any suggestions? ease of use is probably most important

carbide aLL THE Way

+1 on carbide.
But are you asking about a brand????
Redding first then lee or RCBS. If you buy lee dies get some new lock rings the nuts they supply are next to useless
Kerry

I use and really like Redding's Titanium Carbide Die Set in 45 ACP for single stage presses. If you are going progressive, then I'd recommend their Pro Series Titanium Carbide Set. They have a large radius at the mouth for easy case entry.

Kevin

I have cut off the radius of some Lee Carbide 45apc dies [with Diamond abrasives] to resize the web for a tight chambered 45acp rifle I built. Some of the Carbide rings would crack.

Dillon.

Redding carbide sizer
Lee expander if using an AutoDisc powder measure.
Hornady seating die.
Lee carbide crimp die.

Now if only someone would put them together in a single package.

they do there called rcbs.

Best dies for any straight wall case is Lyman or Redding.

That's because of their two-step and flare plug in the expander die. (Redding copied the Lyman design) That expander makes it very easy to seat either jacketed or cast bullet without damaging the base. And they won't over flair any slightly long cases either, as other die sets will surely do. Anyone's carbide sizer and seater will do nicely.

Add the Lee FCD for a perfect four die set.

I have a set of Lee carbide dies and have no complaints. I don't know about how they work on a progressive press because I reload on an O-frame press, but for me they work just fine and make very fine ammo.

...and the price is right!

Redding, bar-none, makes the best dies I have ever used. For Straight walled cartridges, buy carbide and be done with it.

My preferences for taper crimped pistol cartridge dies:

Anyone's carbide or Titanium Nitride sizing die
Lyman or Redding expander
Hornady seating die
anyone's taper crimp die

Hornady has the best lock rings.

Andy

I would recommend Hornady Titanium Nitride or RCBS Carbide dies. I also hear Redding dies are top quality but have no personal experience with them.

I like Dillon also.

The only issue for others is that the flare is developed at the powder position, not in any of the die.

Yep Carbide or Tin RCBS REDDING or DILLON . There all really good quality Dies .

If you had asked prior to two weeks ago . I could have sold you a NIB set of RCBS for # 25.00 .

I had an extra set which never had been opened . I sold them actually traded them .