Practical Differences in Die Sets

[Bully]

I'm in process of picking components for a new barrel in a new caliber. Included in that, I'll be needing new dies for said caliber. I've been thru this several times before, but this is the first time I'm posing this question on a forum.

In looking at just the Redding offerings, there are 4 or 5 different sets for a given caliber: Type S (bushing), Master Hunter, Benchrest, etc... And that's just from one company's die offerings. Then throw in Forster/Hornady/RCBS/Whidden and it just gets downright confusing.

I'm assuming that mostly it's a matter of how the die operates and the included features but, I have to ask:
Is there any practical, downrange performance difference between the dies from any company over another or in the models offered within a company?

Thanks in advance.

 

[hoz53]

I'm in process of picking components for a new barrel in a new caliber. Included in that, I'll be needing new dies for said caliber. I've been thru this several times before, but this is the first time I'm posing this question on a forum.

In looking at just the Redding offerings, there are 4 or 5 different sets for a given caliber: Type S (bushing), Master Hunter, Benchrest, etc... And that's just from one company's die offerings. Then throw in Forster/Hornady/RCBS/Whidden and it just gets downright confusing.

I'm assuming that mostly it's a matter of how the die operates and the included features but, I have to ask:
Is there any practical, downrange performance difference between the dies from any company over another or in the models offered within a company?

Thanks in advance.

Hmm-
A. By downrange performance I take it you mean accuracy?
B. What are you going to use this rifle for?
I use bushing dies for about everything now so i can control neck tension. There is alot of info pertaining to your question here if you search around a little.

 

[Hal]

At one time a guy posted a target he shot with ammo loaded with different dies using the same load.. I think his last name was Salazar (? spelling) .

Hal

 

[Papa Charlie]

First, let me say that I have tried RCBS, Hornady and now Redding Competition dies. The Redding Competition dies are by far superior to anything I have ever used. I know there are custom dies out there but depending on the caliber, I don't think you can buy a better production die anywhere.
The Bushings allow you to alter the neck tension, which at first I thought was more of a gimmick before I played with it and found that it help to fine tune my loads.
I had a Hornady concentricity gauge that I had to used and adjust the bullets almost every round. Once I went to the Redding Competition seating die, the need went away. My concentricity was consistently <0.001". After a couple thousand rounds, I have since sold the gauge as it got tiring checking the rounds to find the same answer ever single time.

 

[Bully]

Hmm-
A. By downrange performance I take it you mean accuracy?
Yessir.
B. What are you going to use this rifle for?
Paper punching and steel. Mostly paper.

I use bushing dies for about everything now so i can control neck tension. There is alot of info pertaining to your question here if you search around a little.

 

[wapiti25]

+ ! on the Redding comp seating dies. They are the best I have seen for loading press seating. I would go for a custom full length sizing die with a honed to your neck size

 

[Bully]

First, let me say that I have tried RCBS, Hornady and now Redding Competition dies. The Redding Competition dies are by far superior to anything I have ever used. I know there are custom dies out there but depending on the caliber, I don't think you can buy a better production die anywhere.
The Bushings allow you to alter the neck tension, which at first I thought was more of a gimmick before I played with it and found that it help to fine tune my loads.
I had a Hornady concentricity gauge that I had to used and adjust the bullets almost every round. Once I went to the Redding Competition seating die, the need went away. My concentricity was consistently <0.001". After a couple thousand rounds, I have since sold the gauge as it got tiring checking the rounds to find the same answer ever single time.

Did you see a reduction in group size by switching dies? If so, by how much?

 

[Papa Charlie]

Did you see a reduction in group size by switching dies? If so, by how much?

I did see a big difference groups dropped by half. Biggest change was in consistency.

 

[Bully]

I did see a big difference groups dropped by half. Biggest change was in consistency.

That's awesome and pretty much what I'm looking for. You're, so far, a data point of one but it's a start.

 

[Sheldon N]

One thing you should be considering in your decision is the match of your chamber size to the size of the full length sizing die. Regardless of the manufacturer, if your die is not sufficiently sizing the case then you will eventually run into problems. Most common issues are click on bolt lift or harder extraction when your die does not size the base of the case enough. Solution is to either know your reamer spec and the specs on the dies, or go custom.

 

[Webster]

I'm in process of picking components for a new barrel in a new caliber. Included in that, I'll be needing new dies for said caliber. I've been thru this several times before, but this is the first time I'm posing this question on a forum.

In looking at just the Redding offerings, there are 4 or 5 different sets for a given caliber: Type S (bushing), Master Hunter, Benchrest, etc... And that's just from one company's die offerings. Then throw in Forster/Hornady/RCBS/Whidden and it just gets downright confusing.

I'm assuming that mostly it's a matter of how the die operates and the included features but, I have to ask:
Is there any practical, downrange performance difference between the dies from any company over another or in the models offered within a company?

Thanks in advance.

First on my buy list. Buy a barrel from one of the best barrel makers. Bartlein and Kreiger are the most popular with short range serious shooters. Other great barrels Hart & Shilan.

The barrel quality will be more important than what brand dies you buy.

 

[Bully]

Really, I'm wondering whether or not the differences between companies or WITHIN a company's die sets make a difference in accuracy. IE: does the Benchrest die set offer measurable accuracy differences over the Precision Hunter die set, both from Redding? There is a relatively large price discrepancy and I am wondering if the difference in price is justified from an accuracy standpoint for the average guy. I believe the Benchrest set has some additional bells and whistles to make accurate reloading easier for the guy that is knowledgeable about disciplined reloading practices but for the average shooter looking for a good time on the range with a rifle that shoots well, or at least well enough, under all conditions... I'm not so sure.
My attempt at clarifying my OP.

 

[okie]

Really, I'm wondering whether or not the differences between companies or WITHIN a company's die sets make a difference in accuracy. IE: does the Benchrest die set offer measurable accuracy differences over the Precision Hunter die set, both from Redding? There is a relatively large price discrepancy and I am wondering if the difference in price is justified from an accuracy standpoint for the average guy. I believe the Benchrest set has some additional bells and whistles to make accurate reloading easier for the guy that is knowledgeable about disciplined reloading practices but for the average shooter looking for a good time on the range with a rifle that shoots well, or at least well enough, under all conditions... I'm not so sure.
My attempt at clarifying my OP.

call redding tech. support ask them....?

 

[Bully]

call redding tech. support ask them....?

I prefer the relatively impartial opinions on here rather than the exceedingly skewed opinions from a manufacturer.

 

[okie]

I prefer the relatively impartial opinions on here rather than the exceedingly skewed opinions from a manufacturer.

take both sources with a grain of salt...

 

['Freak]

The only difference betwixt the different Redding die “sets” is which of their dies are included in whatever the named die “set”. The “Precision Hunter” die set includes a regular ol’ Full Length Size Die (non-bushing) and a Competition Seater Die. What’s whatever you’re looking at say is included in a “Benchrest” die set?

 

[fguffey]

Really, I'm wondering whether or not the differences between companies or WITHIN a company's die sets make a difference in accuracy. IE: does the Benchrest die set offer measurable accuracy differences over the Precision Hunter die set, both from Redding? There is a relatively large price discrepancy and I am wondering if the difference in price is justified from an accuracy standpoint for the average guy.

It depends, one shooter claimed all the case had to do when fitting the chamber was fit like rat scat in a fiddle case.

And then there was that other shooter that claimed all a reloader had to do was full length size the case to minimum length because that is what bench resters did, and then it got worst, he claimed bench resters have been full length sizing for decades.

F. Guffey

 

[Papa Charlie]

Redding Competition S-Series Dies are not the same as other type of Redding Die sets. This is the set that I use, and what produced the performance. I pulled the different types of die descriptions and links from Midway for you to research for yourself. I also checked Redding's website hoping they had a chart showing the differences between them, but couldn't find anything that was really clear. So I hope that this helps.

The Redding Competition Bushing Neck Sizer Die Set includes a Competition Bushing Neck Sizing Die, Body Die and Competition Seating Die. Both the Bushing Neck Sizing Die and the Competition Seating Die feature micrometer adjustments for precision.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018258755/redding-competition-bushing-3-die-neck-sizer-set

The Redding Type S Bushing Neck Die allows the reloader to precisely control case neck size and tension. Type S Dies use interchangeable sizing bushings that are available in .001" increments. This set includes Type S Bushing Neck Sizing Die, Body Die and Competition Seater Die.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018049559/redding-type-s-match-bushing-3-die-neck-sizer-set

Redding Master Hunter die sets were developed after the success of the National Match die sets. Featuring the micrometer adjustable Competition Seating Die and Full Length Sizer Die
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018233799/redding-master-hunter-2-die-set

The Redding Competition Pro Series 3-die sets are designed for use in progressive reloading machines by reloaders seeking the most advanced bullet alignment available. Since carbide dies are not available for certain cartridges, the sizing die is Redding's unique 91000 series in heat treated steel. The Competition Bullet Seating Die is included to precisely position the bullet. For a tighter, more uniform roll type crimp, the Profile Crimp Die is used. No expander die is included, as most popular progressive machines expand the case mouth at the powder metering station.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012575915/redding-competition-pro-series-3-die-set

Redding Competition Pro Series Carbide 3-Die Sets were designed for use in progressive presses when producing a high volume of precise ammunition is desired. These die sets feature a Dual Ring Carbide Sizing Die, Competition Seating Die and Profile Crimp Die (a Taper Crimp Die is included for cartridges that headspace on the case mouth). No expander die is included because many progressive machines expand the case mouth at the powder metering station. Competition Seating Die features micrometer adjustments for precise bullet seating. Shellholder sold separately. Carbide dies do not require case sizing lube when sizing brass.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...tition-pro-series-dual-ring-carbide-3-die-set