6 Best Reloading Dies [What to Look For & Avoid in 2024]

Congratulations on discovering the cost-effective process of reloading ammo! Whether you’re expanding your equipment or knowledge, you’re in the right place. Reloading presses let you manually produce your own ammo from used casings, saving money compared to buying new rounds.

Most presses require a few essential tools: a powder scale, a dial caliper, a tumbler for cleaning brass, and, most importantly, a high-quality reloading die set. This article focuses on the best reloading dies money can buy.

A basic die set includes at least two dies: one for resizing and depriming, and one for crimping. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

Regardless of your experience level, Gun University ensures you have all the information needed to make an informed decision, with convenient links to buy on Amazon and other retailers.

In this article, we’ll dive into the top 6 reloading dies that will best fit your needs.

What is a reloading die?

A reloading die is a critical component of a reloading press intended for the uncapping, resizing, bullet seating, and/or crimping of the casing. You need different dies for each action. Good reloading press kits usually include 3-4 dies in a set.

The quality of your reloading dies can make or break the quality of rounds you are producing. This can directly affect your safety at the gun range.

Pro tip: Don’t put too little powder in your casing when you reload ammo. Not enough powder may mean a bullet stuck in the chamber, which could lead to an exploding firearm.

How I Chose the Best Reloading Dies

As a seasoned shooter who regularly participates in NRL22 and IPSC, I’ve had the opportunity to use a wide variety of reloading dies, which has given me a good understanding of what makes a quality die. In compiling this article, I drew on my own experiences and also sought the advice of expert shooters who have a deep understanding of reloading dies. Their insights helped me curate a list of the best reloading dies available.

I understand that choosing a reloading die is a personal decision, and what works for me may not be the perfect fit for you. Everyone has their unique preferences. That’s why, even though I’ve ranked these dies from 1 to 6, I’ve ensured that the selection caters to a diverse range of needs. I’ve also included a buyer’s guide to assist you in knowing what to look for when you’re in the market for a reloading die. So, let’s dive in!

List of Best Reloading Dies

Top Reloading Dies

1. Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets		Uses interchangeable sizing bushings to control neck size and tension Bushings available in hardened steel and with a titanium nitride coating	On Amazon
2. RCBS Gold Medal Match Reloading Die Set		Possibly the finest reloading dies built by RCBS Sizer die uses a self-centering changeable neck bushing, allowing for accurate tension on the casing	Check price
3. Hornady Series II Taper Crimp Die Set		Made from titanium nitride, rather than steel or carbide Does not require lube because of the carbide expander button	On Amazon
4. Lee Precision 38-55 3 Die Set		Includes built-in stuck-case remover Comes with powder dipper and universal shell holder	On Amazon
5. Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set		Includes Deluxe Carbide Expander Assembly and decapping pin Does not require inside-neck lube, thanks to the neck-expanding button	On Amazon
6. Lee Precision Deluxe Pistol 4 Die Set		Includes free powder measurer and load data sheet Separates the seating and crimping operation, allowing for simpler adjustments	On Amazon

Best Reloading Die Rundown

1. Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Sets
2. RCBS Gold Medal Match Reloading Die Set
3. Hornady Series II Taper Crimp Die Set
4. Lee Precision 38-55 3 Die Set
5. Lyman 223 Rem Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set
6. Lee Precision Deluxe Pistol 4 Die Set

Best Reloading Die Sets: Individual Reviews

Now that we’ve had an overview look at our list, let us take the time to review each Reloading Die Set individually. This section will look at each specific entry.

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Best Reloading Dies – Buyer’s Guide

Reloading your own ammo can save you money and give you more control over the quality of your rounds. Choosing the right reloading dies is essential to ensure your ammo is reliable and accurate. Here’s a guide to help you pick the best reloading dies.

I’ll also cover how to reload your ammo after discussing the key factors to consider when buying reloading dies.

Factors to Consider When Buying Reloading Dies

Caliber of Ammo: First, make sure the die set matches the caliber of ammo you’re reloading. Each caliber needs a specific die set, and using the wrong one can mess up your rounds or even be dangerous. If you reload multiple calibers, you’ll need a separate die set for each one to keep things accurate and safe.

Types of Dies: Different dies do different things. Full-length sizing dies resize the entire case to factory specs, which is great for semi-automatic rifles. Neck sizing dies only resize the neck, extending the life of your brass, making them ideal for bolt-action rifles. Bullet seating dies ensure the bullet is set at the right depth, while crimp dies secure the bullet in place. Taper crimp dies gently taper the case mouth to hold the bullet without damage. Knowing what each die does helps you pick the right set for your needs.

Material: The material of the dies affects how they perform and how long they last. Carbide dies are tough and don’t need lubrication, perfect for pistol calibers. Steel dies are cheaper but need lubrication to keep cases from sticking. Titanium nitride dies are very durable and smooth to use but can be pricey. Choose the material based on how often you reload and what kind of ammo you’re working with.

Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands like Redding, RCBS, Hornady, Lee Precision, and Lyman. These brands have good reputations for making reliable and high-quality reloading equipment. Investing in a trusted brand means you’re more likely to get a product that works well and lasts a long time.

Included Accessories: Some die sets come with extra tools like powder dippers, shell holders, or bushings. These extras can make reloading easier and save you money since you won’t have to buy them separately. Look for die sets that offer these additional tools to get more value for your money.

Ease of Use: Easy-to-use dies can make reloading a lot more enjoyable. Look for features like split locking rings or self-centering bushings, which make setup and adjustments simpler. User-friendly dies can save you time and effort, letting you focus on making great ammo.

How To Reload Ammo

Reloading your own ammo is a time-consuming yet rewarding habit that boasts numerous benefits.

For certain presses, reloading a single round of ammunition may require multiple steps, many adjustments, and numerous types of dies and other components. For other presses, one pull of the lever is all you need.

There are 3 main types of presses:

1. Single-stage press
2. Progressive press
3. Turret press

These presses each have their own pros and cons. Each ranges in difficulty of use. Let’s cover all 3 really quickly.

Single-Stage Press

Best Single Stage Reloading Press is an excellent read if you want to know more.

Progressive Press

If you’re looking for speed and high volume (not so much perfect precision), read our article on the Best Progressive Reloading Presses.

Turret Press

Unlike competitors, our Best Turret Press article covers the highest quality turret reloading presses without any other type creeping in.

Looking for more firearm info?

Hopefully, our list helped you make an informed, confident decision about what you’re investing in. You must do your own research before making a large purchase like this, especially one that can dictate your safety at the range.

Also, if you haven’t reloaded before, we highly recommend reading a reloading manual to fully understand the time-consuming but money-saving process.

Completely new to guns? Here is a great place to start that covers the basics.

If you are not new to guns, and simply want to know more about which firearm to purchase, you can always count on our trustworthy recommendations for firearms themselves as well! Here’s rifles and here’s how to buy a gun online.

Best Reloading Dies – FAQs

How do I adjust neck tension with reloading dies?

To adjust neck tension, you can use a sizing die with interchangeable neck bushings, like the Redding Type S Match Bushing Full Die Set. By swapping out the bushing size, you control how tight the neck holds the bullet. This way, you get a secure fit without overworking the brass, keeping your cases in good shape longer.

How does a bullet seating die differ from other dies?

A bullet seating die is all about getting the bullet to sit just right in the casing. It makes sure the bullet is positioned at the perfect depth, which is key for consistent performance and accuracy. Other dies might resize the case or crimp it, but the seating die is focused on depth.

Are carbide dies better than steel dies?

Carbide dies are generally better for reloading pistol calibers because they’re tougher and don’t need lubrication. This makes the reloading process simpler and cleaner. However, they are more expensive than steel dies. Steel dies are cheaper but you’ll need to use lube to keep the cases from sticking during resizing.

Who makes the best reloading dies?

Redding is known for making the best reloading dies out there, but they do come at a higher price. If you’re not competing, you might not need the top-of-the-line competition dies. For most people, other brands like RCBS, Hornady, and Lee Precision offer great quality at a more reasonable cost.