Im new to reloading and need some 300 win mag dies. Reading some of the other threads it seems some dies are not as well made. What should I stay away from and what would be the cadillac. Probably 3die set as I have some brass that is from a different riffle. Thanks for the help.
What dies are best
- Thread starter mic2
- Start date
Best dies are Redding. Get yourself the Redding deluxe die set (3 dies).
Stay away from Lee.
In my experience there are lots of good dies. I prefer RCBS, others work as well but in my experience parts seem to easier to get for RCBS. As far as I am concerned Lee are the ones to stay away from. Just my two cents worth.
Graydog
Graydog
Theres another thread just started recently about best place to buy check there.
But as for best dies, my preference is hornady and Redding. Redding, as they make great accurate competition dies. Hornady, are pretty accurate as well, and i like there clamp style locking rings instead of the brass stop screw which i find is easily stripped/broken and can damage dies. The clamp design hornady uses doesnt damage anything and does not strip. I actually take locking rings off my reding dies, and replace them with hornady ones.
Tony
But as for best dies, my preference is hornady and Redding. Redding, as they make great accurate competition dies. Hornady, are pretty accurate as well, and i like there clamp style locking rings instead of the brass stop screw which i find is easily stripped/broken and can damage dies. The clamp design hornady uses doesnt damage anything and does not strip. I actually take locking rings off my reding dies, and replace them with hornady ones.
Tony
- Location
- California North
For precision rifle; definitely Redding. I use RCBS and (now) Hornady for my "bulk" reloading and Redding for my "hand loading". Seeing as you're in Vulcan, why not make the trip to Calgary and visit Rick and Dustin at ATRS. They stock Redding dies and can help point you in the right direction with regard to your individual needs and need-nots. Wholesale also has Redding dies on the shelf but don't expect much help; there are several die types within the Redding family.
I will add my vote to the Redding pile, I find they are just a nicer die to work with. I use some Lee dies and like the collet neck sizer, but they are clearly cheaper in fit and finish and I have had some issues with the bullet seating die in .338 Win Mag.
Mark
Mark
- Location
- Dah Soo,ON
I don't mind my Redding dies, but I dont see what the rave is about with them. I like my Hornady new dimensions with the floating seater junk...I actually had it cut down on "shaving" copper off bullets while seating.Vintage Lymans are very well built. RCBS are most common and are nothing special...cheap schit for the most part, that being said I have a lot of them. LEE...well...ya..LEE.
I prefer Horn New Dimensions now, but have most other brands that work fine for hunting loads, including Lee's. Like some above mentioned, I have never seen anything special about RCBS but they work. Only dies I have ever had trouble with was Lyman, the company came good for them, but would never tell me what was wrong with them 
Thunder F/X
Member
- Location
- St. Albert AB
Why would you stay away from LEE???
I have used ALL of the other dies as well and "prefer" to use the Lee dies.
What makes the other dies better except for the fact they cost more. My reloads will perform as well as any others and they are all done with Lee dies.
Thunder
I have used ALL of the other dies as well and "prefer" to use the Lee dies.
What makes the other dies better except for the fact they cost more. My reloads will perform as well as any others and they are all done with Lee dies.
Thunder
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
Well, there are those who get it, and those who don't
It's been Lee against everything else for a long time in this forum. I think people need to feel good when they buy expensive things, by belittling anything cheaper. These guys can say what they want. I say what I want. It's all good. Free country, free economy. You buy what you want, you buy what works for you. I buy Lee, I am happy. No argument.
]What dies are best
Good question,it made me get up and look at the die shelf.
I found that I have dies from Lyman, CH, Lee, Dillon, RCBS, and Hornady and I honestly can not tell you which are the best,I have not had any problems with any of them. Some are prettier to look at but no one stands out as being superior in performance.
TGR
Good question,it made me get up and look at the die shelf.
I found that I have dies from Lyman, CH, Lee, Dillon, RCBS, and Hornady and I honestly can not tell you which are the best,I have not had any problems with any of them. Some are prettier to look at but no one stands out as being superior in performance.
TGR
say what you will about Lee but for the price you cant beat them.
i have loaded oodles of 30-30 and .270 rounds with lee and in terms of an all around choice at a decent price theyre just as good as RCBS etc...
just my 2 cents worth.
i have loaded oodles of 30-30 and .270 rounds with lee and in terms of an all around choice at a decent price theyre just as good as RCBS etc...
just my 2 cents worth.
What if they were the same price as, say, RCBS?
Reason I ask is, most defenses of LEE contain the phrase "for the price.....". Combine that with fact that many gunnutters are, shall we say, frugal, and one has to wonder if it's the quality or the price they are defending?
