Crimp dies
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Aticus
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To answer no.
I've switched over to Redding's profile crimp die for rimmed cases. IMHO, it combines the best of a taper crimp and a roll crimp in one process. For years, I have been disappointed with standard roll crimp dies. Lee's factory crimp die works, but I shoot a lot of cast bullets and don't like the resizing. (I know, I know. . . . let's not go there!) Although I don't see the true value in paying $$ for a Redding handgun die set, I sure like their crimper.
J. R. WEEMS
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I have to say yes. Redding has been around longer than either of the other two put together, and unlike so many these days, they have never forgot where they came from, or who put them where they are today. You don't say around in the shooting world if you don't get it right. Nothing against the other two, but a few years before I retired I upgraded everything I could to Redding. Presses, dies everything. I ahven't been sorry. A long time ago now, but when Dillion first came out you had to buy THEIR dies. Nothing else would work in their machines. What they could of been thinking I have no idea, but it sent me in other directions as it was just when I had started to reload, and they didn't even make some of the dies I needed. Consumers choice I guess. 
Roadranger
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Redding make extremely fine equipment. I use the Lee factory crimp die in evey caliber that I reload that I can get the die for, that's just me and what I'm used to. I like to perform crimping in a separate step from bullet seating and use a Dillon 550 for just about everything I load after the brass is processed and primed(ready to load). What caliber are you loading? Bob!
Roadranger: It's 38SP, 44Sp and 45 Colt that I load with cast bullets. These are is where Profile Crimp dies shine. They also work well on 357 Mag and 44 Mag with jacketed bullets. I'm fine with a generic taper crimp die for 9mm, 40S&W and 45ACP.
For me, Lee's Factory Crimp die works very well with jacketed handgun bullets or on straight-wall rifle cartridges like 45-70 or 444 Marlin. It's just cast handgun bullets where I don't care for it. If I could find a way to get the dang carbine sizing ring yanked out, I might change my tune. So far, I haven't succeeded.
For me, Lee's Factory Crimp die works very well with jacketed handgun bullets or on straight-wall rifle cartridges like 45-70 or 444 Marlin. It's just cast handgun bullets where I don't care for it. If I could find a way to get the dang carbine sizing ring yanked out, I might change my tune. So far, I haven't succeeded.
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I like and use Lee. I have no trouble with them, they are inexpensive and they are available in a wide variety of calibers. They work for me, that is the bottom line.
happy jackson
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crimp dies
Be advised that Redding says to use case lube when using their crimp dies.I have a set for 357 mag,45 colt and 44 mag.Here is what the instruction sheet for them reads."Although case lube is not normally used on regular seat dies it is advisable on taper crimp or profile crimp dies because there is a sliding action at the taper."A little lubricant will go a long way.We recommend a small amount of case lube near the case mouth at the crimp applied every few rounds.Another method is to apply case lube directly inside the die at the taper with a q-tip.We recommend Redding case lube because of its strength.It will pay dividends in die and case life.End quote.The above mentioned sets of Redding dies I have are going back to the vendor I got them from because of this.Sorry for the long post.Hope this helps you decide.
Be advised that Redding says to use case lube when using their crimp dies.I have a set for 357 mag,45 colt and 44 mag.Here is what the instruction sheet for them reads."Although case lube is not normally used on regular seat dies it is advisable on taper crimp or profile crimp dies because there is a sliding action at the taper."A little lubricant will go a long way.We recommend a small amount of case lube near the case mouth at the crimp applied every few rounds.Another method is to apply case lube directly inside the die at the taper with a q-tip.We recommend Redding case lube because of its strength.It will pay dividends in die and case life.End quote.The above mentioned sets of Redding dies I have are going back to the vendor I got them from because of this.Sorry for the long post.Hope this helps you decide.
Are you asking if a Redding die makes a better crimp? If so, no. Unless your comparing roll crimp dies to a Redding Profile Crimp die and then yes, Redding is better...
varmint243
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Better is subjective
I really like the quality, fit, and finish of the Redding dies.
I use the Redding taper crimp dies in a separate station on the progressive.
I use them for my 9, 40, and 45 loads.
I tend to use RCBS dies for the first three stations.
I have been known to use Lee dies for straight wall pistol calibers.
I don't crimp straight wall pistol calibers, just bump the flare back to straight so they chamber nicely.
I really like the quality, fit, and finish of the Redding dies.
I use the Redding taper crimp dies in a separate station on the progressive.
I use them for my 9, 40, and 45 loads.
I tend to use RCBS dies for the first three stations.
I have been known to use Lee dies for straight wall pistol calibers.
I don't crimp straight wall pistol calibers, just bump the flare back to straight so they chamber nicely.
Toss the FCD. I have been using Redding taper crimp dies on my 45 ACP and 9mm from the beginning, 12 and 9 years respectively. I use a turret press and one turret (45 ACP) has a mixture of dies (Pacific, Lee, RCBS, and Redding), but the last die in sequence is the Redding taper crimp...
Peter M. Eick
Member
I have switched to Redding Profile Crimps on all revolver rounds. it just works better. The Redding Taper Crimp die does not seem demonstrably better than other taper crimps.
H Richard
US Veteran
For revolver loads, 32, 38, 357, 44 Spec, 44 Mag, I use a roll crimp in the seating die of the either Lyman or RCBS die set. It has never given me any problems in 30+ years. With taper crimp in 9, and 45 acp I like a separate taper crimp in the last stage after the bullet has been seated.
358156hp
Member
Since I'm dabbling with long range loads, I'm experimenting with using a Lyman M die to flare revolver cases, and a Redding Profile crimp die to crimp. FWIW, I also use a Hornady seating die in hope of seating the bullets a little straighter than possible with simpler seating dies. I'm not much concerned about the sizing die however. I do feel I am seeing a measurable improvement in accuracy, but I'm still working on technique a lot, and am still only shooting revolver out to 100 yards at this point.
Steve in Vermont
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I bought one for my 38 loads and it works well; however, the fact I have to lube the casing is a deal breaker for me. I'd have no problem if all I had to do was lube the inside of the die once every 50 rounds or so but it appears necessary to do this more often, slowing the process. Perhaps someone else has run into this.
dwpmusic
US Veteran
I wish there was a reloading school that you could go to with hands on training. It takes years to accumulate the combined knowledge of the people on this forum. I depend on it quite a bit. Wish I had gotten started in the hobby earlier. Right now I wish I could buy components so I could continue to learn.
Nemo288
Member
I have been using the Redding profile crimp for a long time.
I have never lubed it except to occasionally run an oil rag thru it for preservation.
There may be traces of lube left over from sizing on the brass after I rub them off.
I recently started using some slightly larger lead bullets (.431-.432)
for the 1980's S&W 44's and my Charter Bulldog which all have larger
than spec chamber throats.
The Redding pro-crimp die is so closely cut it won't clear the
brass when loaded with these bullets. For these I have to go back
to using the seat/crimp die (from Redding or RCBS).
There is no noticeable difference in performance given my modest shooting skills.
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Nemo
I have never lubed it except to occasionally run an oil rag thru it for preservation.
There may be traces of lube left over from sizing on the brass after I rub them off.
I recently started using some slightly larger lead bullets (.431-.432)
for the 1980's S&W 44's and my Charter Bulldog which all have larger
than spec chamber throats.
The Redding pro-crimp die is so closely cut it won't clear the
brass when loaded with these bullets. For these I have to go back
to using the seat/crimp die (from Redding or RCBS).
There is no noticeable difference in performance given my modest shooting skills.
----
Nemo
Last edited:
smokindog
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While it may only be basics, our Cabelas has free reloading classes (two levels) every Sunday. Perhaps you can find something similar nearby!
Redding makes great dies, as does Lee and RCBS. That being said I use Lee dies more and more but also own lots or Redding and RCBS equipment.
Crimping depends on the thickness of your brass and length combined with the size and tolerance of the die you are using. If the expander plug and brass allows a nice tight fit a crimp may not be needed. If its a loose seating pressure or you are using a powder like WW 296 that requires a firm seat / crimp for good ignition then use one.
Crimping depends on the thickness of your brass and length combined with the size and tolerance of the die you are using. If the expander plug and brass allows a nice tight fit a crimp may not be needed. If its a loose seating pressure or you are using a powder like WW 296 that requires a firm seat / crimp for good ignition then use one.
Hoptoad
Member
I know you asked about Hornady, Dillon and Redding. Have you had a chance to read up on the Lee factory crimp die? My experience is that it's the best thing since sliced bread.
smokindog
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Nemo288
Member
My main problem with the Lee factory crimp die is that it also
has a carbide sizing ring in it.
Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die - Lee Precision
This is fine if you want to make the
round with minimal dimensions, but now that I use the Redding
dual carbide sizer(s), this would be self defeating. The dual ring
concept is kind of like neck sizing for revolver rounds. It works the
brass less and centers the cartridge in the chamber somewhat better.
YMMV and each to their own!
---
Nemo
has a carbide sizing ring in it.
Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die - Lee Precision
This is fine if you want to make the
round with minimal dimensions, but now that I use the Redding
dual carbide sizer(s), this would be self defeating. The dual ring
concept is kind of like neck sizing for revolver rounds. It works the
brass less and centers the cartridge in the chamber somewhat better.
YMMV and each to their own!
---
Nemo
