We offer reloading dies and press parts from Hornady, Lyman and RCBS. Each manufacturers excellent dies for reloading as well as reloading presses. Most of the time, dies are interchangeable amongst the brands with very few exceptions.  Like any other tool, it is important to consider your goals with the tool, your budget and your needs. If your goals are to produce the most accurate ammunition possible for your weapon then you should choose to invest more in your tools. If your loading bulk pistol ammo or bulk rifle ammo for range practice then using expensive high quality dies might not be the best use of your money. But if you have money to spare on equipment, purchasing better dies is never a bad idea.

Reloading Die Sets Explained

There are several different die sets available. There are 2 die sets, 3 die sets and 4 die sets. Each die set contains dies specific to the caliber that you are reloading. Each set will provide a combination of the following type of dies. 

1. Full Length Sizing Die  - this die reforms the entire case to the original factory dimensions and usually has a depriming pin. Sometimes the deprimer can be removed sometimes not. This die will also expand the case neck mouth.

2. Neck Sizing Die - this die will only resize the neck of your case. This is desireable in a bolt action or break open single shot guns. It isn't always necessary to full resize unless you are shooting your ammunition in a semi-automatic or in several single shot guns.

3. Bullet Seating Die - this die is an adjustable die that seats the bullet in the case mouth. This die is typically included in every die set. Some have a micrometer for adjustments, some do not. Some manufacturers have an add on micrometer for their seating dies which we recommend purchasing. Sometimes, the bullet seating die will also perform a roll crimp. While this is a nice feature, we recommend using separate dedicated roll crimp die or factory crimp die instead.

4. Factory Crimp Die - sometimes die sets will also come with a factory crimp die that will put a ring or a segmented ring around your case neck to increase the tension on the bullet. This is recommended typically in semi-automatic and automatic weapons were the bullet has a rough journey from the magazine to the chamber. The additional tension will help prevent the bullet from slipping both forward and backwards into the case.

Sometimes, your die set will also come with a powder measure and or a shell holder. In addition to die sets, there are specialty dies available to perform additional tasks. Specialty dies would include, bullet pullers, case trimmers, depriming and other tools that are perhaps not caliber specific.

The Different Reloading Die Manufacturers

There are several brand of reloading dies available for purchase. They are all excellent companies with very good customer service and warranty policies. There are only a few minor differences between the manufacturers products. The most important thing to consider more than the manufacturer perhaps is the cost and your desired outcome. If your goal is precision, spend more on reloading dies. If your goal is volume then spend a little less perhaps no matter which manufacturer you choose to purchase your dies from. Sometimes, you may not have a choice because the die you are looking for may only be made by one manufacturer. 

Quality Difference in Reloading Dies

Each manufacturer of reloading dies typically offer several purchase points with their dies. The less expensive die sets are typically not machined to as high of tolerances nor made with as high of quality materials. You get what you pay for in dies. We recommend investing in your reloading tools because better dies will produce better results.