Getting ready to order a 223 die set to go with a new press in order to begin my journey into reloading. My first loads will be an attempt at loading precision 223 rounds for my Remmy 5R. I am brand new to reloading and I’m new to precision rifles in general too and don’t ever expect to be a competition level shooter. So with that said, should I order the standard Redding 2 piece die set for .223 or their “Type S Match Bushing 2-Die Set”?
The upgrade to the match set will set me back about another $80 and is described as …
“The Redding Type S Match Bushing 2-Die Set maintains exact control of the case neck while full length sizing and uses the same interchangeable bushings (.001" increments) as those used in other Redding Bushing Style Neck Sizing Dies. Includes the Type S Bushing Full Sizing Die and the Competition Seating Die.” And the “Competition Seating Die” is described as…
“The patented design has solved the concentricity problems inherent in other seating dies of this type. Tighter manufacturing tolerances have been made possible due to the details of the patented seating stem system. The bullet guide to seating stem fit is so precise that the seating stem can actually be demonstrated to "float" on a column of air. The seating stem is precision ground to exactly match bullet diameter. Alignment and accuracy are enhanced by the cartridge case and bullet being completely supported and aligned in a close fitting, precision ground sleeve before bullet seating begins. The micrometer is calibrated in 0.001" increments for precise seating depth and is infinitely adjustable (without clicks). Also has a "zero set" feature that allows you to zero the micrometer to your rifle or favorite seating depth.”
So being new, I don’t know how much of all that is real and how much of it is marketing BS? Assuming the improvements are real, are they significant enough to justify the added expense ($80) especially for a rookie reloader\plinker like me? How hard are they to setup (as opposed to a standard die set)? I don’t mind spending the extra money up front if they are actually worth the premium and is something I will probably end up wanting later anyway. I believe in buying once, crying once but I don’t like wasting money either. I don’t want to spend 250% more for a die set that is only going to be marginally better then the standard dies?
The upgrade to the match set will set me back about another $80 and is described as …
“The Redding Type S Match Bushing 2-Die Set maintains exact control of the case neck while full length sizing and uses the same interchangeable bushings (.001" increments) as those used in other Redding Bushing Style Neck Sizing Dies. Includes the Type S Bushing Full Sizing Die and the Competition Seating Die.” And the “Competition Seating Die” is described as…
“The patented design has solved the concentricity problems inherent in other seating dies of this type. Tighter manufacturing tolerances have been made possible due to the details of the patented seating stem system. The bullet guide to seating stem fit is so precise that the seating stem can actually be demonstrated to "float" on a column of air. The seating stem is precision ground to exactly match bullet diameter. Alignment and accuracy are enhanced by the cartridge case and bullet being completely supported and aligned in a close fitting, precision ground sleeve before bullet seating begins. The micrometer is calibrated in 0.001" increments for precise seating depth and is infinitely adjustable (without clicks). Also has a "zero set" feature that allows you to zero the micrometer to your rifle or favorite seating depth.”
So being new, I don’t know how much of all that is real and how much of it is marketing BS? Assuming the improvements are real, are they significant enough to justify the added expense ($80) especially for a rookie reloader\plinker like me? How hard are they to setup (as opposed to a standard die set)? I don’t mind spending the extra money up front if they are actually worth the premium and is something I will probably end up wanting later anyway. I believe in buying once, crying once but I don’t like wasting money either. I don’t want to spend 250% more for a die set that is only going to be marginally better then the standard dies?