I need a set of 30-06 AI dies. Midway has a choice between Redding and Hornady CGND. I have never owned a set of Hornady dies. Are these New Dimension dies any good or should I stick with Redding?

I have several Hornady Die set. Matter of fact most of my wildcats are Hornady. While I have no major issues with them the slick decapping rod is a royal pain in the A$$. You need a couple of LONG wrenches to get it tight enough to hold. Given an option I opt for a threaded rod.

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:
I have several Hornady Die set. Matter of fact most of my wildcats are Hornady. While I have no major issues with them the slick decapping rod is a royal pain in the A$$. You need a couple of LONG wrenches to get it tight enough to hold. Given an option I opt for a threaded rod.

Hornady's new dimension dies without the threaded rod are a royal pain in the ass.....I wouldn't give you a dime for a truck load of them!!!!!

They're now making a new die with a threaded spindle.....not sure what the names of them are but a vastly superior design!

Get a real die , Redding.

I have one Horny die 9.3x57 only because noone else makes a 9.3x57.

Given a choice today, I'd take a Redding or Forster die set over anything else.

I modified my only Hornady set years ago by simply running a threading die down the spindle top and putting a nut on it to stop the thing from pulling out. Think it was a #10-32 die that worked. Guess the guys at Hornady are as smart as me, but they were slower!

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For years I used RCBS, but that ended when I brought my first set of Redding dies. I use the .30-06 Redding 3 die set (includes a neck sizer) and have no complaints.

I use several sets of 'improved' dies and their name is REDDING.

I had over 20 sets of Hornady dies hated their decapper and elliptical expander when they came out with the new system I called them and they tryed to sell me the new stems. So I took them all up to the pawn shop and sold them for 10.00 a set replaced them all with Redding.
About three months later my neighbor called them about the 15 sets he had and they tryed to sell him stems he told them he would throw them all in the dump before he would buy new stems so they sent him 15 new stems at no charge
I like Hornady bullets but I will never buy any more of their reloading tools
Buy Redding,Forester or RCBS

I'd take the Hornady dies over standard (not competition) Redding dies. Hornady has the better seater between the two standard sets.

JMHO,

Andy

Go Redding. Lately when I add a new cart. to my stable, I have bought Reddign dies & have been happy w/ their fit & finish.

I have both and love them both. Hornady makes the most accurate handgun loads because dimensions are right. I can put up with the de-capping rod because it is easy to set for different cases like .480 and .475. Just loosen it and size the case. It will push up the rod and then all you have to do is run it down enough to punch primers and tighten it. I don't see any problem using wrenches.
They were made that way so if it wasn't set right, it would not ruin a case or bend the rod or pin.

Hornady's dies for the past year or so are provided with their new "Zip Spindle" in the sizing die. I believe it is a floating design, and it adjusts differently from previous production. If you have concerns about being sold old stock, you can call Hornady (or e-mail) before purchasing and ask if they will replace the spindle on newly purchased dies if needed.

As mentioned, they have a superior seating stem, and their die-lock rings are top notch (better than Redding). Redding puts a better polish on their dies, but the Hornadys can be buffed up a bit if desired (eletric drill, and 0000 steel wool on a brush or Flitz on a bore mop).

I believe you will be satisfied with either product. If Hornady's better design doesn't give you warm fuzzies, get the Redding dies.

I have had 3 sets of Hornady dies, the seater die is great but the sizing die sucks, I had the same send me $20.00 & we'll fix our engineering mistake. I have not bought any Hornady dies since Hornady will not stand behind their product. Redding makes 1st class product.

For my money it would be Redding.

Redding are the best! How much better is a matter of opinion but, they are better.

Forsters are better than either one for only a little more money. Between the two go with Redding.

quote:

Originally posted by Remington720:
Forsters are better than either one for only a little more money. Between the two go with Redding.

Forster does not make a 30-06 AI dies. I contacted them, they can custom make a set for about $175 in 18 weeks.