At a Glance: Top Best Reloading Die Sets Available Today
- OUR TOP PICK: Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets
- RUNNER UP: Lee Precision – 4 Die – Deluxe Pistol Die Set
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die Sets
Comparison of the Best Reloading Die Sets
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Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets |
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Lee Precision – 4 Die – Deluxe Pistol Die Set |
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View Latest Price |
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Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die Sets |
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View Latest Price |
Having the highest quality equipment for reloading will ensure you get better accuracy and reliability when you’re shooting. How much money have you spent on ammo since you started shooting? Are your eyes watering yet? Reloading your own ammo is a great way to save money, but make no mistake, it’s worth making an initial investment in the best reloading die to ensure you’re making the best rounds possible.
Our Guide to the Best Reloading Dies Today
Having the best reloading die will ensure that you’re avoiding mishaps like jams and poor accuracy. There are a few top brands when it comes to reloading equipment. These include Lee Precision, Hornady, and Redding. We’ve reviewed the best reloading die sets from these companies to help you make the right choice.
Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets
If you’re looking for a precise and flawless reloading experience, then the Redding Type S Match Bushing Die set is one of the best options on the market today. This is reflected in the high cost of the die set, which will hit your bank balance a lot harder than a standard die set.
The big benefit of using Redding’s bushing die sets is that they provide extra tension on the case neck, ensuring that there aren’t any velocity inconsistencies when you’re shooting. The Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die set consists of a Type S Bushing Full Sizing Die and a Competition Seating Die.
The sizing die guarantees absolute control over the sizing of the case neck – something that standard die sets can’t deliver. The Competition Seating Die features a floating seating stem system that allows you to negate problems of concentricity. It also features a micrometer calibrated in 0.01-inch increments, further enhancing the reliability of completed rounds.
This die set also includes a handy box to store your dies and all the Type S dies feature interchangeable bushing which means that you can adjust the neck tension to fit your exact specifications.
If you’re looking for competition-level accuracy and consistency with your reloading, then the Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets are ideal for you.
Pros
- Precise control of case neck
- Provides match-grade accuracy
- Interchangeable bushings
- Concentricity improved from sizing die bushing self-centering on the neck
- Impeccable construction
- Available for most calibers
- Ideal for competitive shooters
- Handy box included
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- A tad overkill for the casual reloader
- Only two dies in the set
Lee Precision – 4 Die – Deluxe Pistol Die Set
Lee Precision reloading dies require no introduction to the experienced reloader – the brand is a household name that has built up a solid reputation for its affordable and high-quality reloading gear. The Lee Precision Deluxe Pistol Die Set is perfect for the high-volume pistol shooter who wants to save money by reloading their own ammo.
The four-piece pistol die set includes a carbide full-length sizing die, a bullet seating die, powder through expanding die, and a carbide factory crimp die. The carbide used to make the tools ensures that they’ll withstand abrasion for years to come and will provide the best possible finish when reloading.
LWhat really stands out here is the Carbide Factory Crimp Die which separates the seating from the crimping and ultimately makes for a much smoother and simpler adjustment. The Carbide Factory Crimp Die also post sizes your rounds to ensure they’re the perfect fit for your gun’s chamber. This produces more reliable ammo with better accuracy.
The set also includes a shell holder and a powder dipper, as well as the load data so you know exactly what you’re doing. The set comes in eight calibers, including a special .50 Beowulf set that doesn’t include the powder dipper or load data.
If you’re a casual pistol reloader and you want a reliable reloading set that won’t break the bank, then the Lee Precision 4 Die Deluxe Pistol Die Set is a great setup for you.
Pros
- Solid carbide construction
- Perfect for the casual pistol shooter
- Carbide Factory Crimp Die offers simpler adjustment
- Post sizing of cases ensures a better fit for your gun chamber
- Affordable
- No need to lube the carbide dies
- Includes load data, shell holder, and powder dipper
- Handy storage box included
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Won’t provide match-grade accuracy
Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die Sets
The Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die Set allows for fine-tuned adjustments in the reloading process. The set includes a Competition Bushing Neck Die, a Body Die, and a Competition Bullet Seater. It also comes packed in a handy box to store your dies or completed rounds.
The Competition Bushing Neck Die aligns the cartridge case with the sizing bushing, ensuring that it is tightly supported to make precise neck resizing possible. The case then moves up a tightly chambered sliding sleeve where the resizing bushing self-centers and gets to work on the case neck.
The decapping rod is kept in precise alignment with the rest of the die bushing neck die and the micrometer adjustments allow you to shape the neck length within 0.01-inch increments.
The Body Die is designed to reshape the case body without disturbing the neck while the Competition Bullet Seater Die uses a floating seating stem system to fit the bullet with unmatched precision.
If you’re a match shooter looking for a high-quality reloading die set that will guarantee masterful accuracy and precision – and if you can afford it – then the Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die Set is certainly worth considering. For casual reloaders, you might be better off saving your money and buying something a little less premium.
Pros
- Provides match-grade accuracy
- Precise neck resizing possible
- Body sizing die doesn’t affect the neck
- Micrometer adjustments allow you to make specific neck lengths
- Premium construction
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Too much for the casual reloader
Lee Precision Pacesetter Rifle Die Sets
The Lee Precision Pacesetter Rifle Die Sets come as a selection of three dies, except for specialty calibers that come in two-die sets. The die set is designed to give you a smooth and reliable full-length sizing a reloading process.
The set comes with the Full-Length Sizing/Depriming Die, a Bullet Seating Die, and a Factory Crimp Die, as well as a Universal Shell Holder, a Powder Dipper, and the instructions and load data. All this comes in a handy box to keep your die set in when you’re not using it.
The Pacesetter Rifle Die Set from Lee is an affordable solution for the casual reloader who wants to to be able to optimize their reloading and resizing process. This is offered by the Factory Crimp Die, which allows you to get more bullet to neck tension, which makes for a better round – the kind you’d expect to purchase from a factory! It’s an ideal set for hunters as the finished rounds can take a beating while still offering accuracy and reliability.
Pros
- Factory Crimp Die provides more bullet/neck tension – improving accuracy
- Affordable die set
- Smooth finish with no ripples
- Great for hunters
- Ideal for semi-automatic rifles
- Comes with added extras
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Won’t provide match-grade accuracy
- Requires lubrication
Redding Premium Deluxe Die Sets
Another top quality die set from Redding, the Premium Deluxe Die Set is a three-piece set that includes a full-length sizing die, a bullet seating die, and a standard neck sizing die. As with the other Redding die sets mentioned in this list, the Redding Premium Deluxe Die Set comes with a Bullet Seating Micrometer on the seating die to allow for precise adjustments to the length of the neck.
The full-length sizing die has a carbide sizing button that free-floats allowing it to self-center on the case neck. The kit also comes with a good-quality box to store dies and casings and the carbide construction means that it doesn’t require lubrication.
The three-piece Redding Premium Deluxe Die Set is ideal for rifle shooters. While the set isn’t Redding’s most competition-ready die set, it still stands above most of the competition with regard to features.
The round is inserted into a sleeve, meaning that it’s perfectly aligned with your press. This ensures that your rounds are consistently reliable and accurate. If you’re looking for a premium die set without going to the extreme end of the top price range, then the Redding Premium Deluxe Die Set is ideal.
Pros
- Premium build-quality ensures accuracy
- Bullet Seating Micrometer allows for micro-adjustments
- Carbide sizing button
- Three-piece set
- Perfect for hunters
- Comes with good quality box
- More affordable than other Redding die sets
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Still expensive
- Not ideal for pistol shooters
Hornady Custom Grade Rifle Full Length Die Sets
Hornady is a brand with decades of experience in the reloading game. Their Custom Grade Rifle Full Length Die Sets are the product of those years of experience. If you’re a rifle shooter looking for a more affordable die set that still provides great precision and consistency, the Hornady has got you covered.
The Hornady Custom Grade Rifle Full Length Die Sets come with a resizing die and a bullet seating die. They’re quality construction with bulky locks. The seating die features a floating stem that captures the case and the bullet to allow for much more precise bullet seating. If you opt for the three-piece set, then you’ll also get an expander die, while a special four-piece set has also been designed for the .450 Bushmaster also has a taper crimp die.
The build quality is comparable to Redding, although not as premium. Still, Hornady has shown itself to be an excellent alternative for those with a tighter budget. The company claims that they’re so well machined that they’ll never break – regardless of how much you use them. They also offer free bullets with the purchase, which is a nice touch.
The Custom Grade Rifle Die Set is made of steel, not carbide, but it has a heat-treated finish and has been polished to ensure that it’s the highest quality steel – it will mean you’ll need to put some lubrication on your cases, however.
Pros
- Affordable premium rifle die set
- Comes in two-four pieces
- Solid steel construction
- Free bullets with purchase
- Floating seating stem system
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not made of carbide
- You’ll need to invest in lube
Redding Full Length Die Sets
Steering away from the competition-grade reloading die sets and providing something to suit the more price-conscious reloader, the Redding Full Length Die Sets still provide the excellent build quality that the company is famous for.
The Redding Full Length Die Set includes a full-length sizing die and a standard seating die, as well as a handy case to stand your dies and cases in. These are steel dies, meaning you’ll need some lubrication on your cases.
The full-length sizing die also has an expander built into it, meaning that your case is resized inside the die and then pulled back through the expander, which resizes the diameter of the neck. The standard seating die also features a built-in crimp mechanism, which ensures that your bullet is firmly secured in the case.
Redding dies can get very pricey, which is their major downfall – that being said, the Full Length Die Sets are much more affordable than the other Redding die sets on this list. They’re a great way for you to experience Redding manufacturing without drop-kicking your bank balance.
Pros
- Affordable Redding die set
- Seating die has crimp mechanism built-in
- Sizing die also has expander feature
- Great construction
- Comes with the standard Redding case to hold dies and cases
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Won’t provide match-grade accuracy
- Lock rings aren’t the best
Lee Precision Ultimate Rifle 4-Die Sets

Lee has a great reputation in the reloading industry and their Ultimate Rifle 4-Die Sets should get you excited by the name alone. This 4-die set comes with everything you need to reload ammo to factory standards without having to sacrifice much money.
The set includes a full-length sizing die, a collet neck sizer, a bullet seating die, and a factory crimp die. It also comes with a powder measure, a shell holder, and Lee’s awesome load data. All this will cost you just a fraction of a premium die set and the construction is good enough to last for years to come without breaking.
The bullet seating die features an easy-to-adjust mechanism, making it a breeze to seat your bullets to the exact depth that you require. The factory crimp die allows you to get a better velocity by adding more pressure build behind the bullet, giving the cartridge factory-standard accuracy in most cases.
While the materials and technology used in these reloading dies isn’t the most thrilling, it will certainly get the job done and if you’re shooting for casual or even hunting purposes, then you’ll find yourself satisfied with the Lee Precision Ultimate Rifle 4-Die Sets.
Pros
- Four-die set for an affordable price
- Good build quality will last years to come
- Factory crimp die allows for better accuracy
- Powder measure, load data, and shell holder included
- Easy to adjust bullet seating mechanism
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Cannot match premium die sets
What Is A Reloading Die?
Reloading dies are the most essential pieces of reloading equipment you’ll come across. They’re the tools that are screwed onto your reloading press to perform actions like resizing, de-priming and expanding cases, seating bullets into the case, and crimping the neck of the case to hold the bullet in place more effectively.
The quality of your reloading dies will determine the overall quality of the rounds you produce while reloading. It should go without saying, then, that you want to buy the best reloading dies for your specific reloading needs.
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How to choose the best reloading dies
There are a few things to consider when choosing reloading dies. It’s important to know exactly what type of dies you need for your specific reloading purposes. Having this knowledge in order before shopping will help you to pinpoint the right reloading dies and save you a lot of time and hassle.
- Consider your needs: Make sure that you’re getting the right dies for your needs. Some are designed to reload rifle ammo, while others are used primarily for pistol rounds. On top of this, your shooting style will also come into the decision: are you a hunter, a casual shooter, or a competitive shooter?
- Stick with reputable brands: The big players in the reloading game – brands like Lee, Redding, RCBS, and Hornady – all have solid reputations and generally offer lifetime warranty and support.
- Make sure they’re compatible with your press: Most dies can be used on a variety of different presses. Still, it’s always a good idea to double-check that the die set you’re about to buy will actually work with your reloading press – not all of them are universal.
- Know your budget: This is an obvious one. Most causal reloading die sets are pretty affordable. If you’re on a budget, then definitely steer clear of match-standard reloading dies. They’re not necessary if you’re not a competitive shooter.
Carbide vs steel dies
Most reloading dies are made of either steel or carbide. Carbide dies are more expensive and are generally better than their steel cousins. That being said, if you’re on a budget then steel dies are still reliable and long-lasting.
Carbide dies
- Will last a lifetime
- Don’t require lubrication
- You don’t need to clean your brass after sizing
- More expensive than steel dies
Steel dies
- Have the benefit of being cheaper
- Will still last a long time
- Require lubrication before sizing
- You’ll need to spend time cleaning the brass after sizing
Types of reloading die
There are several different types of reloading dies. Some of them are essential, while others are optional but may increase the quality and accuracy of your completed rounds.
Resizing/depriming die
This die is for the first stage of the reloading process. The resizing/depriming die does exactly what it says on the label. It’s designed in the shape of the caliber that you want and reshapes the case back into this shape. It also pushes out the old primer to make room for a new one.
Case trimming die
The case trimming die is the second part of the reloading process. After a round has been fired a couple of times, the case tends to expand in length. The case trimming die chops some of the excess length off to bring it back to its original size. This die is optional.
Powder-through expanding ‘die’
This is another optional die. In fact, it’s not really a die. The primary purpose of it is to feed powder into the case. You would never need this in a single-stage press, as you’d be manually filling each case with powder. It’s only worth looking at these if you’re using a progressive reloading press with automatic indexing.
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Bullet seating die
This is the second essential stage of reloading, and you can actually get away with only having a resizing/depriming die and a bullet seating die. The purpose of the bullet seating die is to align the bullet with the case and then feed it into the case.
Factory Crimp Die
An optional add-on to the reloading process is the factory crimp die. When you insert your bullet into the case, it might end up being a little too loose, which will affect it’s velocity and trajectory when the powder explodes behind it. The factory crimp die strengthens the tension around the neck of the bullet, which ensures you have a more accurate finished round. This is usually used for pistol ammo, while rifle reloaders tend to skip it.
Resizing/depriming die
This die is for the first stage of the reloading process. The resizing/depriming die does exactly what it says on the label. It’s designed in the shape of the caliber that you want and reshapes the case back into this shape. It also pushes out the old primer to make room for a new one.
3-die sets vs 4-die sets
Reloaders commonly ask whether they should buy a 3-die set or a 4-die set. Three die sets are usually fine and have been used for years without any major hick-ups. The main benefit of 4-die sets is usually the factory crimp die, which, as outlined above, can produce more accurate and reliable rounds – especially for pistol shooters.
In general, pistol shooters should opt for the 4-die sets, while rifle shooters can settle for the 3-die sets as they won’t need the factory crimp die.
How to use your reloading dies
Using reloading dies is easy. You generally just need to screw the dies into your reloading press and then lock them in. If you’re using steel dies, then you should apply some lube onto your brass before using it, whereas for carbine dies you don’t need to apply lubricant.
With your seating die, you’ll also want to adjust your seating depth to determine how deep into the brass your bullet sits. Always read the instructions for your dies, as different brands do sometimes differ in their setup process.
Adjusting and Trouble shooting Reloading Dies
If the reloaded round of ammunition comes out of the final stage (usually crimping) with any form of distortion or deformation to the case, then there is quite probably something wrong with the depth settings of one of the dies. This will often be a seating or crimping issue, but may come from earlier stages in the reloading process. For single stage presses, it should be obvious which stage has caused the problem as each round is individually processed through each stage and can be inspected as it comes out of the press.
For turret and progressive presses, it may not be as obvious. The only way to determine which stage has caused the problem is to remove the round after each stage until the distortion is seen. The problem is then most likely with the die setting of the last processed stage.
Considering the possible variations in reloading systems, I am going to be very generic about the types of dies I am going to address. Some dies do a number of jobs in combination, and are thus quite difficult to discuss, e.g., combination decapping/resizing or seating/crimping dies. Let’s stick to single task dies for simplicity.
Decapping Dies
Decapping dies inevitably have a long thin pin running down the middle of the die (Figure 1), the sole function being to project through the primer hole and thus push the expended primer out of the case. The main risk here is that if the die body is set too low, it may impact the case mouth causing damage to the case.
The die body should be adjusted so it does not touch the case, and the decapping pin adjusted so that it barely pushes the primer clear of the case. Some decapping dies (Figure 2) have spring-loaded decapping pins and are pretty much self adjusting. Provided the body of the decapping die does not touch the case mouth, these types of decapping dies should only need a rough adjustment to get them in the ball park.

The other point worth noting about decapping dies is that with use, the decapping pin may become bent, or work loose in its holder. The pressure exerted by the decapping pin can be quite significant, certainly enough to damage a brass case. If the decapping pin is not correctly aligned with the primer hole, and hits the base of the case instead, there is a very good chance the case will be damaged making further use of the case impossible.
The caution here is, keep an eye on your decapping pin. Make sure it is straight and tightly held in place. A routine check before each reloading session would be a good idea. The decapping pin often protrudes below the base of the decapping die (Figure 3) and thus can be visually checked for straightness. A simple push with your finger will let you know if it has worked loose.
Seating Dies
Seating die depth adjustment depends a great deal on the type of projectile in use, specifically, whether or not the projectile has a crimping groove or cannelure. The other major consideration is Overall Ammunition Length (OAL). As long as the OAL for a particular caliber is not exceeded, the chance of misfeeds, for semi-autos, and cylinder obstruction, for revolvers, should be minimal. Seating a projectile too low may cause excessive pressures in the case during firing, particularly if the load is towards the high end of the maximum powder charge.
Seating depth should be adjusted to make sure the OAL is less than the maximum for the caliber, and place the projectile at the correct depth for the crimping operation.
Crimping Dies
Crimping and seating adjustments are inevitably intertwined, and depend very much on the type of firearm and projectile being used. I covered the issue of crimping in some detail in my previous 3 articles.
The “Cliff notes” version: if you are going to apply a crimp, it should be just sufficient to hold the projectile firmly in place, and not allow the projectile to leave the case during firing until all the powder has been burnt. If the projectile has a crimping groove (cannelure), the crimp should be placed at that point. If there is no crimping groove, the crimp can be located anywhere on the last land (widest part) on the projectile.
Resizing Dies
The resizing die operates on the outside of the case to return the case to the correct diameter. This needs to be done for the full length of the case. The general procedure is to adjust the die so that it goes down to within about 50 thousandths of an inch of the case rim or groove for rimless cases. I have seen this expressed as “about the thickness of a dime.” For most presses, this will be expressed as a clearance between the bottom of the die and the case holder plate when the die is at its maximum depth. The exact measurement will depend on the thickness of the case holder plate, but an additional 20 thousandths of an inch above the case holder plate should work in most cases. For a die with an 18 TPI thread, this amounts to about a 1/2 turn of the die, i.e., screw the sizing die down till it touches the case holder plate, then back it off by 1/2 a turn. Figure 4 shows this clearance for a .357 S&W Magnum case in a Dillon 650 press.

Case Belling Dies
Case belling (expanding) should be as little as necessary to keep the new projectile in place during the seating process. Too much belling not only excessively fatigues the case mouth causing premature case splitting, but may also cause the case mouth to catch on the edge of the seating die causing case damage. Figure 5 shows a .357 case/projectile with too little belling and another with just the right amount of belling of the case mouth required to suit most applications.

What is the Best Reloading Die?
Overall, I think that the Hornady Custom Grade Rifle Full Length Die Sets are the best value for money. If you’re looking for precision and accuracy, and you want something that will last a lifetime, then Hornady is the brand to go with.
Lee’s die sets will save you money and they’re certainly formidable, and if you want the absolute best of the bunch, then I’d say the Redding Competition Bushing Neck Die Sets are a solid bet – but for the steep price tag this set isn’t really necessary for the average reloader who isn’t going to be competing.