What do I get for all the extra cost?

roysha

October 20, 2002 00:00

I think this question has been asked before but I can't find the topic so I'll ask again. What is the difference, besides $30.00, between a $19.00 Lee die set and, say, Bonanza or Redding $50.00 die set? I can understand the price difference range with Lee, RCBS, HOR, LYMAN, which is generally only $3-$5.00, but haven't figured out the $30.00 difference. I don't particularly care for Lee products so usually use RCBS or HOR. However, I have several set of both Redding and Bonanza and like them. Please don't tell me to buy Dillon or something else. I just want a logical explanation of the extreme cost difference.

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  Mobuck

  October 20, 2002 05:02

  In most cases the difference will be in final finish and/or hardness. I use the Lee dies for most everything and don't have a problem with the final product as for chambering and such. The Lee may be a litle softer and therefore will wear quicker but most people don't load enough to see that happen.
  
  Mobuck

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  richbug

  October 20, 2002 14:33

  It would be tough to say, most of my dies are Lee, checked my books for how many rounds through them, my Lee 9mm have 22000- ammo still comes out to spec. My Lee 40-10mm dies have 14000. My rcbs 30-06 I either broke the decaping pin or bent the spindle every 1-200 rds on military brass. differences I have seen in other brands usually involve a better seater die. The Lee seater works well but has no calibration markings.
  
  rich

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  woodsrunner

  October 20, 2002 14:46

  For the most part there will be little or no difference in the end product. Next time you're at a gun show or in a gunshop pick up a set of Lee dies and turn the adjustments on them. Then pick up a set of Reddings and do the same thing. The Lee dies and the Redding dies will give you the same end product, but, the Redding dies will be made with much better craftsmanship. For what it's worth, my bench has Lee, Lyman, RCBS, and Redding dies on it.
  
  Woods

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  mballai

  October 20, 2002 14:52

  Some of the cost differences are due to the fact that this just ain't a big market, the stuff lasts a long time, and most people will buy on the cheap--and that makes it harder for a company like Redding to make ends meet.
  
  I've used RCBS, Redding and Lee--I'll take RCBS or Redding most days over Lee. However, I've gotten defective stuff from all of these companies. I'm going to try out some Hornady dies--they have some innovative features--probably not enough for me to change brands, but I really like to see a company design a product intelligently.
  
  Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead

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