I'm looking to upgrade from "standard" dies for a couple of rifles and need some advice. I've been looking at what both Redding and Forester have to offer and like the looks of both. Redding seems to have some additional features like their custom shellholder sets (incremental length changes) and bushing dies allowing very fine adjustments to your load's dimensions, but to set up with Redding would probably cost twice as much as Forester. Is it worth it? I know it depends on your needs and use, and I'm not looking at competitive benchrest shooting, but I am looking to get the best I can out of a couple of custom hunting and varmint rifles. Any advice?
Best Precision Dies
- Thread starter TGS
- Start date
Cocked&Locked
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
TGS said:
I've never used the Forester but the redding's I'm borrowing from a friend to try out are the nicest die's I've ever used.
TSG,
I've got Redding Competition and/or s series dies in .308, .223, 22/250, and 22/243 Middlested. Body dies too. They are good, no problem there.The seaters are great.
Have you tried high quality Lapua or Norma brass in your rifles yet?I have a pile of Nosler brass too, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. That might be the edge that you are looking for by itself, and without it the high dollar dies are almost "Expensive cool stuff" without a lot of gain. Cheap brass isn't worth babying.
I've got Redding Competition and/or s series dies in .308, .223, 22/250, and 22/243 Middlested. Body dies too. They are good, no problem there.The seaters are great.
Have you tried high quality Lapua or Norma brass in your rifles yet?I have a pile of Nosler brass too, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. That might be the edge that you are looking for by itself, and without it the high dollar dies are almost "Expensive cool stuff" without a lot of gain. Cheap brass isn't worth babying.
- Location
- Hillbilly shack in the boonies
The Forster micrometer seating die is great, I've got one in .308 and love it.
I've got their neck sizer die as well. I've also got several assorted Redding dies.
You couldn't go wrong either way. You could always mix and match, get a Forster die for seating, and a Redding bushing die for resizing (neck or full length).
I've got their neck sizer die as well. I've also got several assorted Redding dies.
You couldn't go wrong either way. You could always mix and match, get a Forster die for seating, and a Redding bushing die for resizing (neck or full length).
Dogleg said:
I dunno about that, you'd be surprised how well little ole WW brass can shoot. Most accuracy issues are caused by runout - which is of course greatly reduced with good dies. The only thing high-end brass really buys you is (greatly) reduced prep time
prosper said:
Actually I wouldn't be suprised, I use a lot of Winchester brass, more than anything else in fact. Cost and availability play a role in that, and it is plenty good enough for a lot of things. When "good enough" isn't good enough anymore it's time to bump everything up a level. Minimum chambers on match barrels, and the best dies and brass you can get.
I have come to the conclusion that run-out isn't the be-all and end-all of accuracy at least after a certain point. Having said that though, good brass goes a long way to ensuring low run-out as well as consistant capacities.
Thanks for the feedback guys. Either way seems good, but there's still the added complications (more components to go along with each set of dies) and cost of the bushing dies and I'm wondering if its worth the hassle. What about the shellholders? Where do you get your dies in Canada? My experience is if you don't want hornady or RCBS you probably have to order them.
Redding die sets are available in Canada.If you're looking to load with ultimate accuracy outside of Custom Dies, a Redding Competition Set gives you
1. a bushing neck die with micrometer top enabling you to adjust the neck tensions on your bullet with the use of bushings and depth of sizing.
( I recommend the carbide button kit to go with these)
2. a micrometer topped extremely accurate seater die
3. a body /shoulder bump die.
At the high end of price range but I have found them the most favorite of all the dies I've used.
The shell holder adjustment set is used once you've adjusted and locked your dies in and want to play with 2 thou changes without having to mess with your dies.
As with all dies ,proper set up(alignment and lock in)in your press is important.
However if basic dies Redding still produces individual dies to suit your needs
1. a bushing neck die with micrometer top enabling you to adjust the neck tensions on your bullet with the use of bushings and depth of sizing.
( I recommend the carbide button kit to go with these)
2. a micrometer topped extremely accurate seater die
3. a body /shoulder bump die.
At the high end of price range but I have found them the most favorite of all the dies I've used.
The shell holder adjustment set is used once you've adjusted and locked your dies in and want to play with 2 thou changes without having to mess with your dies.
As with all dies ,proper set up(alignment and lock in)in your press is important.
However if basic dies Redding still produces individual dies to suit your needs
For near-match grade sizing dies, try the Lee Collet dies. They produce VERY even sized brass, with near zero runout. Paired with a match seating die, these will produce competition-quality ammo. they don't quite offer the same level of flexability - such as tweaking the neck tension. And if I had a natch chamber with a tight neck I might also avoid them. Otherwise, it's $30 VERY well spent
You can polish down the sizing mandrel on the Lee a thou or two or get Lee to do it. Extra mandrels are cheaper than extra bushings. The Collet dies aren't as dependant on consistant brass as conventional dies because of the different system they use. The seaters don't come anywhere close to the Redding Competition though.
