I've never used Dillon carbide rifle dies so I can't relay any useful info about them. But I would have to consider if anyone has ever worn out a steel die?

But the fact that you want them and can afford them are good enough reasons to buy them. You can sell your Forster dies easy enough but with a small loss.

 

I like Dillon carbide dies. I use them in 223, 308 and 300 Whisper/Blackout.

The big plus is the reduced effort to resize a case and I dont have to use as much lube.

I did not have good luck with their 223 carbide trim die. It was too small base of a small base die.

 

Carbide? I've only used Redding with the interchangeable carbide neck-size bushings. Like everything Redding makes , they're of excellent quality.

 

I don't really understand the idea of a long-term option, but as lightman said, it is unlikely that you will ever wear out your dies. There seems to be some misunderstanding about why to choose a carbide. Both types need lube on the brass to work smoothly. The main thing is to understand what needs to be resized - neck only or full length every time? That depends upon your chamber, and case prep. Personally I would focus on what's happening at the neck end and Redding S dies give you that control.

-Sparks

 

Thanks all.

I'm not a fan of neck only sizing. This is for a MSR using mixed brass... carbide has advantages beyond life expectancy. Long term is just that- I was going to buy the Dillon dies initially but they were unavailable at the time, so I bought the others to get started and possibly to keep if I changed my mind.

Will the Forster dies work fine? Of course they will, but I am leaning towards what I originally wanted.

It's more preference than need.

 

I don't know the advantage of a carbide bottleneck rifle sizing die besides long life in the commercial loading business, but if you see something there, go with it. What's another $151.99?

 

Primarily, 2 past shoulder surgeries. That makes easier sizing alone, worth the extra $. (and when I sell the Forster set, I'm not out too much.)

 

While you are ordering stuff you may want to look at one of these.

RCBS Precision Mic 22-250 Remington

The RCBS Precision Mic is an indispensable tool for safe and accurate loads that help to extend the life of brass. The Precision Mic measures from the...

www.midwayusa.com

 

When I purchased my first AR-15, I ordered a set of .223 Dillon Carbide dies; this was quite a few years ago, and I think back then the Dillon .223 carbide die set was $115. I then made some cases stuffed with kapok to fireform the brass in the chamber. I used a fireformed case to determine the exact height I needed for setting up the carbide sizing die. I then made the necessary adjustments for the remaining dies. Once I found the right powder and bullet combination, all of my AR-15's will shoot sub MOA 5 shot groups off sandbags at 100 yards. One of my most accurate and favorite loads is all matching head stamp brass, with 23.0 gr. of VV N-133 powder, with a 52 gr. Speer HPBT bullet. This is a good load, works and functions properly, and the VV-N-133 powder meters very well and allows accurate powder drops.....I use a Dillon powder measure with the large powder bar.... I don't make a lot of .223 ammo, but if I did, I would invest in another tool head for my D1050, set up a power trimmer, and then gear up for fast production.... I already have a .380 shell plate for my D1050 that I am not using, so the .223 can be loaded using a .380 shell plate.....

 

Recently got set up to load 223/ 556 on my 550B. Contacted Dillon to order a steel die set. Was told ship date would be 6 - 8 weeks. Back ordered the set, & bought an RCBS small base set - w/ a Redding T/C die, to hold me over. Figured I'd sell it when the Dillon set shows up.

Well, it's been 2 months, just completed my second batch of hand loads, & still no die set from Dillon. I'm sure it will show any day now.

That said, when it does - considering our current state of supply & demand, I've pretty much decided to keep the RCBS / Redding set for backup. I'm impressed w/ the quality, & these days, well ya just never know. I've sold a lot of dies sets over the years, & now wish I still had every last one of them...

Forster dies are right up at the top of my personal favorites list, & would be my first choice for a precision .223 bolt gun - which is currently on the ol' bucket list. Personally, I'd hang on to the Forsters - or at least send them to me, for safe keeping...

Best of luck w/ your decision!

 

Forster dies are right up at the top of my personal favorites list, & would be my first choice for a precision .223 bolt gun - which is currently on the ol' bucket list. Personally, I'd hang on to the Forsters - or at least send them to me, for safe keeping...

Best of luck w/ your decision!

Ha! I agree that the Forsters are nice... and I may keep them for a backup set. I also have a Redding small base die that I got when the Forsters were going to be backordered. ...lol

I did buy the Dillon Dies over the weekend.. so now I have 2-1/2 sets of .223 dies... which is definitely overkill for my lowest volume caliber. ...lol