Redding S Dies?

[Bill In SC]

I'm in the market to replace some dies, and have looked hard at the Redding Type S Neck and Full Length sizing dies.

Was wondering if anyone was using them and thoughts about them.

Thanks...

Bill

[LaOtto222]

I have a Redding type "S" neck sizing die for 221 Fireball. I much prefer the Lee neck collet dies for resizing necks, if you can get them. I could not get one for 221 Fireball, not even custom ordered. I settled for the Redding die. The good thing about the interchangeable dies, is that you can get exactly the right neck tension you want and they do a fairly good job of keeping the neck straight in comparison to regular type dies. I have also got neck sizing dies for 223. The problem with it is that it sizes every type/thickness brass down too far then expands it back up. another problem for instance; you can turn the necks down to say .010" and the regular type dies will not squeeze them down far enough to get a good grip on your bullets. A "S" type, you can change die sizes and get them down to the size you want. You can take out the de-primer/neck expanding stem and it will not work your brass any more than necessary. I can not speak about the full length type "S" dies because I do not have any, but would work similar. I still prefer the Lee dies if you can get them. Cartridges that they make off of the shelf cost under $20 or you can get them as part of a full set for under $30. Custom ordered, they cost about the same as a "S" type die, and you do not have to buy dies for it, no lube and quick...if you can get them. I have them in 22 Hornet, 222 Rem and 223 Rem. They said my 221 Fireball was too short, but I have a set for 22 Hornet and it is has the same length case.

[Bill In SC]

Thanks LaOtto222...

I have looked at the Lee collet dies, but have never used them.  I have a few sets of the standard lee dies, 7-30 Waters and .223 and have been happy with them.

I have a Hornady Neck Sizer in 6.5mm, and it's going back.  Checking a fired case I have .001 run out or less (just barely makes the needle wiggle).   After sizing with the neck sizer I have .012!  It's way out of specs. 

Will give the collet dies a look see...

Again, Thanks!

[Catfish]

Redding dies are of the highest quality and you can count on them to be right. I`ve tried the Lee Collet dies and do not like them. For 1 thing I load on a 550 Dillon and the threads on Lee dies are to short and to use them I must turn over the locking nut. I also don`t like the way they you have to cam them over to get them to work properly.

[Hopalong7]

I was having a problem with short life on 22 Hornet cases and a friend of mine put me on to the Lee Collet Die about 3 years ago.  End of problem.  I now have them in several other caliber and love them too.  I'm convinced I'm loading better ammo, getting better case life, and don't have to lube cases.  Life is GOOD!!!  Now I've never used the "S" die so I have no comparison there.

Catfish,  I also use a 550 but only for straight wall revolver stuff and I could see where the collet die would not work well in that press.

GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt   

[Bill In SC]

Thanks for the info....

I decided to give the Lee Collet dies a shot.  Ordered a 25-06 and 6.5 Swede.

For under 50.00 I figured it was worth it to see...

Again...   Thanks

Bill