What is a Reloading Die?
Reloading dies are essential tools used in reloading ammunition. They reshape the spent brass casing back to its original size and prime it to hold a new bullet and powder. Reloading dies play a crucial role in resizing, de-priming, crimping, and seating bullets, making them an indispensable part of precision shooting, competitive shooting, and hunting.
How I Chose the Best Reloading Dies
To select the top reloading dies, I focused on key factors including:
- Durability: Die materials like carbide or steel affect longevity.
- Precision: Some dies, such as match-grade dies, are designed for high accuracy.
- Versatility: Some dies work with a variety of calibers or come with multiple dies per set, which adds versatility.
- Ease of Use: Reloaders benefit from dies that are simple to adjust and compatible with common reloading presses.
List of Best Reloading Dies
Top Reloading Dies
Here are the top reloading dies available in 2024:
1. Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets
- Features: Designed for match-grade precision with an interchangeable bushing system to control neck tension.
- Ideal For: Precision shooters and competitive reloaders looking for custom neck tension.
- Pros: High-quality build, customizable neck tension, excellent for precision loads.
- Cons: Pricier than most standard die sets.
2. RCBS Gold Medal Match Reloading Die Set
- Features: Known for its micrometer seating die, which allows ultra-fine adjustments for bullet seating.
- Ideal For: Serious shooters seeking repeatable seating precision for competitive shooting.
- Pros: Micrometer adjustment, consistent bullet seating, well-known brand reliability.
- Cons: Higher price point.
3. Hornady Series II Taper Crimp Die Set
- Features: Comes with a taper crimp, useful for smooth feeding in semi-automatics.
- Ideal For: Handloaders of semi-automatic handgun ammo who need a reliable crimp.
- Pros: Taper crimping for smooth feeding, affordable, easy to use.
- Cons: Limited to a specific range of calibers.
4. Lee Precision 38-55 3 Die Set
- Features: Known for its affordability and includes a full-length sizing die, powder-through expanding die, and bullet seating die.
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious reloaders and beginners.
- Pros: Affordable, durable, includes essential dies for complete reloading.
- Cons: Not as precise as higher-end options.
5. Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set
- Features: Made with carbide, which lasts longer and requires less lubrication.
- Ideal For: Reloaders who prioritize longevity and want to minimize the use of case lube.
- Pros: Carbide construction, low maintenance, built for frequent reloading.
- Cons: Higher cost than standard dies.
6. Lee Precision Deluxe Pistol 4 Die Set
- Features: Includes a factory crimp die and powder-through expanding die for faster reloading.
- Ideal For: Pistol reloaders who need a complete set for high-volume reloading.
- Pros: Affordable, full-featured, reduces case deformation with factory crimp.
- Cons: Not ideal for those looking for high precision.
Best Reloading Die Rundown
The six dies listed above were chosen based on quality, ease of use, and popularity among reloading enthusiasts. These options cover a range of needs and budgets, from precision match-grade dies to versatile options for beginners.
Best Reloading Die Sets: Individual Reviews
1. Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets
Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets Review
This die set offers outstanding control over neck tension, ideal for match-grade rounds. Its interchangeable bushing design lets you precisely size the neck.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Customizable neck tension, high-quality finish, excellent for precision.
- Cons: Higher cost, might be overkill for casual shooters.
Deals
Look for bundle offers on popular e-commerce sites for potential savings.
2. RCBS Gold Medal Match Reloading Die Set
RCBS Gold Medal Match Reloading Die Set Review
A favorite among competitive shooters, this set offers micrometer bullet seating, allowing for easy, precise adjustments.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Micrometer seating adjustment, reliable performance, durable.
- Cons: Higher price point compared to general-purpose dies.
Deals
Check with shooting supply retailers for deals on this high-end die set.
3. Hornady Series II Taper Crimp Die Set
Hornady Series II Taper Crimp Die Set Review
Ideal for pistol cartridges, this die set’s taper crimp ensures consistent feeding and reliability, especially in semi-automatics.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Affordable, easy taper crimping for reliable feeding, suitable for semi-automatics.
- Cons: Limited to specific calibers.
Deals
Hornady often offers seasonal discounts, so check with retailers around sales events.
4. Lee Precision 38-55 3 Die Set
Lee Precision 38-55 3 Die Set Review
This budget-friendly set includes essential dies for reloading and is a great option for beginners or casual reloaders.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Cost-effective, reliable, easy to use.
- Cons: Not as customizable or precise as premium die sets.
Deals
Many retailers offer discounts on Lee products, especially in starter kits.
5. Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set
Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set Review
Built for longevity, this carbide die set is perfect for high-volume reloaders who want minimal case lube use.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Long-lasting carbide material, reduces lube needs, consistent sizing.
- Cons: Higher initial investment.
Deals
Look for sales on reloading equipment for potential savings on carbide die sets.
6. Lee Precision Deluxe Pistol 4 Die Set
Lee Precision Deluxe Pistol 4 Die Set Review
This four-die set is a complete solution for pistol reloaders, featuring a factory crimp die for reliable cartridge sizing.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Affordable, includes a factory crimp, versatile.
- Cons: Less precise than some high-end options.
Deals
Discounted Lee sets are commonly available in reloading supply stores or online.
Best Reloading Dies – Buyer’s Guide
Factors to Consider When Buying Reloading Dies
- Material: Steel vs. carbide (carbide is long-lasting but pricier).
- Type of Reloading: Match-grade vs. general-purpose dies.
- Number of Dies: Consider if you need full-length, neck-sizing, or bullet-seating dies.
- Price: Budget options exist, but high-end dies offer greater precision.
How to Reload Ammo
Reloading ammo involves three main press types:
Single-Stage Press
Ideal for beginners, the single-stage press holds one die at a time, offering precision at each stage.
Progressive Press
This setup automates multiple stages, ideal for high-volume reloading.
Turret Press
Holds multiple dies and allows quicker reloading than single-stage presses.
Best Reloading Dies – FAQs
1. How to Adjust Neck Tension with Reloading Dies
Adjusting neck tension is essential for accuracy and ensuring bullets are held firmly without over-compression. Here’s how to adjust neck tension:
- Bushing Dies: If you’re using bushing dies, like the Redding Type S Match Bushing Die, you can choose different bushings to change the neck tension. Bushings come in various sizes, and selecting one slightly smaller than the bullet diameter increases neck tension.
- Expander Ball Adjustment: In standard dies with an expander ball, adjusting neck tension involves ensuring the expander ball is properly sized for your bullets. A slightly smaller expander ball increases tension, while a larger one reduces it.
- Crimping Dies: Dies with crimping features can also be used to adjust neck tension. A mild crimp can help with uniform neck tension, but avoid excessive crimping to prevent bullet deformation.
Experiment with different adjustments and test for accuracy to find the best neck tension for your specific rounds.
2. How Does a Bullet Seating Die Differ from Other Dies?
A bullet seating die is designed specifically to press the bullet into the case at a uniform depth, ensuring proper alignment and consistency. Here’s how it differs from other dies:
- Function: Unlike resizing dies that reshape the case, or crimping dies that secure the bullet, a bullet seating die focuses on positioning the bullet precisely in the cartridge. This ensures consistent seating depth, which is crucial for accuracy.
- Features: Many bullet seating dies come with micrometer adjustments, allowing for precise seating depth adjustments. Some dies, like the RCBS Gold Medal Match Seating Die, offer micrometer seating to fine-tune the depth based on bullet length and case volume.
- Compatibility: While resizing and crimping dies are tailored for specific case dimensions, seating dies are more flexible and work across a range of bullet shapes within a caliber.
A bullet seating die’s primary goal is to ensure each bullet sits at the exact depth desired, which is critical for uniform velocity and accuracy.
Are Carbide Dies Better than Steel Dies?
Carbide dies are generally considered better for certain types of reloading, especially for pistol calibers, due to the following advantages:
- Durability: Carbide dies are highly wear-resistant and can withstand heavy reloading use without deforming. Steel dies can wear out faster, especially with frequent use.
- Reduced Lubrication: Carbide dies typically require less lubrication, particularly when reloading straight-walled pistol cases. Steel dies, however, usually need case lube to avoid friction.
- Price: Carbide dies are more expensive upfront than steel dies, but the durability and convenience of less lubrication make them a popular choice for high-volume reloaders.
Steel dies, however, still work well for bottleneck rifle cases and can be more affordable. Your choice will depend on your budget, the type of cases you reload, and how often you reload.
Who Makes the Best Reloading Dies?
Several brands are known for producing top-quality reloading dies, each with unique strengths:
- Redding: Known for their match-grade dies and precision, Redding is a favorite among competitive and precision shooters.
- RCBS: Offers durable and high-quality dies, including options with micrometer adjustments, making them popular for both rifle and pistol reloaders.
- Hornady: Known for user-friendly, reliable dies, Hornady dies often include crimping and other features for smooth reloading.
- Lee Precision: Offers affordable, entry-level dies that are durable and versatile, popular among beginners and budget-conscious reloaders.
- Lyman: Known for their carbide rifle dies and ease of use, Lyman is a solid choice for reloaders focused on high-quality results and longevity.
For precision and consistency, Redding and RCBS are top choices. Lee Precision and Lyman are excellent for affordability and versatility, especially for beginners.
