Are all die sets created equal

[Mj30wilson900]

We all have bought dies that claim accurate loads being produced.
What is the difference between a premium Redding say or a match dies set or a standard Lee dies set?
I could see maybe if one was carbide or regular steel but why does certain dies command $30-$40 more? Is it just features like micrometer adjustments or is it tolerances?

 

[supercorndogs]

Not sure. I use Lee, RCBS, Hornady, I guess I have a redding for 20 practical, and some Bonanza for 280. My opnion would be as long as the die sizes enough to work well with your chamber. Most can't shoot diffrence.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

We all have bought dies that claim accurate loads being produced.
What is the difference between a premium Redding say or a match dies set or a standard Lee dies set?
I could see maybe if one was carbide or regular steel but why does certain dies command $30-$40 more? Is it just features like micrometer adjustments or is it tolerances?

Micrometer adjustments don’t come cheap!!

The Redding seater is all about micrometer and alignment. $30 -40 for the extra machining and tolerancing (remember it is a seater, not a sizer) to add micrometer adjustment is a cheap date!

For the “most”’part, though good quality dies are
All in the same ballpark price and tolerance-wise. Added features bump prices… and some marketing, most likely.

But pretty hard to find dies today that are not a good Deal, given the manufacturing steps involved!! And as corn dogs said above… not many can shoot the difference!!

Cheers!

Sirhr

 

[Maurygold]

We all have bought dies that claim accurate loads being produced.
What is the difference between a premium Redding say or a match dies set or a standard Lee dies set?
I could see maybe if one was carbide or regular steel but why does certain dies command $30-$40 more? Is it just features like micrometer adjustments or is it tolerances?

tolerances, execution and design (yes there is some innovation on sizing dies - SAC and 419).

My recommendation: buy whidden. If you’re just wanting to spend more - micron, or SAC

 

[Kadams1563]

I would like to test my Redding dies to a set of Area 419 BUT 1. I don’t have any of the tools to test anything and 2. Lots of damn money when I already make accurate ammo lol.

 

[diggler1833]

All dies are NOT created equal.

That being said, I've made some fantastically consistent and small shooting loads with inexpensive dies over the years. The bulk of accuracy will come from your attention to detail and consistency in your processes.

 

[Chris1972]

I can’t measure the difference between my SAC modular sizing die and my Redding Competition. I can say the SAC has not shown even the beginning of a donut, while the Redding does. Both Lapua brass.

 

[Mj30wilson900]

I can’t measure the difference between my SAC modular sizing die and my Redding Competition. I can say the SAC has not shown even the beginning of a donut, while the Redding does. Both Lapua brass.

Donut?

 

[Malum Prohibitum]

 

[918v]

There is a fifth way: use a Lee Collet Neck Die prior to FL sizing. It prevents the donut from forming in the first place.

 

[Maurygold]

There is a fifth way: use a Lee Collet Neck Die prior to FL sizing. It prevents the donut from forming in the first place.

Ew. Just use a proper sizing die

 

[spife7980]

Donut that’s an issue being defined as the unsized portion of the neck due to bushing chamfer? Or the migration of shoulder material forward thickening into the neck?

 

[Chris1972]

In all fairness to the donut on the Redding, it’s a standard .260 Remington while the SAC is 7-08 AI. The shoulder angle could be making the difference, although when I was using the standard 7-08 with a SAC I didn’t have any either. That was just 3 firings per case though.

 

[918v]

Ew. Just use a proper sizing die

A proper sizing die will not stop the formation of a donut.

 

[moaorbust]

I have tried Forster, RCBS, SAC, Redding and Whidden dies. No die has blown my socks off. As long as the die uses bushings they are all equivalent to me.

 

[Chris1972]

I was amazed at how tight some of the non bushing standard sizing dies are once I understood the process. No wonder people have issues with necks splitting prematurely.

 

[918v]

I was amazed at how tight some of the non bushing standard sizing dies are once I understood the process. No wonder people have issues with necks splitting prematurely.

Standard sizing dies are designed for the thinnest brass. So if you’re using thicker brass you’ll encounter more resistance.