Are all dies the same?

[pakk]

I need to get some 9mm and 223/5.56 dies. I have a dillon 550 on the way. When looking at dies, I've notice they come in singles, sets of 3, and sets 4. What kind of dies should I be looking for?

[koehn,jim]

You cant go wrong with Dillon or RCBS, Lee also makes some great dies at a far better price. My personal favorite is the RCBS small base x-dies for the .223. Once the die is adjusted you full length size the case and never have to trim them, the die keeps them from growing in length, makes them last longer too. If you are going to shoot a lot of 9mm consider carbide dies, Lee makes them and they are great.

[XDRoX]

For the 223 I agree, RCBS makes really nice dies. But any will work. I use Dillon dies but they don't offer that cool new X-die.

For 9mm I'd get the Dillon dies, especially for a 550b. All the other brand dies come with an expander die which you won't need because the 550b powder measure also expands your case.

The 2nd reason I'd get the Dillon dies is because they have a wider mouth than the other brands so you never get the occasional "snag" as the case goes into the sizing die. It's extremely annoying to have to stop and help a case into the sizing die. It's kind of like your mom calling during sex.

3rd reason I'd get the Dillon dies is they disassemble easier than the other brands. You can clean them without removing them from the press which is very convenient.

[Bill Steele]

For the 223 I agree, RCBS makes really nice dies. But any will work. I use Dillon dies but they don't offer that cool new X-die.

For 9mm I'd get the Dillon dies, especially for a 550b. All the other brand dies come with an expander die which you won't need because the 550b powder measure also expands your case.

The 2nd reason I'd get the Dillon dies is because they have a wider mouth than the other brands so you never get the occasional "snag" as the case goes into the sizing die. It's extremely annoying to have to stop and help a case into the sizing die. It's kind of like your mom calling during sex.

3rd reason I'd get the Dillon dies is they disassemble easier than the other brands. You can clean them without removing them from the press which is very convenient.

Sounds right to me.

[bryant]

no, not all die are same regarding .223/556 example lee deluxe 223 die is for bolt actions and the pacasetter is for ar type rifle.

[pakk]

So dillon for 9mm and rcbs xdie for 223 are the ones to get.

Thanks for the help.

[Malthusian]

So dillon for 9mm and rcbs xdie for 223 are the ones to get.

Thanks for the help.

yes

Dillon 9mm dies are backordered about 6-8 weeks
In the meantime stock up on components

Most online retailers are expecting a shipment of CCI primers within the next few weeks
Powder is starting to trickle in as well

Load Safe

[Divernhunter]

On my single stage presses I use RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, Redding and one set of modified lee dies.
On the dillon machines(650XL) I prefer the dillon dies. They just work well for a number of reasons. I suggest you get Dillon dies for their machines and you will be happy.