Reloading Dies

10/11/13: Tweaking, add .458 SOCOM.
03/12/13: Add comments on RCBS Seater die.

I generally use the following brands of dies during reloading.

Lee carbide resizer:
I have found that the Lee carbide sizers size a little farther down the case than the RCBS, hence, thats what I use in all calibers.
RCBS expander:
The RCBS expanders are great, the cases don't stick, where the powder through expanders always stick a little (Lee sticks bad). The powder through expanders do have offsetting advantages of saving a stroke (or die position) they expand while charging the case.
RCBS Seater:
I like the selection of RCBS seater plugs for thier seater dies. The RCBS seaters also hold thier adjustment better than Lee seaters. I have recently seen some info that says the Hornady seaters are very good, as time allows I'll check this out. However I am currently trying Hornady seater dies which, supposedly, better allign the bullet with the case. After testing for a while, the Hornady seaters don't seem to make that much difference???
Lee Factory Crimp Die:
The Lee Factory Crimp Die staightens out any bulges from the seating operation so I don't get any jams (I back off the seater so it won't crimp). This made a huge difference on .40 S&W, and 357 SIG rounds. link to more info on Lee Factory Crimp dies.


	Lee carbide resizer: I have found that the Lee carbide sizers size a little farther down the case than the RCBS, hence, thats what I use in all calibers.
	RCBS expander: The RCBS expanders are great, the cases don't stick, where the powder through expanders always stick a little (Lee sticks bad). The powder through expanders do have offsetting advantages of saving a stroke (or die position) they expand while charging the case.
	RCBS Seater: I like the selection of RCBS seater plugs for thier seater dies. The RCBS seaters also hold thier adjustment better than Lee seaters. I have recently seen some info that says the Hornady seaters are very good, as time allows I'll check this out. However I am currently trying Hornady seater dies which, supposedly, better allign the bullet with the case. After testing for a while, the Hornady seaters don't seem to make that much difference???
	Lee Factory Crimp Die: The Lee Factory Crimp Die staightens out any bulges from the seating operation so I don't get any jams (I back off the seater so it won't crimp). This made a huge difference on .40 S&W, and 357 SIG rounds. link to more info on Lee Factory Crimp dies.