Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set Review

Let’s Talk About Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set promises a revolution in cartridge resizing, aiming for smoother, more efficient reloading. Redding Reloading, a name synonymous with quality in the reloading world, offers this set as a solution to the common problems of case sticking and excessive lubrication. I was intrigued to see if this set could truly live up to the hype, particularly the claim of “lubeless resizing.”

My journey to the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set began with a frustrating experience with traditional steel dies. I spent countless hours meticulously lubricating each case, battling case sticking, and constantly cleaning up messy lube residue. The promise of a cleaner, faster, and more consistent reloading process was too alluring to ignore, leading me to explore titanium carbide dies.

Upon unboxing, the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set exudes quality. The dies are weighty, with a smooth, polished finish, and the threads are cleanly cut, suggesting precision engineering. This first impression solidified my belief in the brand’s commitment to excellence, setting a high expectation for performance.

Compared to my Lee Precision steel die set and a Hornady Custom Grade set, the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set stood out for its advertised lubeless resizing capability. While the Lee set was budget-friendly and the Hornady set offered good performance with lubrication, neither eliminated the need for lube like the Redding promised. I was particularly drawn to the potential time savings and the reduction in mess.

My initial reaction was a mixture of excitement and cautious optimism. I had read numerous reviews praising the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set, but I also knew that reloading equipment could be cartridge-specific, and what worked well for one caliber might not be ideal for another. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could truly streamline my reloading process.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set at my reloading bench in my garage, focusing on resizing .223 Remington cases. The garage is temperature-controlled, but still prone to dust, representing a typical reloading environment. I specifically wanted to assess the “lubeless” claim and the smoothness of the resizing operation.

The performance in relatively clean conditions was impressive. The cases resized smoothly, with significantly less effort than with my steel dies using lubrication. I initially tried resizing without any lube, and only a few cases exhibited slight sticking, which was easily resolved with a minimal amount of case lube.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. The dies screwed into my Redding T-7 turret press seamlessly, and the adjustments for case length and bullet seating depth were straightforward. I experienced no issues with setup or operation, and the time saved by reducing lubrication was considerable.

There were no major issues, but I did notice that some cases exhibited a slight “ring” or marking on the shoulder after resizing without lube. This was purely cosmetic and didn’t affect the case’s function, but it prompted me to use a very light coat of lube for subsequent resizing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my reloading bench. I’ve resized thousands of .223 Remington and .308 Winchester cases with minimal issues. The dies have become my primary choice for high-volume reloading.

The dies have shown no signs of wear and tear, and the titanium carbide sizing die still provides a smooth resizing experience. The finish remains pristine, and the threads are still sharp and clean. This durability speaks to the high-quality materials and construction of the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set.

Maintenance is incredibly simple. I occasionally wipe down the dies with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris, and I apply a light coat of oil to the threads to prevent corrosion. Unlike steel dies that require frequent cleaning and lubrication, the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set demands very little upkeep.

Compared to my previous experiences with steel dies, the Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set is a clear winner. The reduced lubrication, smoother operation, and increased efficiency have significantly improved my reloading process. I can now reload a higher volume of ammunition in less time and with less effort.

Breaking Down the Features of Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Redding Reloading. This established name ensures quality and precision.
• Quantity: 1 (Die Set). Includes a sizing die, expander die (or none for Pro Series), and bullet seating die.
• Color: Steel. This reflects the durable construction.
• Condition: New. Guarantees peak performance.
• Titanium Carbide Sizing Die: The heart of the set, designed for lubeless resizing.
• Expander Die (Conventional Set): Accurately expands the case mouth for bullet seating.
• Bullet Seating Die with Built-in Crimp (Conventional Set): Seats bullets and applies a crimp in a single step.
• Profile Crimp Die or Taper Crimp Die (Pro Series): Provides optimal crimp after bullet seating, especially for progressive presses.
• Large Radius at Mouth of Seating and Crimping Dies (Pro Series): Facilitates easy case entry in progressive presses.

These specifications are crucial for efficient and accurate reloading. The Titanium Carbide sizing die ensures smooth resizing and reduces the need for lubrication, saving time and effort. The expander die (in the conventional set) ensures consistent neck tension, while the bullet seating die allows for precise bullet placement and crimping.

Performance & Functionality

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set excels in its primary function: resizing cartridge cases. The Titanium Carbide sizing die provides a smooth, consistent resizing experience with minimal effort. This results in more uniform cases, leading to improved accuracy and consistency in reloaded ammunition.

The main strength is the significant reduction in the need for case lubrication. While not entirely “lubeless” in my experience (a very light coat is sometimes helpful), it’s a huge improvement over traditional steel dies. A minor weakness might be the slight “ring” sometimes left on the case shoulder without lube, but this is cosmetic.

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set largely meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of smoother resizing and reduced lubrication, resulting in a more efficient and enjoyable reloading process. I experienced a noticeable improvement in the quality and consistency of my reloaded ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set features a robust, well-engineered design. The dies are made from high-quality steel with a precision-machined Titanium Carbide insert in the sizing die. The weight and feel of the dies inspire confidence in their durability and longevity.

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set is user-friendly. The dies are easy to install and adjust in any standard reloading press. There is no significant learning curve, especially for experienced reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set is built to last. The high-quality materials and precision machining ensure years of reliable performance. The Titanium Carbide insert is extremely hard and resistant to wear, promising a long service life.

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set is easy to maintain and repair. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the threads are all that’s typically required. The Redding Reloading brand provides replacement parts if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set typically includes the sizing die, expander die (or none for Pro Series), and bullet seating die. Depending on the cartridge, different bullet seating stems may be available for various bullet profiles. The Redding Reloading brand offers a wide range of accessories, such as different seating stems and replacement parts.

The Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set is generally compatible with standard reloading presses and accessories. The industry standard threading allows for use with most presses and shell holders. The dies can be used with various bullet seating stems from other brands, depending on the cartridge.

Pros and Cons of Redding Reloading Titanium Carbide Die Set