Redding Standard vs Deluxe vs RCBS Standard vs Competition

[maffs]

Right Guys I've a dilemma...
I'm in need of a Full Length 204 Die. No where seems to sell them individually (for sensible money) and to date, no one has one secondhand to sell.

Therefore I'm contemplating the inevitable - New!

Before i buy new i'm thinking i need some help.

Can anyone tell me if there's a difference between the standard and deluxe redding die sets from the point of view of machining/function?
I know that the deluxe set has FL, Neck and Seat whereas the standard only has two - is this the only difference?

How do RCBS compare to Redding (opinion based I know)?

I do like the 'precise' nature of seating a bullet but would a competition seating die over the top for varminting if RCBS competition die was a possibility???

Few questions there but any help is appreciated in either parting with £40 or £104.

Many thanks,
Chris

 

[STP]

maffs,

Call Redding in nearby (to me) Cortland NY and ask the young lady that answers the phone to speak to either Dave or AJ in Customer Service. It should help you in your decision.

Regards,

Scott

 

[Halimar]

Call Redding and ask for AJ.

Hal

 

[jo191145]

My personal opinion,,,, go with a Redding S series full length die and any seater you want. I still use the standard RCBS seater I first purchased years ago in 204R.
The seater is'nt as big a deal as getting the correct sizer. Still, once again, IMO theres only one correct over the counter sizer for factory,semi custom rifles. The S series Full length. Spent a lot of money on sizer dies figuring that out. I use a .225 bushing with Nosler brass.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

......I'm in need of a Full Length 204 Die. ....

Chris. Is it a factory or custom chamber that you have? There are also options like Hornady to just send off 3 of your fired cases and get a die custom built for your rifle?

Good luck. JCS

 

[BoydAllen]

Don't forget Forster. They make excellent dies, and they will hone out the necks of their sizing dies for a very reasonable fee.

 

[necchi]

I have all RCBS standard except for 1 set of Redding for a friends 223WSSM.

The Redding set IS Sweet, they are a step up from the RCBS.

The difference between the Redding standard and deluxe is the addition of a neck sizing die to the deluxe set.

All that said I'm content with my RCBS, if proper technique and care is used during setup they do the job just fine.
The Redding use the same type of sizing and seating mechanisms but you can see the extra care and quality in the dies.

It's up to the individual to decide if he needs a Neck sizing die, with the limited range of the 204, I wouldn't,,(personal choice)