Expensive dies - worth it?

PSE Composites Limited - The next level Rifle Stocks
Bucksdeermanager

Bucksdeermanager

Well-Known Member
I have some basic Lee full length sizing and seating dies in .308 Winchester. If I upgraded to a more expensive set of dies could I expect to see any difference in the quality of the ammunition I produce, and therefore group sizes? If the answer is 'yes' what dies would people recommend?

TIA
 
Bucksdeermanager said:
I have some basic Lee full length sizing and seating dies in .308 Winchester. If I upgraded to a more expensive set of dies could I expect to see any difference in the quality of the ammunition I produce, and therefore group sizes? If the answer is 'yes' what dies would people recommend?

TIA
Click to expand...
My opinion is no . I think that good technique in setting up your dies will give you the best ammo . Also, atteion to detail when assembling your components.

However, that being said I recently bought a Forrester Bench Rest Seating Die for my 6.5 Creedmoor to see how that style seater did compared to a traditional die.

One last thing!!! When I want to buy reloading stuff my favorite justification is "Because I Want it" .

Regarding Lee Dies I have found them to produce excellent ammo and usually when ever I start loading a new caliber I buy one of their 4 die sets if it is available.
 
Well for the 270 I use Lee yeh I know ! but you cant argue with results. 270 fox.webp
6.5 Creedmore with the hornady 1200 yd.webp
6.5 Creedmoor Same load with LE wilson bushing die.sassen 4.webp

300PRC Hornady dies best 1.5 "
300PRC LE Wilson bushing 0.75" to date still testing.
Pay your money take your choice.
 
I've only had one set of duff dies from Lee, 303 British that I could not get to chamber in either the (1930) SMLE or the No4MkI (FLR die).
I obtained some RCBS dies and every round chambered nicely.
 
Bucksdeermanager said:
I have some basic Lee full length sizing and seating dies in .308 Winchester. If I upgraded to a more expensive set of dies could I expect to see any difference in the quality of the ammunition I produce, and therefore group sizes? If the answer is 'yes' what dies would people recommend?

TIA
Click to expand...
It depends on your rifle IMHO. Most rifles are not going to see any benefit from bespoke or custom dies nor all the bother of flash hole uniforming, inside or outside neck turning, and all the other rigamarole some go through when reloading.

Yes there a cor blimey awful dies sets and yes there are die sets hand crafted by the very hands of God on the day he rested from creating the earth. Your Lee dies are neither of these. They are a dependable adequately made well within acceptable tolerances set of dies. I don't make them a first choice, that's just me, but they work and work well.

I personally don't like their rubber rings locking nut system but that's different strokes for different folks. Some do like it. I'm a "set up the dies so that you then lock the lock ring and the things screw in and out of your press without need for ever again any further tinkering" person. You will nevertheless produce good accurate ammunition with Lee dies.

They are perfectly fine dies. Not in standard dies my first choice but what I do really really like is their Factory Crimp Die and their Collet Resizing Die. They are an innovative company that is for sure.
 
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I use Redding RCBS Hornady and Lee. Lee is my prefered choice for my .204 esp the seating die. Its horses for courses. If you just starting Lee will be just fine. So answer is no.
D
 
Klenchblaize said:
Whichever you go for don’t forget a suitably sized pair of similar quality molegrips!

K
Click to expand...

Or a die which is designed with that fact in mind...

lee_precision_die_wrench_lee90093__2.jpg

71j7TQHU6SS._AC_UF350,350_QL80_.jpg


I have to say, the Hornady seating die is much superior to the Lee one, especially when coupled with their micrometer seater option (which comes on the 'Match Grade' die set, ridiculously priced add-onn otherwise).

71wg47ngZUS._AC_UF350,350_QL80_.jpg


Personal choice is a Redding body die, followed by a Lee Collet Neck die (neck 'tension' can be adjusted via mandrel diameter and force exerted), then Hornady seater, followed by Lee Factory crimp.
 
caberslash said:
Personal choice is a Redding body die, followed by a Lee Collet Neck die (neck 'tension' can be adjusted via mandrel diameter and force exerted), then Hornady seater, followed by Lee Factory crimp.
Click to expand...
There is so much wrong with that sentence, I do not even know where to begin...



Unknown-6.webp
 
Redding Competion die for quality and bushing sizing dies for comfort. These are also Reddings but might just well be RCBS's.
The Redding seating die is far superior to the Forster model. The seating plug is also guided in a sleeve where all the others are just screwed to the lid screw.
 
Warner dies are nice from what I’ve read


Can’t afford them myself (and make my own anyway )

But they are about as tier one as they get
 
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