Redding or Forster Dies

[Phil3]

Just wondering what opinions there are on Forster vs Redding dies. I am speaking about full length sizing (FL) and micrometer style bullet seating dies. I do not use bushing dies.

Calibers include 223, 6mmBR, 6.5 x 47 Lapua, and perhaps 338 Lapua Mag. Press used is the Forster Co-Ax.

If other dies are felt to offer superior performance in a conventional press, I am happy to hear that. Some use a small hand press, but unconvinced they offer superior benefits over the Co-Ax.

[BigBronco]

Go with the Forster dies. If going with Redding you will need to replace the rings with aluminum ones. Both make excellent dies.

[RickD427]

Just wondering what opinions there are on Forster vs Redding dies. I am speaking about full length sizing (FL) and micrometer style bullet seating dies. I do not use bushing dies.

Calibers include 223, 6mmBR, 6.5 x 47 Lapua, and perhaps 338 Lapua Mag. Press used is the Forster Co-Ax.

If other dies are felt to offer superior performance in a conventional press, I am happy to hear that. Some use a small hand press, but unconvinced they offer superior benefits over the Co-Ax.

Both Redding and Forster make relatively good dies. If you're just doing mainstream reloading and are not overly concerned with accuracy, either would work quite well for you. I use Redding dies for my mainstream work and have been quite pleased, but Redding does not make large-caliber dies (Try M2 Precision or C4HD)

If you are going to push the limits of accuracy, then you'll find both brands as your second choice. L.E. Wilson dies are (IMHO) a cut above the Redding and Forster and their seating die calls for an arbor press. A bushing die makes it much easier to adjust your loads to your chamber. I've got a pair of Newlon Precision seating dies on order, but they will need to be reamed to match your particular chamber. I'm anxious to see how they work out.

The Co-Ax press is good for mainstream loading, but not for precision work. Try loading a couple of rounds using the Wilson Hand Dies and then a couple using the Co-Ax. Then do a concentricity test on the rounds and you should see a difference. I like the K+M arbor press. It can be fitted with seating pressure gauge that will alert you to disparities in the seating pressure that can indicate issues with your neck reaming and neck tension. You can't get that with the Co-Ax press.

[Quinc]

I have had great results with my Redding Compeition die set and Forster co-ax press. Loading .284Win 180gr Berger VLDS and sending them to 1k.

[kcstott]

I buy dies based on what i'm trying to get out of them.

RCBS, Dillon, & Lyman for everyday GP loading

Forster for my bushing dies
Redding for specialty stuff then no one else makes
then I have custom dies from Viersco and Superior shooting systems

IDK why Rick is saying Redding don't make large caliber dies, Well whats large caliber? The make 338 LM and I have a set of 416 Rigby dies they make big stuff just not Cheytac big

[Magilla26]

I have Redding dies in 10 calibers. I have had great luck with Redding and they are always my first choice. I have never tried Forster dies so I can't comment on them.

[RickD427]

I buy dies based on what i'm trying to get out of them.

RCBS, Dillon, & Lyman for everyday GP loading

Forster for my bushing dies
Redding for specialty stuff then no one else makes
then I have custom dies from Viersco and Superior shooting systems

IDK why Rick is saying Redding don't make large caliber dies, Well whats large caliber? The make 338 LM and I have a set of 416 Rigby dies they make big stuff just not Cheytac big

KC - When I speak of "Large Caliber", I'm specifically referring to .50 BMG, .510 DTG, and .416 Barrett.

Redding doesn't offer any of these. That's a real shame because I really like Redding dies.

While the .338 Lapua is an impressive cartridge, it can still be reloaded using dies with the small 7/8-14 tread. The large rifle dies generally require the larger 1 1/2-12 format die.

[kcstott]

KC - When I speak of "Large Caliber", I'm specifically referring to .50 BMG, .510 DTG, and .416 Barrett.

Redding doesn't offer any of these. That's a real shame because I really like Redding dies.

While the .338 Lapua is an impressive cartridge, it can still be reloaded using dies with the small 7/8-14 tread. The large rifle dies generally require the larger 1 1/2-12 format die.

And that's why I phrased the comment they way I did. Big is relative As far as thread size goes I prefer 1 1/2" 12 Unlike the dips at PT&G that make everything 1 1/4" 12. I have a set of 408 CT dies In 1 1/2 12 from Viersco

[mtenenhaus]

a bit disappointed to hear that the Forster Co-Ax and Forster dies aren't up to snuff....that's what i currently own. I thought they were supposed to be appropriate choices for making particularly accurate loads. Will have to read about the L.E. Wilson dies.

[tanks]

I like Redding for pistol and Forster for rifle.

[23's Dad]

Whidden Dies are really nice.

[Agent Clark]

Both are great, have them, but mainly use my Forsters, cause I had them first. Love the bushing/bump die for my .308, and I use a Hornady Iron press. I've sent them as far as 1400 on a silhouette.

[micro911]

I use both and they all work well. Both give me excellent accuracy.