Reddings carbide 3 die-set in 9mm

[JohnRoc65]

Hello everyone,reloading newbie here. I'm strongly considering purchasing a standard set of 3 Redding carbide dies in 9mm. The thing is, I've read a couple reviews on Midway's website that concern me and was hoping to get some extra feedback from anyone who has experience with this particular die set. Here are the 2 reviews:

The components used in manufacturing the dies are of the highest quality and tolerances are well maintained. The problem that I have is when sizing thinner brass from companies such as Blazer, Federal the sizing die will leave a distinct ridge around the base of the case. It doesn't do this with older or thicker brass, which leads me to believe that the Redding design needs to be updated. I contacted the company and they were aware of the problem, and suggested that I either return their product for a refund or try backing out the die a full turn to not fully resize the case. This latter suggestion I will try and finish off the round with a LEE FCD. If this doesn't work then it's a new sizer from someone else.

I gave it a 2-star rating because Redding has gone to universal type seating stem that is suppose to be able to seat any bullet shape - RN, HP, etc. While great in concept, it leaves very noticeable rings cut into the bullet. Upon inspection the circular piece that makes contact with the bullet during seating is flat/square rather than tapered; thus resulting in the nasty cut rings in the bullet after seating. Contacted Redding and they promptly provided a new seating stem that was tapered. (Great customer service!) Now it leaves a noticable donut depression ring in bullet. I try not to overwork the mouth of the case too much when expanding for the bullet seating, so they start tight. However, I had no problem with rings appearing (cut or dents) when using another brand to complete the bullet seating operation.

Really hoping someone here on the forum who has experience with Redding 9mm dies can chime in and tell me if there really is a seating and resizing issue. These dies cost top dollar and I want to be sure about their reliability before I pull the trigger.

Thanks, John

[Doubless]

I would go with RCBS, and put the difference in cost in my pocket. I have one set of Redding/SAECO dies, and while they are nice, to me, they are not worth the additional costs. One other note: I had to send the de-capping assembly from a 35 Whelen die set back to Redding years ago. What they sent back to me was incorrect, and I was charged not only the return cost of shipping, but the cost of the new replacement piece as well (which they finally got right after a second phone call).

In over 30 years of dealing with RCBS, I have never been charged a dime for a replacement/repair part. Not once.

Green is my favorite color; but it is RCBS green, not Redding/SAECO.

[growr]

And Redding dies are my favorite as I upgrade my reloading gear. They have been flawless for many years.....

Randy

[Ivan the Butcher]

More recent dies for straight wall cases are "radised" at the base to allow progressive presses to line up faster and keep production speed up. I have 1982 RCBS carbide 9mm dies and they make the most beautiful ammo you ever saw, and on my progressive were slower than molasses, I went to modern dies and the production rate was up in the 500 round per hour range. The full auto MAC-10, nor the S&W 39-2 didn't mind a bit!

Also some fired brass comes out of the pistol slightly bulged from chamber and will never have a factory profile again without using a push through die. (I don't think any company makes one in 9mm) Some brass comes out of open bolt machineguns with bulges so big I considered it unsafe for reloading (they looked like they had a beer belly, sometimes all the way around, sometimes not) and put them in the scrap bucket. I never had any problems with about 35,000 rounds loaded with the modern die design in any of the 9mm handguns I had. (we don't shoot reloads in the wife's Glock 17, but that is about her confidence).

The quality on RCBS or Redding die sets are both fantastic. I would recommend trying to stick to one brand of dies, for parts interchangeability (when you break a part on Thursday night, the warranty does no good for Saturday's shooting session). I have every brand of die know to man and a few that have no name. (I even have a set for 219 Donaldson Wasp by Harvey Donaldson, and 257 Roberts by Ned Roberts.) I have to mix and match the thread patterns to replace decapping stems when they go. I have like six brands of decapping pins and still have to make custom pins sometimes! (I bought many die sets used for the 114 cartridges I load for) So, trust me, Don't do as I did, Do as I say- life will be easier!

Ivan

[phonejack]

I've been using Redding 3 die carbide for about 2 1/2 years now. Very satisfied.

[phonejack]

I've been using Redding 3 die carbide in 9 mm for about 2 1/2 years now. Very satisfied.

[505Gibbs]

Long ago I pitched my RCBS for Redding - never looked back. The shape of the seating stem and effect on a lead bullet is not necessarily unique to Redding - IMO.

[JohnRoc65]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Much appreciated, sounds like I can't really screw this up if I go with the Redding or RCBS.
I understand many re-loaders absolutely love the Lee factory crimp die as well. Might just add that one for the final step because I shoot 9mm out of a semi auto.