Which set of dies

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velo555
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Which set of dies

Post by velo555 »

I am trying to decide which set of dies to purchase. My choices are RCBS AR series small base dies, Lee pacesetter dies, Forester Ultra micrometer dies, Redding standard FL or Redding National match dies. What are you thoughts on these die sets?

I already have a Lee factory crimp die and Lee universal decapper on the way. I will be using them in an old RCBS Rockchucker my father in-law just gave me.
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Scorpion rider
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by Scorpion rider »

I have used Forster and Lee. You will get perfect brass forming from Forster. They are worth the extra money. Get a case gauge from zapp on this forum if you don't already have one.
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by Jupiter7 »

I formed 280 cases with rcbs AR small base dies, no issues. I started with the hornady dies and have formed at least 500+ with them. After all is said and done, I went back to the hornady dies, seem more robust for forming and they make in spec brass.
20X11
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by 20X11 »

I have Lee, RCBS sb, and Lyman. I must say the Lyman are my favorite. Lees have inconsistent seating depth issue. My RCBS set doesn't size all the way to the bottom of the case, but the seater is great. Lyman is perfect all around.
longranger
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by longranger »

Redding, better quality than RCBS,Hornady,Lyman, not quite Forster but lot's better than the others.
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kR-15
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by kR-15 »

I'm happy w my Lee dies.

I haven't reformed any brass but they work great for my subsonic and supersonic loads.
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velo555
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by velo555 »

Scorpion rider wrote:I have used Forster and Lee. You will get perfect brass forming from Forster. They are worth the extra money. Get a case gauge from zapp on this forum if you don't already have one.
I forgot to mention I have one of Zappa's gauges. Forester ultra is my first choice for dies. Then RCBS AR.
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ohl_san
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by ohl_san »

Do a quick search this question has been asked numerous times. Normally it comes down to personal preference, and my preference is Forster.
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by snoog37 »

1 Forster
2 Redding
3 There is no third, as I can always find 1 or 2 (thankfully)
KS63
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Re: Which set of dies

Post by KS63 »

I have the Forster Ultra Set. I'm a machinist and these dies are well made. The FL sizing die makes very pronounced shoulders. I'm sure the Redding dies are good too, but their seating die also crimped and I wanted to crimp in a separate stage.
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