Thread: How important is die quality?

Good advice all round, I've got a Hornady Neck sizing die in 708. It makes bullets that go bang. I can send it for $40. It's new.

What defines quality? Having a higher purchase price does not make any product or service have a higher quality. Even stating that one product has more features than another still doesn't make it have a higher quality. Even if the dies are made from Unobtainimun instead of standard steel or any other metal, still does mean it's a higher quality.

In the manufacturing world, the definition of quality is "on time, on spec and on budget". Therefore, if the dies enable you to reload the load out want, to the accuracy you want and all for the price you are willing to pay, the "Quality of the dies are sufficient".

Go buy the Lee dies.

I believe brass quality along with preparation and loading practice would have a far greater bearing on results than buying the most expensive dies you can find.

I have Lee, Hornady, and RCBS dies and all work equally well. In fact I really like using the lee dies, they dont look as fancy as the others but they work very well, others have mentioned that the expander ball setup on them is a lot more forgiving than some others (my hornady dies are a pain in the ass!)

I only use the button on my rifle dies if I have a new case, with a dented neck. Never had a drama.

Originally Posted by MDub

My rifle shoots some factory ammo at half moa and I'd be happy if I could match that with the reloads.

My advice is 'DON"T' reload!
If you're getting half MOA out of factory ammo, then take my advice and spare yourself the grief and stick with that, as there will be nothing advantageous for you in loading and you won't be bothering your mate either!