Best dies (measurable data only)

[HighUintas]

I agree with many above statements about the higher cost does just having nice features that make repeatability and switching settings easier.

Functionally, they all produce ammo more accurate than you can likely shoot the difference of with a hunting gun.

The functional downside to Lee in my experience is that it sizes the neck and shoulder much more than necessary and it's a pain to clean the die because of the decap pin retention design. Otherwise, they're awesome for the money and produce extremely accurate ammo.

The last time I bought a FL die set (243), I called Redding, RCBS, Lee, Hornady, and Forster to see which one sized the neck and shoulders the least amount and that was Forster, at least for the 243.

You can also order a custom honed neck diameter FL die from Forster, or send them your standard Forster FL die to have them hone, which is another plus for Forster. I will likely buy more of their FL dies.

 

[Chris in TN]

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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My Lee dies are handgun calibers and rifle calibers where I load for multiples (223 and 30-06 even though I no longer have but one 30-06 rifle) so I don't shoulder bump those calibers, so I can't help you there.

I can say I've had no problems shoulder-bumping 0.002" with Redding or RCBS dies.

 

[bnewt3]

I agree with many above statements about the higher cost does just having nice features that make repeatability and switching settings easier.

Functionally, they all produce ammo more accurate than you can likely shoot the difference of with a hunting gun.

The functional downside to Lee in my experience is that it sizes the neck and shoulder much more than necessary and it's a pain to clean the die because of the decap pin retention design. Otherwise, they're awesome for the money and produce extremely accurate ammo.

The last time I bought a FL die set (243), I called Redding, RCBS, Lee, Hornady, and Forster to see which one sized the neck and shoulders the least amount and that was Forster, at least for the 243.

You can also order a custom honed neck diameter FL die from Forster, or send them your standard Forster FL die to have them hone, which is another plus for Forster. I will likely buy more of their FL dies.

Forgive my ignorance, but wouldnt a bushing die be a good answer here? get the bushing in the size you want?

 

[HighUintas]

Forgive my ignorance, but wouldnt a bushing die be a good answer here? get the bushing in the size you want?

Yes, but most bushing dies only do the neck and leave a weird donut at the bottom. The mfg also have different specs on shoulder diameter, which Forster was the least when I asked.

The neck/shoulder bushing dies are way more expensive.

The bushing dies have more parts to deal with etc etc.

I see the expensive feature rich dies as an expensive solution to something that is not really a problem, unless it is just something you desire, you want to add additional steps to the process, or need in order to shoot 4" groups at 1000yds.

I like simple, quick, gets the job done. My cheap Lee dies make ammo that is accurate enough for game at 1000. But I don't shoot well enough to even be shooting at game at 800 and I'm a decent shot in the field.

ANY type/brand of die should be sufficient for the average hunter and loader

 

[bnewt3]

Yes, but most bushing dies only do the neck and leave a weird donut at the bottom. The mfg also have different specs on shoulder diameter, which Forster was the least when I asked.

The neck/shoulder bushing dies are way more expensive.

The bushing dies have more parts to deal with etc etc.

I see the expensive feature rich dies as an expensive solution to something that is not really a problem, unless it is just something you desire, you want to add additional steps to the process, or need in order to shoot 4" groups at 1000yds.

I like simple, quick, gets the job done. My cheap Lee dies make ammo that is accurate enough for game at 1000. But I don't shoot well enough to even be shooting at game at 800 and I'm a decent shot in the field.

ANY type/brand of die should be sufficient for the average hunter and loader

Fair enough, thanks

 

[EdP]

I have a lot of RCBS dies and they get the job done but adjusting the standard seating die is a PITA. I could buy a micrometer adjuster for each RCBS die set, but Hornady dies are every bit as good and one micrometer adjuster works for all their dies. For that reason I buy the Hornady Custon Dies if I am going to load a new caliber and they are available. I also prefer the tapered Hornady expander better than the expander ball in the RCBS dies. I have a set of Redding Premium dies with the micrometer adjuster for my .280AI because Hornady dies were not available at the time. I like the Redding dies just fine.

 

[Lawnboi]

Also a fan of the sac. It sizes lower on cases as well than most others.

 

[SDHNTR]

Impossible to measure. Accuracy is far more dependent the individual barrel’s preference for a particular bullet/powder. Etc. the color of the reloading box means little for accuracy.

 

[justin davis]

SAC

 

[Lawnboi]

Impossible to measure. Accuracy is far more dependent the individual barrel’s preference for a particular bullet/powder. Etc. the color of the reloading box means little for accuracy.

In accuracy maybe not, but consistency of your ammunition, I can measure it. My main concern is function and consistent seating force. Quality equipment, especially a die does that. A good die also keeps you from possibly having issues down the road (ie bushing Dies and brass build up in the unsized portion of the neck).

Building the same ammo from 1 times fired to the barrel being fried is harder than some guys make it. Anyone can load consistent ammo for a few firings, but doing the same with 10 times fired brass is a different story.

 

[wind gypsy]

I've read sentiment like the below enough over the years. Started off with redding type S bushing dies for everything. Now i typically buy forster FL sizing dies with necks honed to minimize over working necks. Ive been typically getting forster micrometer seaters too but their lack of options for seating stems sucks, redding is better in that regard. I've tried Lee Collet Dies and I cant stand the resistance to bolt close that comes with not sizing the body.

 

[Yaremkiv]

I suppose you could look into what top br/f-class shooters are using and see if you notice a prefered brand. Not sure what that does for you though. Great rounds are loaded with everything from Lee and Hornady dies on Rock Chuckers to fancypants SAC and Area419 dies and presses.

 

[SDHNTR]

In accuracy maybe not, but consistency of your ammunition, I can measure it. My main concern is function and consistent seating force. Quality equipment, especially a die does that. A good die also keeps you from possibly having issues down the road (ie bushing Dies and brass build up in the unsized portion of the neck).

Building the same ammo from 1 times fired to the barrel being fried is harder than some guys make it. Anyone can load consistent ammo for a few firings, but doing the same with 10 times fired brass is a different story.

I’ll give you all that. I can measure concentricity and consistency in neck tension, sizing too, but I question sometimes how much that really matters on a target. I know I can’t tell the difference between .005” runout.