I have certainly purchased my last set of Hornady New Dimension Dies. I have also used them for the last time in .300 Winchester Magnum, .243 Winchester, .280 Remington and now .257 Weatherby Magnum. I have had the Hornady in all of these calibers, but now I will be loading with something different. On all of these dies, at one time or another it has been necessary to adjust the stem in the sizing die. In each case I have managed to burr the lock nut and not be able to get it loose without making an absolute mess of the set up. What a complicated way of doing things. RCBS and Redding are sooooooooo soooooooooo simple in comparison.

Sorry, just had to vent off some steam. I guess I will go down to the store and get my new dies for the .257 Weatherby today!!!!!!!!

I only have one set of hornady dies, 204 ruger...It will be my last set and I won't have it much longer...lol Just deposited in the trash can...Ordered new rcbs dies today. At the time I purchased these dies it was all they had in stock...Now I know why!!!

Totally agree. After I tried Forester I only buy other brands if can't get cal from Forester

quote:

Originally posted by 300winnie:
I have certainly purchased my last set of Hornady New Dimension Dies. I have also used them for the last time in .300 Winchester Magnum, .243 Winchester, .280 Remington and now .257 Weatherby Magnum. I have had the Hornady in all of these calibers, but now I will be loading with something different. On all of these dies, at one time or another it has been necessary to adjust the stem in the sizing die. In each case I have managed to burr the lock nut and not be able to get it loose without making an absolute mess of the set up. What a complicated way of doing things. RCBS and Redding are sooooooooo soooooooooo simple in comparison.

Sorry, just had to vent off some steam. I guess I will go down to the store and get my new dies for the .257 Weatherby today!!!!!!!!

It's the poor craftsmen that blames his tools, or uses the incorrect tool.

I've never had a problem but then I use the correct size open end wrench on the body and the correct size box end on the "stem nut". I don't use adjustable wrenchs (or pipe wrench) when their not suitable for the job at hand.

Thanks for the insults

Cresent wrenches have done very well for me in most cases, but not here. Probably is my fault, but that doesn't make up for poor engineering, at least in my opinion.

I guess I will just have to stick to better built and engineered tools to save ruining them by operator error.

I agree on the Forsters. Not only are their seaters the best for the price, but Forster will modify your FL die to a specified internal neck diameter, which means you can size without the expander. Sweet! And not even that expensive: cost for the mod: $10 plus shipping.

- mike

quote:

Originally posted by 300winnie:
Thanks for the insults

Cresent wrenches have done very well for me in most cases, but not here. Probably is my fault, but that doesn't make up for poor engineering, at least in my opinion.

I guess I will just have to stick to better built and engineered tools to save ruining them by operator error.

Sorry, wasn't meant to be insulting, was tongue in cheek

I especially like their seater with the drop down centering collar and the seating depth adjusts soooo much easier for different bullet weights than RCBS does. And my regular bullet purveyor stocks almost all the Hornady line and gives pretty good deals so the price is right

I DO like the fact that the decapping rod will just push up and not break if it needs to. A couple of weeks ago I accidently got a piece of 30-06 military brass mixed in with some I had fired at the range and instead of having to call and buy a new part 'cause it didn't "de-prime". All I had to do is get out the wrenchs and reset the decapping rod

quote:

Originally posted by 510wells:
I especially like their seater with the drop down centering collar and the seating depth adjusts soooo much easier for different bullet weights than RCBS does.

So you like having the crimping ring contacts the case mouth when the ram is less than 1/2 way up? That's what it does in the only set of H dies that I have. I'd think about sending them in, but someone gave me a set of RCBS dies for the same cartridge, and I just haven't gotten a-round-tuit yet.

quote:

Originally posted by 300winnie:
I have certainly purchased my last set of Hornady New Dimension Dies. I have also used them for the last time in .300 Winchester Magnum, .243 Winchester, .280 Remington and now .257 Weatherby Magnum. I have had the Hornady in all of these calibers, but now I will be loading with something different. On all of these dies, at one time or another it has been necessary to adjust the stem in the sizing die. In each case I have managed to burr the lock nut and not be able to get it loose without making an absolute mess of the set up. What a complicated way of doing things. RCBS and Redding are sooooooooo soooooooooo simple in comparison.

Sorry, just had to vent off some steam. I guess I will go down to the store and get my new dies for the .257 Weatherby today!!!!!!!!

Yes and I agree. They are just plain piss poor engineering.

They do have new dies now with a threaded spindle. I suspect it won't change many opinions.

THEY JUST PLAIN SUCK..

quote:

Originally posted by Tailgunner:
So you like having the crimping ring contacts the case mouth when the ram is less than 1/2 way up? That's what it does in the only set of H dies that I have.

Doesn't happen with any of the 12 Hornady die sets I have or in my press (a Coax)

I have decided that hornady dies suck....I have several other sets of dies, none of which are hornady....All RCBS...and they are like the RONCO commercials....Set it and forget it!!!! Once I set my rcbs dies up, the only time I touch them is to change to a different die . The Hornady dies I ahve are very poorly engineered. If I had opened the box up at the ammo supply house I would have never purchased...This is all im my opinion!!!!

Hornady is always my first choice. Consistanly less runout than any other.

I have mostly RCBS dies but I have used Hornady dies with none of the problems mentioned here.
The only complaint I have had was with a set of 450 Marlin dies. They did not have a way to crimp the case for a tube feed rifle. I solved that by taking my Lee 45-70 factory crimp die and turning a relief for the belt in the collet.
Worked great. Also Hornady and Lee size dies have a built in stuck case remover.
Lyle

I've had great luck with Hornady....now own about 8 sets. I love the expander ball....like Pop said....less runnout than many other dies.

FYI--the problem with the collet is now solved...if you get a new set they will have some sort srew type mechanism. I've never had a collet slip. I have one of the hornady flat wrenches (about $3.00) and use a deep well socket to tighten the collet....works perfect.
I've had bad sets of dies from forester and redding but never a hornady...go figure.

I would rate Hornady as the best of the cheap dies. If I don't want to spend Forster coin, I'll buy Hornady first. I'm slowly upgrading from RCBS to Hornady and Forster across the board.

The problem most folks have with them is the decapping rod slipping. I find this easy to fix if you use the appropriate tools and get the collet tight. What I like about the expander assembly is that being a collet stlye, it self centers and won't pull your necks out of whack. Also, every die should have Hornadys ellipticle expander. It's just better. Compared to Redding or RCBS, it's light years better.

The second problem some people have is the adjustment of the crimper setting of the seating die vs. seating depth. Keep in mind that all Hornady seaters are crimpers as well depending upon the position of the die body. Simply put, if you don't want to crimp, raise the press ram to the top of it's travel with a case in the shellholder and no bullet. Screw the die down until you feel resistance. Back out the die body a half a turn, tighten the lock ring and you're done. Finally, to set the seating depth just use the seating plug.

If you use the above procedures and things aren't right, send the dies in and get them fixed. I'll gladly pay postage and handling for any Hornady dies you would otherwise throw away.

Gabe

I have RCBS, Lee, Redding, and Forster. I have
very little trouble with any of these dies, and
most of the problems have been caused by
the operator having his head stuck on stupid.
I just got the Redding dies, for a 6mm Rem.
project rifle, and I haven't done much with
them yet. I do have the Redding Competion
Seater, and I am waiting to see how that works.
But of the listed dies, the Forster dies produce
excellent ammo, with the smallest measured
runout. Surprisingly the Lee dies are a very
close second. The RCBS dies are fair. I do like
RCBS for customer service. Just call, and tell
them what "broke", and new stuff is in the mail.
After reading this post, I probably will stay
away from Hornady. I like some of their bullets,
but I believe I will pass on their dies.

Squeeze

quote:

I DO like the fact that the decapping rod will just push up and not break if it needs to.

I replaced 3 in two months. 2 on my .220swift dies and one on my .416 Taylor dies. I gave up ordering new rods (as the pin is part of the rod) and hand deprime for these two cases now. They do load some of the best ammo I shoot, just can't see what the pin breaking problem is. The Lee dies have the same "slip-rod" set up and I have never broken a pin myself with them.

quote:

Originally posted by 510wells:

quote:

Originally posted by 300winnie:
I have certainly purchased my last set of Hornady New Dimension Dies. I have also used them for the last time in .300 Winchester Magnum, .243 Winchester, .280 Remington and now .257 Weatherby Magnum. I have had the Hornady in all of these calibers, but now I will be loading with something different. On all of these dies, at one time or another it has been necessary to adjust the stem in the sizing die. In each case I have managed to burr the lock nut and not be able to get it loose without making an absolute mess of the set up. What a complicated way of doing things. RCBS and Redding are sooooooooo soooooooooo simple in comparison.

Sorry, just had to vent off some steam. I guess I will go down to the store and get my new dies for the .257 Weatherby today!!!!!!!!

It's the poor craftsmen that blames his tools, or uses the incorrect tool.

I've never had a problem but then I use the correct size open end wrench on the body and the correct size box end on the "stem nut". I don't use adjustable wrenchs (or pipe wrench) when their not suitable for the job at hand.

Not pliers & the fitsalot

I think the new dies with the threaded spindle will be a major improvement in the Hornady dies.

Hornady paid a mint to Lee for the rights to use it and never made it work as well as Lee did.

quote:

Originally posted by 510wells:

quote:

Originally posted by 300winnie:
I have certainly purchased my last set of Hornady New Dimension Dies. I have also used them for the last time in .300 Winchester Magnum, .243 Winchester, .280 Remington and now .257 Weatherby Magnum. I have had the Hornady in all of these calibers, but now I will be loading with something different. On all of these dies, at one time or another it has been necessary to adjust the stem in the sizing die. In each case I have managed to burr the lock nut and not be able to get it loose without making an absolute mess of the set up. What a complicated way of doing things. RCBS and Redding are sooooooooo soooooooooo simple in comparison.

Sorry, just had to vent off some steam. I guess I will go down to the store and get my new dies for the .257 Weatherby today!!!!!!!!

It's the poor craftsmen that blames his tools, or uses the incorrect tool.

I've never had a problem but then I use the correct size open end wrench on the body and the correct size box end on the "stem nut". I don't use adjustable wrenchs (or pipe wrench) when their not suitable for the job at hand.

I bought the wrenches that Hornady sold specifically for thier dies......And it's still a P.I.T.A to set stem.
I have one set that would not load a round of ammo due to defective manufacture, the belling die on my 458 Lott set ruined a couple cases before I could believe that it was just made wrong, it would severely overbell a case even when held in by 1/2 a thread.
Like Lee dies they have some good design features but their manufacturing quality sometimes leaves something to be desired.
I Prefer Reddings then RCBS..............DJ

I bought a set of Hornady dies about 10 years ago in 223. I wasn't impressed at all. They should stick to making excellent hunting and target projectiles. My choice is Forster or Redding bushing dies if Forster does not make my caliber of choice.

I prefer Hornady to Lee or RCBS. Haven't tried redding or Forster yet. I like the fact that the microjust seating stem will turn any Hornady seating die into a micrometer seating die. Not just the calibers that the mfg deem worthy of a micrometer die. The seater also disassembles easily on press for cleaning without touching the settings.

I had problems with my seater with the micro-adjuster, the small 6.5 bullet seater could, and did,hang up and mangle the edge.I think the vacuum held it up.Mine was well made obviosly.I drilled a breather hole and chamfered the edge of the seater.

All of my dies, that are not wildcats, are Hornady. They work great, if you can read instructions and use proper tools, and that does NOT include a cresent wrench. The only issue I ever had was a set if 308 dies that the seater liked to put a ring around the bullet when I shot compressed, or tight necked loads. A free trip to Hornady and they rechamfered the seater for free and polished. No problems here.

My new tool of choice..........Pipe wrench

That's right, a pipe wrench.

That collet was in there tight. I think I will throw all my CRESENT wrenches away. They've got nothing on a PIPE wrench

quote:

Originally posted by 300winnie:
My new tool of choice..........Pipe wrench

That's right, a pipe wrench.

That collet was in there tight. I think I will throw all my CRESENT wrenches away. They've got nothing on a PIPE wrench

Degrease it well coat it with Brownell’s Steel Bed then use the pipe wrench just in case to be sure it is tight.

I will not buy any-more Hornady dies I have had to much bad luck with them in the past making my rifle shells to short when screwed down tight and another 1/4 turn. They cost me the biggest Buck I have ever had close enough to shoot. Dam shells went in to far and wouldn’t fire.

quote:

Originally posted by Swede44mag:
Degrease it well coat it with Brownell’s Steel Bed then use the pipe wrench just in case to be sure it is tight.

Funny, that is what I thought had been done by the time I got it loose. I'm not the strongest man in the world, but I'm not the weakest either. I thought I was going to sprout a third nut before that thing popped loose.

quote:

Originally posted by 300winnie:
My new tool of choice..........Pipe wrench

That's right, a pipe wrench.

That collet was in there tight. I think I will throw all my CRESENT wrenches away. They've got nothing on a PIPE wrench

Don't forget the 4 foot long cheater pipe. That will get-er tight.