Reloading Die Brand?

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  • 1nderbeard

    Master
    Local Business Supporter
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    38   0   0
    Apr 3, 2017
    2,529
    113
    Hendricks County
    New to reloading...
    I bought a press at deer creek range and Robert there gave me a 30-06 die from Lee. I want to also reload 30-30, and potentially some other calibers.

    My question is:
    Does it matter all that much which brand of die? Midway has other lee dies on sale, and there are RCBS dies on clearance. I have a redding turret press if it matters.
     

    LeverGunFan

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Mar 15, 2008
    85
    12
    Bartholomew County
    Almost all reloading dies use a standard 7/8-14 threads, so any die set will fit. The exceptions are dies for the 50BMG which have to be larger, and some Dillon dies for the low cost Dillon press. But the dies from RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, Lee and Redding will all fit.
     

    two70

    Master
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    19   0   0
    Feb 5, 2016
    3,724
    113
    Johnson
    It's entirely personal preference, depending on the features you like or don't like of a particular brand. Lee dies will probably do most of what you want to accomplish at this stage and at an affordable price. I have dies from Lee, Hornady, RCBS, Lyman, Dillon and Redding. They all work and the all have their quirks.
     

    King31

    Expert
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    2   0   0
    Nov 10, 2013
    827
    28
    Southern Indiana
    The Lee Deluxe Pistol Dies are plenty good for my handguns. I just started rifle last year and a lot of folks said Hornady New Dimension Dies were the cheapest they would go. I’ve read some negative reviews of Lee Rifle Dies but the Crimp Die is highly recommended for ARs. Not sure what the price difference is, but I would say the RCBS are likely better.
     

    Goodcat

    From a place you cannot see…
    Site Supporter
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    151   0   0
    Jan 13, 2009
    3,382
    83
    New Pal
    Expert reloaders tell me my hornady dies suck. I’ve never loaded a rifle round over 2/1,000th runout with them. Outstanding to me.
     

    Leadeye

    Grandmaster
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    4   0   0
    Jan 19, 2009
    36,690
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    .
    Some items like Lee factory crimp dies and Redding profile crimp are great tools and exclusive to the brand.
     

    Sniper 79

    Master
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    19   0   0
    Oct 7, 2012
    2,939
    48
    I would base your decision on volume/precision wants. If your looking to load a box of hunting rounds once a year Lee will get you there. Looking for precision Redding, RCBS. Volume/dam good shooting ammo Dillon.
     

    Drail

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Oct 13, 2008
    2,542
    48
    Bloomington
    I am still using Lee dies from 30 years ago and they still make perfect rounds. RCBS is also a very good choice and they absolutely stand behind their products. You will likely never have a problem anything RCBS makes but if you do they will quickly replace it without questions at no charge. I have an old Rock Chucker press that I will never part with. Lyman used to make great stuff but they're importing it all from China now.
     

    ckcollins2003

    Expert
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    3   0   0
    Apr 29, 2011
    1,449
    48
    Muncie
    I use Lee and Hornady. The Hornady bushing neck sizing die, with an RCBS bushing because Hornady doesn't make the correct size bushing and Lee doesn't make either the die or the bushings. But I got by for years using just Lee and had good enough results for what I was looking to accomplish at the time.
     

    Expat

    Pdub
    Site Supporter
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    23   0   0
    Feb 27, 2010
    108,736
    113
    Michiana
    Looks like RCBS is Chin stuff now too according to this from arfcom:
    Hi Michael:
    Thank you for contacting RCBS with your concern. Most of our products
    are still produced right here in our factory in Oroville CA. However,
    we do purchase some items from China or other countries around the
    world. Any items we source outside of our operation are closely
    monitored to insure they meet our quality expectations. The only reason
    we choose certain items to be produced over seas is to provide our
    customers with the best possible products for the lowest possible cost,
    or in other words, to give you the best value for your hard earned
    dollars. It is important for us to here from our customers and we
    appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your input. Have a
    great day!


    RCBS Technical Services/ap
    605 Oro Dam Blvd.
    Oroville, CA 95965
    1-800-533-5000
     

    1nderbeard

    Master
    Local Business Supporter
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    38   0   0
    Apr 3, 2017
    2,529
    113
    Hendricks County
    So a quick update, because Lee's customer service is super good:
    I screwed something up the first time I was messing around the 30-30 die height. I didn't make sure the ram was down clear of the re-sizing pin that pushes out the primer when I rotated the turret. Didn't realize until I went to use the die that the pin was bent at 45 degrees. My stupid mistake.
    But found out that Lee will send you a replacement part (any) for free the first time. Guess they figured people would mess stuff up at least once.
    I did successfully de-prime the 30-06 rounds though.
     

    Hookeye

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Dec 19, 2011
    15,039
    77
    armpit of the midwest
    Varmint hunter........no massive volume of reloading.
    Sporters did .5" at 100 with my loads.
    Well used Lyman turret press w Lee collet neck sizing dies.

    Started w RCBS A2 press and rifle dies, Lyman pistol dies.
    Like the old Lyman/Ideal 55 powder measure and case trimmer.
     
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