Redding 223 sizing die question

[mike_c70]

I managed to snag a Redding 223 die set. I already have the Lee die set. People put Redding in a higher class than Lee so I had to see what the fuss was all about. This is where I have questions.

In the pics, the 2 on the left were sized with the Lee dies and the three on the right with the Redding. Both FL. As you can see the Redding die leaves quite a mark on the brass. Both headspaced to the same number.

Upon further look I noticed that the Redding die has significant tooling marks whereas the Lee die is much smoother.

Is this purely a cosmetic thing or is there something going on with the Redding die?

[J-cat]

You got a poopy set of Redding dies. Note the chipped threads. Send them back.

[mike_c70]

You got a poopy set of Redding dies. Note the chipped threads. Send them back.

I did notice that when I was screwing the die in, it wasn't smooth. I already shot an email to Redding. Waiting for a reply. I guess in the meantime I'll continue with the Lee set.

[J-cat]

They will replace them. I had a similar issue with a competition seater.

[problemchild]

Get some carbide dillions, cry once, buy once

[tiller]

Get some carbide dillions, cry once, buy once

This guy speaks the truth! ^^^^

[mike_c70]

Get some carbide dillions, cry once, buy once

As soon as they may be back in stock perhaps.

I have a Hornady die set on the way.

BTW, just as a general question, are the internals of dies suppose to be all polished?

[J-cat]

Polished to what degree? Dies are supposed to size the case to spec. If they aren't shaving brass, they are fine. If u want real nice dies, call Neil Jones.

[mike_c70]

Polished to what degree? Dies are supposed to size the case to spec. If they aren't shaving brass, they are fine. If u want real nice dies, call Neil Jones.

Don't know, that's why I asked. The Lee sizing die is polished inside. The redding die looks raw. Again, I'm asking if this a cosmetic issue or there is really something going on with the die. In any case, it's going back to redding for investigation.

[GeoffLinder]

Get some carbide dillions, cry once, buy once

+3 to this. Worth waiting for IMHO

For rifle I prefer the plain steel dies though. Carbide are brittle and the carbide ring can crack if you use much cam-over on your press. You need to lube rifle brass anyway, so carbide is gilding the lily for rifle dies.

[jetman624]

Do you guys who use the Dillons use there crimp die in the process? And are you shooing out of an AR or bolt .223.

Don't mean to thread jack, but all these different types of dies and people saying not to crimp has me confused on which set I should I get. I have an AR and bolt gun in .223...