Reloading dies

[reb8600]

I have been looking for the 204 dies in RCBS but cannot find them locally. I prefer not to mail order. Costs to much by the time I add in shipping. I can find them in Redding or Hornady but am not familiar with the quality. I have always used RCBS. Would like to hear some comments about the other 2.

[ol_spark]

Redding is my #1 choice. I've used Hornady's Custom dies only for wildcat calibers but you're talking about a standard caliber and so I can't help you there. No experience using them, I'm sure you'll get a dozen different opinions but I would say get whatever suits your wallet. If you are an average Joe using your gun for average shooting, you"ll never know the difference anyways in a factory gun. Usually Hornady is a buck or two less than RCBS and Redding is more expensive.

[Rocky Raab]

It's almost a Ford/Chevy thing. I've heard some people badmouth Hornady dies. I have several sets and cannot understand what the problem might be. I give them high marks.

I own and approve of RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Lyman, Forster and even a few sets of Lee dies. No problems with any of them. I will say however, that if you listen to six guys talk about dies, they may badmouth most of the brands out there, but nobody EVER has anything bad to say about Redding.

[Jack]

I have dies from about every maker. But, when I go to buy dies, I try to stick with green boxes;)
Nope, I'm not crazy about the color of the box, it's just that the best dies come in green boxes- Redding and RCBS.
Hornady dies are OK, too. Personally, I don't care for their decapping pin set up (the collet), but it's a good die.

[Catfish]

I almost agree with Rocky. I`ve had every thing named so far, plus CH, Pacific, Herters and I forget what all else. The only dies I`ve ever had much trouble with were all Lees, but then I`ve had trouble with everything I`ve ever owned that they made. :mad:

[Dale]

If a die set comes in a RED box it is a good set. Stay away from any that is in a GREEN box. They aren't worth the green box they are in. :D Just joshing ya Jack. Hope I didn't make you see red. ;) I have more Hornady (red box) than any and I really like them. I have never had any Lee so I can't speak for them. I've got a Redding that I like as well. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either of the ones you are looking at.

[Cal Sibley]

I've been using Redding dies for many years, mostly bushing dies in recent times and can find no complaint with them. They do an excellent job. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[skb2706]

as the others have said you won't have a problem with either. .....my first choice is always RCBS as they kinda got me started in this long ago but Redding dies are nice.

Curious if you have found .204 brass ? or making it from .222 Rem mag ?

[eldeguello]

Originally posted by skb2706
as the others have said you won't have a problem with either. .....my first choice is always RCBS as they kinda got me started in this long ago but Redding dies are nice.

Curious if you have found .204 brass ? or making it from .222 Rem mag ?

RCBS dies are usually quite good. Redding dies are excellent, as are Forster benchrest dies.....

[reb8600]

SKB---As for the brass I have not found any yet so I bought some factory loaded Hornady and will just reload it after I shoot it.

[Catfish]

204 brass is easy to form from .222 mag. brass. I like to apply a thin coat of lube to the neck with my fingures then run the .222 mag. brass through the seating die befor you run it through the sizeing die. When setting your die you need to check you brass for correct lenth by chambering it in your rifle. You only size about 1/2 of the case neck so don`t set your seating die to deep. It`s best to set it to shallow and then screw it in untill you can close the action, but it closes alittle hard. Pick a load and start with suggested starting load and load 1 round and check for presure. If you see no presure signs work you load up alittle at a time untill you see presure signs or you get to max. load. Cases form better with higher presures. If your like me and like to form 500 rounds or so at a time work up an accurate load for fire forming and take them hunting. Your fire form loads look alittle funny with the double steep case necks, but once you fire them they`ll look like .204 cases. Now is when you want to trim them and turn the necks if nessary.

[Cal Sibley]

How about the Redding Competition dies? I don't actually know if Redding makes them in .204 Ruger yet. Either that of the Wilson NS knock out dies would seem to me to produce the most concentric reloads. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Cal Sibley]

I don't think you'll go wrong with Wilson NS, bushing knock out dies. They produce some very concentric reloads. If that .204 is half as accurate as I think it might be, the Wilsons will make it even more so. You can use an arbor press, or if you don't wish to spend the money, get by nicely with a little rawhide mallet. Both the Wilsons and the Reddings are top notch. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal