Hornady, Redding or Lee Reloading dies

[clrems77]

Stuck on which set to get. Using to reload Hornady brass for .308. Shooting out to 900 yards. Hornady set would include Match grade full die and match grade neck die, Redding would be the competition full length and neck length dies and the Lees would be their deluxe set with full length, neck length and seating die. If I choose the Hornady or Redding die set, I will be getting a seating die with micrometer.

The question is.. Should I just break and spend the money for the top quality items and if so which one, or do you think the cheap Lees set will do?

This will be for recreational shooting and hunting.

Thanks

 

[Ultraman550]

Redding all the way.

 

[Smithcollector]

I've had great experience with Redding. They are the only dies I will use for precision work, having experimented with RCBS and Hornady.

In regards to Lee, they have their fanboys, but I've not found much in life where cheaper is better.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

I load my rifle ammo on Redding; .223 and .308 to 1K. Progressive pistol is Lee. Single stage pistol is Lee (most sets), RCBS (a few sets), or Hornady (one or two sets) depends on when I bought it.

For anything other than plinking I'd go with Redding.

 

[Ultraman550]

I failed to mention that I also use LEE but only their crimping dies. They're cheap and work well.

 

[Rangemaster]

Stick with redding seater, use lee for sizing for me.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

Forster

Out of your selection I would go with Redding.

 

[clrems77]

Looks like the Redding is clearly winning! Thanks for your input guys.

The redding seating die will definitely be purchased!

Do you feel the neck sizing die is necessary or just full size each time? Ill be reloading for a AIAE for the most part. Heard mixed things about the neck sizing only. Opinions?

 

[clrems77]

Forster

Out of your selection I would go with Redding.

Please educate me on Forster. From what im reading its a pretty well liked brand of dies and they have a set with a micrometer for much less $$!!

 

[kansas]

Redding for a shoulder bump die, Lee collet die for neck sizing and a Redding or Forster Micrometer seating die. Buy some Lapua brass and using the Lee collet die and one of the two micrometer seating dies you will achieve very close to zero runout. Not as cheap as buying a complete set but works great.

 

[427Cobra]

I would normally say Redding Type S FL die and Comp seating die, but my 6.5 Creedmoor is hammering .3 and some .2 groups with Hornady dies, my concentricity has been surprisingly low, pretty impressed with 40 dollar delivered dies.

 

[Graham]

Hornady, Redding or Lee Reloading dies

I like the Forrester expander ball. Maybe with the Redding try the carbide ball conversion.

 

[Assault116]

I personally like Redding Neck bushing dies and a body die, then I use a Forster Micrometer seating die. It's just what I've found works best for me. I have Redding, Forster, RCBS, Hornady, and Dillon dies for different applications, for precision work I like the above combination best.

 

[datguy]

Hornady, Redding or Lee Reloading dies

I like Whidden for a bushing FL sizer and micrometer sizer. Very nice dies. I use the Redding Type S micrometer neck die also. I also like the Redding competition seating die.

Buy once cry once. I have five sets of .308 dies because I tried to go the cheap route.

I use a Redding T-7 for my .308 loading. It has a Lee Collet; Redding body, bushing micrometer neck, competition seater & instant indicator. Whidden seater & FL bushing dies not in the photo.

 

[afate45]

I use a Lee Collet Neck Die, Redding Body Die, and Redding Comp Seater. I use this setup in both 308 and 260 rem, and it has served me well. If you bust open the wallet for anything, you won't be disappointed with the Redding Comp Seater.

 

[M1barker]

I like the Forrester expander ball. Maybe with the Redding try the carbide ball conversion.

I use Redding F/L with the carbide conversion. Works very well and operates smoothly in 308 and 223. I also use the redding comp seater. Does great for me. FWIW I used Lee FL sizer before I bought the redding set and it did its job.

 

[clrems77]

Thanks everyone. I've ordered Redding FL and neck dies. Now to find someone with a competition seating die in stock!!

 

[NPOA]

Forster for your seating die.

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Yes, I prefer Redding dies but also RCBS dies, seldom mentioned above but are serviceable, nonetheless.

I would not bother with micrometer seating dies based on your application:

"This will be for recreational shooting and hunting."

BB