RCBS or Redding 223 Die's ????

[Kevin R]

Hello,

I now have a set of RCBS 223 dies, but I am using a Hornady seating die because I like it better. I have a chance to buy a set of Redding dies, is there much difference or will I notice a big difference with using the Redding dies? Sizing,seating etc??

Just used for hunting loads in a bolt gun and I just have a small RCBS Partner press, probably not a great press??

Thanks

Kevin.

 

[alf]

I prefer Redding, but RCBS works fine. Doubt you'll see a difference.

 

[jwv2001]

Stay with the RCBS. You don't know it now because you haven't had to deal with customer service, but if you ever do, you will definitely appreciate RCBS.

 

[Rust]

I've had to call Reddings costomer service once or twice with oddball seating stem length requirements, very professional, very timely. Of course pretty much the same can be said for the majority of all shooting sports suppliers.

Once thing I have learned to like a lot is a micrometer adjust bullet seating die, makes life really simple. Seat the bullet long, measure, dial down the appropriate amount on the micrometer adjustment and you're good to go.

I have a variety of dies from every maker, but all my seater dies for competion chamberings are Redding.

 

[rg1]

I have both RCBS and Redding and they are both nice die sets. You won't notice any difference in their ease of operation. I too have a Hornady seating die with the sliding alignment sleeve. Makes seating the small diameter bullets much easier as it takes the bullets from your fingers and I get more consistent alignment. Redding dies are quality and fit and finish are very good. Not knocking your press but if you want to make reloading easier then update your press for a RockChucker or equivalent. I had a Partner as an accessory press and didn't like it for crimping, swaging, or any other operation. It's just too light duty. For the price of a new die set you could buy a used heavier duty press. The difference is like driving a Pinto or a Town Car or a Vega versus Impala. Big difference.

 

[Rust]

Now there is one thing that I disagree with. Your Partner press will work just fine until you get around to acquiring one of the more substantial cast steel presses like the Rockchucker or Redding. Especially with small cases which don't require all that much force for resizing. It is the quality of the dies which primarily determine the quality of the reloads.

For about a year after I moved the last time a Lee Challanger set up on a Black and Decker Workmate was all I had to load on, the rest was in storage. Even full length sized and loaded .338 RUM with the Lee. Targets didn't notice any difference.

Of course my Rockchucker is smoother, has better leverage and all that. But that little Lee is still on the bench for light duty chores.

 

[distinguished]

Nothing wrong with an RCBS Partner press. I used one for over 20 years with out a single problem. Still use it to seat primers. I think it was Precision Shooting that ran a test of various reloading presses and the Partner at or near the top for consistency. Not bad for an inexpensive press.