I'm in need of a new set of dies for a recently aquired rifle and have always used RCBS and Redding dies as I could find them but it occured to me that their may be a better choice, so: What's your favorite die brand and why?
Thanks for the input,
Glenn

GB,

They are the same, I just prefer the RCBS.

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saeed@ emirates.net.ae

www.accuratereloading.com

Over the years I have used many sets of RCBS dies and I have found them to be quite adequate. I personally do not like the small diameter seating and expander ball rods. It is my experience that although they can be squared sufficiently, they are more of a hassle to work with. In general, I believe the Redding die sets to be better, although for my 416 Rigby, my RCBS sizer does a much better job the my Redding sizer. I have linked this problem to the Redding expander ball. As far as sizing dies go, I have found that the expander ball can be one of the major culprits affecting accuracy. When setting up a sizing die, I like to run the following tests with a concentrity gauge and a Stoney Point headspace gauge: I set up my die without the expander ball/decap rod. After sizing, I will measure the run-out. Assuming that the die is squared, this run-out should be very little. I will then measure the headspace of the sized cartridge and continue adjusting my die until I reach the amount of headspace desired. I then install the expander/decapper, size the case again and then take my measurements. It is amazing to me how much that little ball can pull the entire shoulder forward or off to one side. Sometimes a little lube inside the mouth can reduce this. All this being said, I have found the Hornady sizing die to be superior to the above mentioned dies. I believe their expander is the smoothest and has a nice, long taper which gives more consistant results.
As far a seating dies, I prefer Wilson in-line dies and an arbor press. It is just about impossible to seat a crooked bullet using these.

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RC

[This message has been edited by rcasto (edited 06-07-2001).]

rcasto,
Are you using the type-s bushing dies? I ask because I am pulling my hair out with concentricity problems with that series. If you are using these have you had trouble getting bushings that give the proper neck tension w/o using the expander? For example I find that if I use a .335 neck bushing w/o expander it takes my case to .332 whereas if i use the expander (which I have polished to a mirror)it comes out to .335 like I need.

Ultraman,
I am not familiar with the Hornady bushing dies. The die I was talking about is their regular FL New Dimension. When I use a bushing die, I use a Wilson which does not use an expander ball. I have found that when using a bushing die (w/out expander), more consistant results can be obtained by turning the case necks so that the outside and inside diameters are proportionately the same. I don't turn necks when I use regular FL sizer with expander because 1.) the expander sizes from the inside out whereas the reverse is true for bushing dies and 2.)I am not looking for that kind of accuracy.
I do know that if you use a die that uses an expander ball and you don't use the expander, you will risk collapsing the shoulder when seating your bullet, even just a little, and your seated bullet will have much more run-out than you will ever want. One way around this would be to get a tool called an Expandiron from K&M. This is an expander only that screws to a universal threaded die body. It's primary use is to true the case mouth to a proper diameter in order to turn cases with their case turning tool. However, I got a wild idea one day and had them make me one at .374 to give me .001 hold on a 375 H&H bullet (about $10. w/out die body). This works great and is better than any expander that comes with a die. It is also handy for taking out all the little dents in new brass case mouths if you want to load new brass without resizing.

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RC

I prefer Hornady dies for rifles and RCBS carbide dies for handguns.I have tried other dies,but I seem to get better accuracy with Hornady dies.

Thanks for the info. I've been in touch with Sinclair on this issue and they recomend the Redding Competition Bushing Dies, but at over $200 I'm wondering if I'll see the benefit over the standard $20 RCBS Dies? My gut feeling tells me that for big game guns I'd be just as well off with the RCBS dies.
Hunt Hard,
gb