Who makes the best dies
- Thread starter JB
- Start date
Chinbullco
Regular
- Location
- NW Alberta
Best dies?
Neil Jones, L. E. Wilson, Redding.
Hornady dies would be the worst, with the sliding de-priming stem requiring vise grips and pipe wrenches to lock. If using Dillon press and die plates why not use Dillon dies. If thinking Hornady dies in Dillon press you will need large vise grips and small pipe wrench.
Neil Jones, L. E. Wilson, Redding.
Hornady dies would be the worst, with the sliding de-priming stem requiring vise grips and pipe wrenches to lock. If using Dillon press and die plates why not use Dillon dies. If thinking Hornady dies in Dillon press you will need large vise grips and small pipe wrench.
If I'm buying new I go with RCBS, because that's what stores seem to stock.
I've bought used Lyman stuff if the price is right.
I've bought some Lee dies for calibres that I do not load much for (for $25 it's hard to resist). Only thing I don't like with Lee is the loosey-goosey o-ring setup instead of grub screws and locking nuts.
I've bought used Lyman stuff if the price is right.
I've bought some Lee dies for calibres that I do not load much for (for $25 it's hard to resist). Only thing I don't like with Lee is the loosey-goosey o-ring setup instead of grub screws and locking nuts.
CreamySmooth
CGN frequent flyer
I prefer the Hornady dies actually. Most of the adjustments are easier to make than my RCBS or Lyman dies. Never tried Dillon though. Easily an easier die to use than the RCBS ones. As well, it actually feels nicer in the hand because they do a better job at deburring their product.
... Admittedly I don't do the Bench rest/Precision Shooting, and therefore don't use or need the "Competition Dies". So, my vote based on price, availability and aftermarket and Warranty, goes to RCBS. The only time I needed Warranty/Aftermarket service, was getting a part for well used, bought used, set of Dies. Very prompt and FREE replacement parts ! ..... It's nice if you can get, and use, the Carbide dies, a little cleaner an one less step to deal with. ..... 'Worth looking around for used Dies, rather than spending the extra for new,. Money saved can be better used on supplies etc. ....... David K
For 9mm, regardless of the set of dies you use, pick up the single Lee Factory Crimp Die. It is a carbide die that crimps and post sizes the completed round.
Note, that even with carbide dies, I use a quick spray of case lube on top of my bucket of brass. You will notice the difference. Reapply when sizing get a little harder, another quick spray fixes it. There is so little lube, I don't bother with removal.
Note, that even with carbide dies, I use a quick spray of case lube on top of my bucket of brass. You will notice the difference. Reapply when sizing get a little harder, another quick spray fixes it. There is so little lube, I don't bother with removal.
... I buy what ever is there. I like lee because I don't have to worry about the shell holder, especially for calibers that I don't intend to mass load for. I REALLY like the fine adjustment on the hornady dies also like the bullet holding system, rcbs seem to be better for quick loading, a little more tolerant to accidental shoulder lubing (my lee dies will dent them every time).. .. I like them all, they all save me money
I use redding dies almost exclusively now, although I own several brands. One day I will probably sell off all the lee, RCBS, Hornady and other miscellaneous brands I own as I think all but two have been replaced with redding now.
Chinbullco
Regular
- Location
- NW Alberta
I have several Redding die sets that gather dust. I use Redding body dies on loaded ammo when chambering gets tough. I use Lee collet dies and Wilson seaters for my match ammo. The Wilson seater die is faster and more precise than Redding competition seaters. When a three die custom competition Redding die set approaches $300.00 it should do a better job than a $29.00 Lee and a $37.00 Wilson.
