44 Mag Redding Dual Carbide Dies

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The brass doesn't last long in my Anaconda. I'm using a carbide die, Lee, so the rounds have a Coke bottle effect and the brass quickly splits after a few reloads. Redding makes a dual ring carbide die to fix this.
What's the difference in the set options? What would you get, I'll be loading on a Dillon 550.
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Dual Ring Carbide Sizing Die Sets
Dual Ring Carbide Sizing Dies are the correct answer to the compromise that has
plagued traditional carbide dies of all manufacturers since their creation.
The traditional sizing ring is required to perform double duty which it can not do. It is
required to size the case sufficiently to secure the bullet (with even the thinnest brass)
which all do with some success. From that point however, all traditional carbide dies
resize the remainder of your cases excessively.
The price of this compromise is shortened case life of your overworked brass, unsightly
appearance and less than ideal chamber fit which may lead to an adverse effect on
accuracy.
The Redding solution is unique, incorporating two carbide rings within one sizing die.
The upper ring is positioned to size only the bullet retention portion of the cartridge case
while the other is configured to properly size the case body without overworking the
brass. Your sized cases will not only look good and function better but brass life will
increase.
Since customers have been asking for Dual Ring Dies in complete sets, we are now
packaging them in the same three configurations as our traditional die sets, as well as
individually.
 
I have the Lee die set. I can get the same effect of the dual-ring sizing die, by using the factory crimp die (with the crimp insert removed) to full-length resize, then use the regular resizing die to size just the portion where the bullet seats. This gets rid of the coke-bottle effect. I then use the Lee collet-style crimp die (which does not have a carbide ring) to crimp. This has an extra step over the dual-ring die, but saves a LOT of money over the dual-ring die set. I don't shoot a lot of 44mag, so it works well for me. If I shot thousands of rounds of 44 every year, I might consider getting the dual-ring sizing die.
 
I have some older Redding dies that have titanium carbide sizing rings, instead of the tungsten carbide used in most. Redding says titanium carbide is slicker, and less abrasive. I don't have enough tungsten carbide dies to compare scientifically, but using my Redding dies is easy peasy, no lube, just wipe any dirt off the case, and in it goes. slick as grass through a goose.

If the new 2-ring dies are titanium carbide, and you've got the money to spend, you'll like them.
I have the Lee die set. I can get the same effect of the dual-ring sizing die, by using the factory crimp die (with the crimp insert removed) to full-length resize, then use the regular resizing die to size just the portion where the bullet seats. This gets rid of the coke-bottle effect.

This is a great idea, and I might try it on my next batch of .45 ACP -- although my Step 2 will be with a Redding .45ACP carbide die.

(Come to think, that would give me the chance to A-B compare the Lee TC and Redding TC.) :)
 
I would try sizing the brass down to just above the base of the bullet, with the dies you've got. Like neck sizing a rifle cartridge.
 
That is how my 9mm look as well. I never knew why. Thanks. I will check the 44.

At 120 bucks it better work.

What about a regular die? Use a little lube.

Can you get just the sizer? It would save some to keep the other Lee dies.
 
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Can you post a pic of the split brass? 44 Magnum is a straight wall case..... you shouldn't have much of the Coke bottle shape...... I use the Dillon Carbide dies and I don't recall having this issue. I don't load many full power magnum loads, I recall them being more difficult to resize than a weaker load, but I don't recall a Coke bottle shape.

If using the powder measure on the Dillon 550, the change over kit come with the expander die, so you shouldn't need the redding expander die (EXP).

The Redding dies ST and PRO ST are both bullet seating dies. The PRO ST has a micrometer built into the die for easier adjustments. Not really a big deal for most people.

The Dual Ring...... is all new to me!
 
That is how my 9mm look as well. I never knew why. Thanks. I will check the 44.

At 120 bucks it better work.

What about a regular die? Use a little lube.

Can you get just the sizer? It would save some to keep the other Lee dies.
The sizer die is ~$115, the 3 die sets are ~$150-$165
 
Can you post a pic of the split brass? 44 Magnum is a straight wall case..... you shouldn't have much of the Coke bottle shape...... I use the Dillon Carbide dies and I don't recall having this issue. I don't load many full power magnum loads, I recall them being more difficult to resize than a weaker load, but I don't recall a Coke bottle shape.

If using the powder measure on the Dillon 550, the change over kit come with the expander die, so you shouldn't need the redding expander die (EXP).

The Redding dies ST and PRO ST are both bullet seating dies. The PRO ST has a micrometer built into the die for easier adjustments. Not really a big deal for most people.

The Dual Ring...... is all new to me!
I've tossed the split brass, they split ~1/4" in the middle of the brass, or almost the full length. When they split it's a bear to eject the cases. Thanks for the clarification of their different dies.
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I will look at my loads later.......but one thing about nickel......it tends to crack or split easier than brass.

Lubing them should help.
 
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This was factory PMC 44 magnum. There is a slight ring near the base of the cartridge which is normal, but little to no coke bottle shape.
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