Best dies (measurable data only)

[huntsd]

Curious on everyone's take on the best dies. I'd really like to hear data on why? "I went from ___ to ___ and saw tighter tolerances" ect... not just "_____ is the best with no data"

Lets say the below 2. Can be different brands
-Full length sizing
-Seating

 

[Harvey_NW]

I've used Hornady Custom and Match Grade, Forster Redding, and RCBS FL die sets with and without micrometer seaters in the mix, and I can't say there was a measurable difference of any being "better". The only FL sizing die that ever gave me fits and stuck cases easily was the Forster, but I was also sizing 280 AI brass.

All my current die sets are Hornady Custom Grade. I like the design and ease of use, they're cheap, they come with the best lock rings, and they produce very repeatable ammo for me.

Edit: Redding, not Forster. Been a while.

 

[skipper907]

short action custom

 

[Mike D Texas]

Curious on everyone's take on the best dies. I'd really like to hear data on why? "I went from ___ to ___ and saw tighter tolerances" ect... not just "_____ is the best with no data"

Lets say the below 2. Can be different brands
-Full length sizing
-Seating

What are your metrics for best? All of them will load accurate ammo from Lee all the way up.


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[huntsd]

What are your metrics for best? All of them will load accurate ammo from Lee all the way up.


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I’d say the ones giving the tightest tolerances. I’ve only ever used 1 low dollar brand am in interest in seeing what you get when you spend more

 

[Snowwolfe]

Curious on everyone's take on the best dies. I'd really like to hear data on why? "I went from ___ to ___ and saw tighter tolerances" ect... not just "_____ is the best with no data"

Lets say the below 2. Can be different brands
-Full length sizing
-Seating

I doubt there is anyone alive who tested a variety of reloading dies to determine the "best". A test like this would require multiples of "groups" shot by several rifles. And then you would have to factor in the human element as well.
One load with one brand of die then switching to another would be meaningless.

 

[Ope]

As an amateur reloader, I've wondered this same thing. I mostly have RCBS, but sometimes when I'm looking for a die I'm tempted to go with Lee as it's usually quite a bit cheaper but have no experience with Lee dies. So I'm wary if it's a bargain or a "get what you pay for" type of deal.

Sometimes I wonder if going with a really expensive micrometer type precision match die is worth 2x-3x the price also? Other than the convenience of the micrometer are the dies any better?

 

[Andouille]

I've used "cheap: LEE and Hornady Custom Grade, before upgrading to LE Wilson bushing die & mandrel expander w/Frankford Arsenal seating die. The differences are largely subjective, such as nicer exterior (oooh, shiny!), and better "tactile" feel on the lock rings, etc. Resizing effort may also be a little less on the LE wilson, as the stainless steel is smoother (unless you polish the "cheap" dies, but they still can rust). Some differences that are arguably more tangible are the better control over neck tension and concentricity using a bushing die and mandrel expander.

It's difficult to measure if my group size has reduced since I've drastically improved my reloading methods and consistency over the last couple years, and my SD/ES and group size probably has reduced moreso due to experience than equipment. Overall, the tangible and intangible benefits of the nicer LE Wilson die & expander make me happy, and therefore I find more enjoyment in reloading.

 

[huntnful]

I like the SAC modular dies just because of the neck/shoulder bushings. Helps keep the case neck from getting a donut at the base of it. Not really detrimental to anything, it just bugs me lol.

 

[Wrench]

Wilson arbor dies.

 

[Taudisio]

I have and still use, Redding, Forster, RCBS, Hornady, Lee. I don’t have two die sets for one caliber. They each have different product designs/features that I like and don’t like. I don’t think many people have tested (with a scientific method) one brand against another. I’ve never seen one posted anywhere.

 

[NorthIdahoDude]

Sizing dies:

I've used enough to have an opinion Lee, RCBS, and Forster Benchrest (not bushing type). Forster is my favorite, and I have no gripes with them.

Lee: I dislike the pin clamping system, has screwed up on me a few times over the years. Otherwise works great.

Lee Collet neck sizers: love love love these things.

RCBS: expander ball sucks, compounded by the fact that RCBS dies tend to size the neck smaller than needed, I get tired of having to muscle the upstroke on the press. Meh.

Seating:

RCBS, Forster, Lee, Hornady, and Frankford Arsenal Universal seating die.

Forster seater with the sleeve makes the straightest ammo says my run out gauge.

Frankford Arsenal, Lee, and the Hornady with the sliding neck bushing thing are all tied as a close second.

RCBS has been hit or miss for me, my 6.5 Creedmoor die could not load straight ammo for love or money. My 30-06 die dies. My 7mm-08 is bested by the Frankford Arsenal and Lee, you get the idea.

All of which is a long winded way of saying, I rate Forster the best FL and Seating dies. Lee is the best neck sizing, and 2nd place in my list for FL. Lee and Frankford Arsenal are tied for 2nd place in seating dies.

Have never used Redding, Lyman, etc. maybe I'm missing out?

 

[Fireflyfishing]

Over lots of time and trial and error, I run these dies for my bolt guns:
REDDING BODY; sets the shoulder. I use the Redding sized shell holders sets to make adjusting the shoulder easy.
LEE NECK SIZER; sizes the neck and works great as a decapping die
RCBS MATCHMASTER SEATER; fantastic seater that’s consistent and easy to adjust.
LEE FACTORY CRIMP DIE; just a little touch does the trick.

Gas guns and pistols; I use Dillon dies on my 650 with ball powder and have great results as well.

I haven’t found the need to buy $400 dies or $1500 presses to make great ammo.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Most of the things you're paying for with the nicer dies are about adjustability, minimizing the working of the brass, reducing runout, or preventing donuts. Those things may or may not impact accuracy. They're more likely to influence consistency and brass life.

I find micrometer seating dies much better when switching bullets, easy to get back to exactly the same setting as last time. I like full length sizing dies with neck bushings for situations where I care about brass life, and regular full length sizers otherwise.

 

[Mike D Texas]

I’d say the ones giving the tightest tolerances. I’ve only ever used 1 low dollar brand am in interest in seeing what you get when you spend more

I’m not sure what your end goal is but sizing has minimal to zero impact on precision in my experience. I’ve loaded with everything from Lee sizers up to Micron. I can’t tell a bit of difference in target. I can see some dimensional differences such as the Micron dies tend to size the base slightly smaller than others. The SAC does seem to do the same as do the Cortina dies. IME variances in the press and or speed/pressure induced by the press operator has more effect on things like shoulder bump than the dies do.

As for seaters, by far the Wilson in-line dies with an Arbor press give me the most seating depth/ogive measurement consistency. I regularly see .001 or less variance when measuring depth on the ogive with an SAC comparator. I buy the blank micrometer version and have them cut with the same reamer as my rifle chamber is cut with.

 

[Wrench]

K&M Precision Arbor Press with Standard Force Measurement Ra https://share.google/c8t8orHeisw6p7nOp

 

[Slugz]

Lots of great info here already. Ill add....

-We saw a considerable jump in accuracy and consistency when we went match grade dies with micrometers for bullet seating.

- We full length resize with out the expander ball and only neck resize with a SAC bushing.

 

[bnewt3]

As someone looking to get into reloading myself, what i think im picking up is that its more about the type of die, not the brand of die.

IE: expander mandrel produces more consistent brass than an expander ball, I saw a video where cortina explains this is because the mandrel pushes into the brass in the same direction as FL sizing where the ball pulls out which is opposite of the FL sizing.

 

[TimberHunter]

Have you guys seen much benefit in more expensive sizing dies in terms of consistent shoulder bumps?

I’ve been annealing lately to try to help with shoulder bump consistency but my Lee do dies and breachlock press consistently fluctuates from 1 to 3 thou on shoulder bump. That is with me trying to be consistent on sizing pressure and dwell time at “cam over”


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[Chris in TN]

I have Lee, RCBS, Redding, and a couple of old Pacific/Bonanzas.

Can't tell much difference in any of them. When I buy new rifles now I usually buy a Redding 2-die set to go with the new rifle. Having said that, I have two Redding sets where the expander ball seems a bit draggy. I've tried to very lightly polish those balls with no notable effect either way. The simple solution is just to be sure my cases are inside neck lubed oh so slightly before resizing.

(Yes, I still use expander ball dies, and will continue to do so - the theoretical gains of more complex systems simply aren't worth it to me. You may differ)