3 die vs 4 die sets

Widow maker 223

Well-known member
Im in the market for new 9mm dies. Reading Lee's site they say the 4 die set is better for range brass which I use a lot of. I was using a very old 3 die RCBS set, but I dont care for them and brass comes out scratched with no visible marks inside the die. With the 4 die set Im not looking forward to an extra step when loading several thousand at a time. Anyone have useful insite?
 
Not sure how you got away with using only 3. I'm a single stage press (Lee) user and I always finish crimp (using Lee dies) my 9mm reloads. Re-size, flare, seat,& crimp.
Maybe a Dillon progressive in your future?
 
Lee is a carbide sizer, many complain about it when using cast. I use the RCBS standard without a problem. I wet pin tumble the cases & don't lube the cases but that might help with the scratches.
 
A 3 die set is a four die with the seater/crimper combined in one die. I back off the seater/ crimp die and seat all rounds then back off the seating stem and adjust the die to crimp. When they brought out the Lee Factory crimp die it just eliminated having to readjust a seater/crimp die and also allowed more leeway on case length..
 
Oh yeah, yeah, that's right, I forgot. Actually I have one or two of those 2 in 1 dies somewhere but never use them to their full potential. I don't sort pistol brass by head stamp so I could never get them to work consistently. Subtle differences in tolerances I guess.
 
I mainly load Berrys 124gr. I have a old Lyman Spar T. and a old Lee turret but rarely use it. I like throwing powder and looking in each one to make sure. My dad missed one years ago on that press and I remember him hammering the bullet out of his Contender he was pissed lol. I may go with the 4 die set, I think case length has been a issue with the RCBS dies I have.
 
I splurged and tried out some premium 9mm dies.

Mighty Armory makes a very slick set of dies and they make very uniform ammo. The sizing/decapping die alone is great but costs $190. No hourglass case shape and the decapping pin is tough.
Mighty-Armory-9mm-carbide-Sizing-Reloading-Die.jpg


Mighty Armory’s new 9mm Carbide PRO Sizing Decapping Die is lubeless with full length, SAAMI Spec sizing.

Mighty Armory sizing specs matter. You will see, feel and shoot the difference.

Our carbide die is the first of its kind ever introduced to the reloading world.

The Mighty Armory 9mm full length carbide sizing die is the only reloading die that offers 100% full length, concentric case sizing to SAAMI spec angles. Our sizing die will size your case from top to bottom, similar to a rifle sizing die.

What's the difference?

The Mighty Armory 9mm carbide reloading die will save you a step by eliminating the need to lube your cases.

The carbide sizes full length, it is not a ring insert. The carbide die has a full length bore in which the carbide is pressed into the die body under tension using a hydraulic system. We also steel wrap the bottom and add a stop inside the die body so that every die is exactly the same for ultimate strength and durability with ultra smooth operation.

The extended, full length sizing bore prevents under-sizing or over-sizing at the neck, shoulder and base. With the 9mm carbide sizing die, now you can load your rounds to SAAMI spec with every lever pull with no spray case lube required.

Expect multiple benefits when reloading with Mighty Armory dies, including smooth feed from magazines, easy feed into the chamber, correct case pressures, correct bullet tension, cleaner burning powder and increased accuracy. In addition, your brass will last longer for more reloads.

With Mighty Armory's new carbide 9mm reloading dies, chronographs will prove standard deviations will be single digits. Results will be better than factory sized loads!

The design will allow you to adjust the die for bullet diameter and length. Our tool-free design makes it quick and easy to setup.

Redding also makes a good premium set of dies. NxGEN Carbide dies have one carbide ring (supposed to be better) vs two rings on standard carbide dies. And a differently shaped and coated expander. The "Pro" series for "Pro"-gressive presses have flared die mouths. The dies are highly polished on the outside, they seem to be made from a different material and feel machined better than standard dies. They run about $130-$140 depending on regular set or pro set. There's a micrometer seater option.
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I splurged and tried out some premium 9mm dies.

Mighty Armory makes a very slick set of dies and they make very uniform ammo. The sizing/decapping die alone is great but costs $190. No hourglass case shape and the decapping pin is tough.
View attachment 31854



Redding also makes a good premium set of dies. NxGEN Carbide dies have one carbide ring (supposed to be better) vs two rings on standard carbide dies. And a differently shaped and coated expander. The "Pro" series for "Pro"-gressive presses have flared die mouths. The dies are highly polished on the outside, they seem to be made from a different material and feel machined better than standard dies. They run about $130-$140 depending on regular set or pro set. There's a micrometer seater option.
View attachment 31856
View attachment 31858
Interesting, never heard of Mighty Armory
 
Interesting, never heard of Mighty Armory
I have their 9m sizing/decapping die, and the crimp die. They are worth it, I think, for less hickups on the progressive press and yes better looking ammo.

Their universal rifle decapper dies are also top notch. And their primer pocket swage die is 1000% better than RCBS's.
 
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