and while they have reloading supplies @ times (depends on availability) I most often order these items from poweder valley or Grafs in bulk. I don't feel guilty @ all. They each provide a service so I say again: get what you want/need from the place that best suits your needs.

June 23, 2013, 04:43 PM	#20
Silver00LT Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 286	The major online retailer has the most value and the things I do not need I can quickly sell or give to a friend. Nothing beats a hard copy. Sorry I am tech savvy and LOVE it but sometimes you just want a book or piece of paper to hold. Going with the most voted here. Reloading isn't the small stores primary revenue and they have a few things I will support them on at a future date. Since their both online...my wallet will support my needs prior to theirs. Thanks again for the valued input!