Best Overall
Hornady
Delivers consistent bullet-to-case alignment and enhanced overall accuracy.
- Consistency: 9/10
- Ease of Use: 9/10
- Cost: 7/10
Best Best Reloading Dies on a Budget
RCBS
Offers reliable bullet seating.
- Consistency: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 8/10
- Cost: 9/10
Best Reloading Dies for Competition Loads
Redding
Guarantees an accurate reloading experience.
- Consistency: 10/10
- Ease of Use: 8/10
- Cost: 6/10
Ah, the exhilaration of hitting the bullseye. To get there, you need more than just a steady hand and a keen eye – you need precision ammunition. Say hello to your secret weapon – reloading dies. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the 5 best reloading dies that promise nothing but consistent performance, to give you the best chance of hitting the mark, every single time.
Table of Contents
What To Look For in the Best Reloading Dies
Choosing the best reloading dies is more than just a mere selection; it’s about understanding the mechanics, compatibility, and intricacies that separate the good from the extraordinary.
Load Compatibility
Imagine this: you’re all set to reload at home, you’ve meticulously set up your reloading bench, gathered your components, and you’re ready to roll.
But wait – your dies aren’t compatible with the caliber you’re working on. Disaster strikes.
Ensuring that your die matches your caliber is your golden ticket to avoiding disappointment and ensuring that each round you create fits like a glove.
This one’s easy to check off.
Material Construction
The difference between a die that stands the test of time and one that degrades quickly lies in the materials used. Die-hard steel or carbide options bring durability and longevity to the table, allowing you to reload round after round without a worry. Opting for top-quality gun supplies, from your reloading press to your reloading dies, is like investing in a lifelong shooting companion.
And, quality machining means that your dies work consistently, as intended, with tight tolerances and greater accuracy.
Die Type
Resizing, seating, and crimping – these are the dance steps of precision reloading. The type of die you choose depends on your specific needs. If you’re creating new cases from fired brass, a resizing die is your go-to. Seating dies ensure your bullets are nestled at the perfect depth, while crimping dies add that final touch of security. Matching the die type to your reloading process ensures a harmonious reloading routine.
We’ll mostly be looking at sets for this article, but if you just need a single replacement you could order a single die as well.
Ease of Adjustment
In the fast-paced world we live in, time is precious. While you love your hobby, most of us prefer time on the range to time reloading!
An adjustable die that allows swift and precise modifications is your secret weapon. Whether it’s tweaking bullet seating depth or fine-tuning case dimensions, a die that’s user-friendly accelerates your reloading process while maintaining pinpoint accuracy.
5 Best Reloading Dies
Best Overall: Hornady
One notable feature of the Hornady Reloading Dies is their micro-precision adjustable seating stems. This feature allows for incredibly accurate bullet seating depth adjustments, ensuring consistent bullet-to-case alignment and subsequently enhancing overall accuracy. The titanium nitride sizing ring is another standout feature, reducing friction and prolonging the die’s lifespan, a clear testament to Hornady’s commitment to quality.
The dies’ Sure-Loc Lock Ring is our favorite feature. It enables quick and secure locking of the die in place, minimizing the chances of adjustments shifting during reloading. Additionally, the Zip Spindle design enhances ease of use and minimizes case head growth during resizing.
Pros
- Consistent
- Offers accurate bullet seating depth
- Reduced friction
- Secure and stable adjustments
- Comes with a Zip Spindle design to prevent case head growth during resizing
Cons
- Expensive
What Customers Say
I love the smooth operation they produce when using them to reload.
Gary W. Lollman
These are good, quality reloading dies. Have not had an issue with them yet. Nitride finish is a nice touch to not need to lube the casing before resizing, I still do lightly but the smooth finish coupled with a light spray of one shot makes pressing the handle when resizing like cutting a slice of butter.
Eric kendzior
Best Reloading Dies on a Budget: RCBS
What made us pick the RCBS Reloading Dies? It’s none other than their hardened steel construction. This ensures durability over time, and the dies maintain their effectiveness even after years of reloading sessions. The precision-drilled expander ball contributes to uniform case neck expansion, ultimately leading to more reliable bullet seating.
The die set’s adjustable decapping assembly is a valuable feature, allowing users to easily switch between different calibers without the need for additional parts. The die bodies are also conveniently labeled with caliber information for quick identification.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Hardened steel construction
- Uniform case neck expansion
- Versatile across different calibers
Cons
- May not offer the same level of micro-adjustability as higher-end dies
What Customers Say
Sizing die is very smooth. Out of my 7, 5.56 barrels this die will set the brass back enough for 6 of them. The other 1 I have to pull out the small base die. The seating die is not the best but not bad.
Jay Young
Best Reloading Dies for Competition Loads: Redding
Among the many features of the Redding Reloading Dies, their competition-style seating die impressed us most. It allows for extremely precise adjustment of bullet seating depth, ensuring consistent bullet-to-case alignment and optimal accuracy. The micrometer-adjustable seating stem enables shooters to make minute adjustments with ease, catering to their specific load requirements.
The full-length sizing die is another highlight, featuring a carbide expander button that guarantees uniform case neck tension and reduces bullet runout. Our pick for the best reloading dies for competition features a durable steel construction that speaks to their longevity and reliability, even with the high-volume demands of competition shooting.
However, it would have been better if a complete set of neck bushings was included.
Pros
- Precise bullet seating depth
- Uniform case neck tension
- Durable steel construction
Cons
- Expensive
What Customers Say
This die is amazing, I spoiled myself by buying it now I want one for every caliber I own. Wish there was a complete set of neck bushings that would be included with these, even if I had to pay a bit extra I would do it. I knew that I would need to order the bushings but every type of brass really needs a different size unless you turn the necks.
AJ
Amazing accuracy increase.
Tony
Forster
Haven’t found the best reloading dies that suit your needs yet? Our next pick might be the one for you.
The Forster Reloading Dies feature a unique Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seater. This design simplifies bullet seating adjustments by allowing users to easily set the bullet seating depth without affecting the die’s crimping function. Sweet, huh?! This level of adjustability is particularly useful when fine-tuning loads for different firearms or achieving optimal performance in various shooting scenarios.
The full-length sizing die features a precision-polished expander ball that ensures smooth case neck expansion, leading to reduced friction and improved accuracy. The durable and robust steel construction of the Foster reloading dies adds to their overall longevity and reliability, providing reloaders with a set of dies that can withstand frequent use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Simplified and precise bullet seating adjustments
- Smooth case neck expansion
- Durable steel construction
Cons
- Lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end competition dies
What Customers Say
Bought the Forster and everything works great. I’m switching to these dies for the other calibers. Highly recommend these.
Jennifer Gang
Great value without getting ripped off over price
Coleen
Lyman
If you love a user-friendly design like us, you’ll love the Lyman Reloading Dies. They’re straightforward to set up and use, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced reloaders. We also appreciate the inclusion of clear instructions to ensure that reloaders can achieve consistent results with minimal frustration.
The split-lock ring design in these Lyman dies simplifies the adjustment process, allowing for quick and secure adjustments that won’t shift during reloading sessions. The durable steel construction also guarantees that these dies can handle the demands of regular reloading while maintaining efficiency.
Pros
- User-friendly design
- Easy setup
- Split-lock ring design
- Built to withstand regular reloading
Cons
- Limited features
What Customers Say
These dies are smooth. I will try more dies from Lyman in the future.
RS
This kit is really great and turned out the best reloads you could ever want. The Lyman 44 mag/44 spec Carbide 3 Die Set is a gunner’s best friend and they are built tough. I recommend this product for any reloader.
FlopFilm
Why Use Reloading Dies?
You can use the best reloading dies to allow you to customize your ammunition for peak performance. “Why go through the hassle?” you might ask. Well, say goodbye to generic, mass-produced rounds and hello to tailored precision that fits your shooting style like a glove.
Tips on Using Reloading Dies Effectively
Mastering the use of reloading dies takes finesse, but fret not. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re making the most of these incredible tools:
1. Measure Twice, Load Once
Double-check your measurements before hitting the reloading bench. Precision starts with accurate data.
2. Lubrication Matters
Don’t skimp on proper case lubrication. A little goes a long way in ensuring smooth reloading action.
3. Start Small
If you’re new to reloading, start with a small batch to fine-tune your process before diving into larger quantities.
Our Key Takeaways
And there you have it – the ultimate guide to the best reloading dies for consistent performance. Whether you’re aiming for the center of the target or setting your sights on competitive shooting, these dies are your ticket to unlocking the true potential of your ammunition. Remember, reloading is as much an art as it is a science, so take your time, follow our tips above, and soon you’ll be hitting those bullseyes with style!
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Images from Amazon Product API
