Deciding on dies: Hornady vs Redding

[TejasPS]

I am new to reloading for Grendel. Looking for opinions on which die to buy. Hornady New Deminsion with micro stem or Redding FL 2 die set. The Redding is not a match grade die.

[AWS]

I prefer the hornadys just because of the seater.

[TejasPS]

Thanks AWS, a few reviews on Amazon mentioned the markings on the MicroJust stem can be hard to read. Is that you’re experience?

[Bat Rastard]

I have just started loading Grendel. I went with Redding Type S, but neck sizers not FL. I am impressed so far at how little I am working the brass. That has to be a good thing.
I am loading for a bolt gun, so I think I should be able to get away with it.
I have used Hornady dies on other things. They make good stuff.

[CJW]

I use a Hornady FL die, but I would not hesitate at all to use the Redding. A die is a pretty simple tool to make.

For an AR, it might be best to use a FL die not a neck die.

I think Laupa brass is a little easier to reload than Hornady, doesn?t require as much maintenance. It last much longer as well and is cheaper in the long run.

[A5BLASTER]

I have both.

I prefer the Redding sizer dies over the hornady now.

The hornady seater die with the micro adjust has been just as good as the Redding from taking measurements on my handloads.

So this is what I would do.

If for the ar. I would get the Redding fl die and the hornady seater die and micro adjust

If for a bolt action. I would get the Redding bushing neck sizer die and the Redding body die and the hornady seater die with the micro adjust.

Hope this helps.

[DDRanch]

Redding die fan here. You can add Redding's Replacement Bullet Seating Micrometer #7. https://www.redding-reloading.com/on...ng-micrometers

[NugginFutz]

Add my vote to the Redding Type-S for the sizing die. It works the brass less, and allows me to select the proper sized bushing for the brass wall thickness. (Yes, Virginia, not all cases are created the same.) In the interest of full disclosure, I personally do not use the expander ball in order to further reduce how much I work harden the brass.

Seating dies for AR are pretty much a wash, unless you're working up an precision load. All of the seaters I've used stay within .002" of each other. For me, it simply comes down to convenience and/or personal preference.

[Harpoon1]

I am new to reloading for Grendel. Looking for opinions on which die to buy. Hornady New Deminsion with micro stem or Redding FL 2 die set. The Redding is not a match grade die.

Of those two, I’d get the Redding. While I don’t have any scientific proof yet, it’s starting to look like that I may be experiencing more runout with the Hornady seating dies.

Having said that, I’d rather use the Forster dies over either one of those two. And they’re usually cheaper than the Redding. IMO.

[Gusmeister]

I do not know which is better. But I am perfectly satisfied with my Hornady dies.

[AWS]

I don't bother with the micro adjust on the seater. Most of mine are set up for one bullet in the same rifle so they rarely get changed. Plus they are set up in turret heads so the whole head is removed from the press and the die itself is never pulled.

I do use a number of Redding Type S FL sizers combined with Hornady seaters. I have the Type S so I can load multiple calibers with the same die. 20 Practical, 223, and 6x45mm with one and 204 Ruger, 22-204, 6mm-204 and 25-204. I have one sizing die and three seaters in the turret head. I also use the Type S in my 22-250 as it works the brass less and my brass last longer. I have a couple of 22-250's and use customized shell holders for head space and multiple seaters so my dies never get moved.

[centerfire]

I have never regretted Forster or Redding dies.

[TejasPS]

Thanks for all the advice. I went with the series C Redding FL dies. If I am having any chambering issues then I’ll get a Redding full body die.

[A5BLASTER]

Thanks for all the advice. I went with the series C Redding FL dies. If I am having any chambering issues then I’ll get a Redding full body die.

If you bought a full length die, you won't need a body die ever.

[LRRPF52]

I have the Hornady New Dimension dies and would recommend the Redding if I could go back in time and start over.

Redding Type S bushing die is what I would get.

The Hornady dies are fine for an economy die, but I had to spin my expander ball to remove the tool marks, and my decapping stem/sizing die is no longer concentric for some reason.