I've been using RCBS FLs for years. They've done a good job for me but I want better now. I don't need a micro adjuster for seating but I will consider one.


What would you suggest..? Redding, Forster?

Forster is what you seek. Benchrest or Ultra micrometer.  

You are right, you don't need the micrometer. But.........it is sweet. 

I still have RCBS .223 dies and I have had excellent results with their sizing die. You (IMO) only need to upgrade the seating die. Forster's Ultra-match or Redding's match seaters are virtually identical in design. The Forster's Ultra-match is cheaper, which makes it better.

I think the question that should be asked is what rifle, action, barrel, twist, bullet weights, etc., are you shooting? Why do you feel you have to change the dies?  Are you having problems with accuracy, runout, etc.?

Redding.

Never liked RCBS for rifle.
I use forster benchrest for 223 seating. Sizing too except for bulk loading which is done with dillon trim die.

I have Hornady die for many other calibers. Definitely a good value and product. Easy to adjust and +1  to micrometer stem. I just wish it could be locked in place or more easily read.

I highly recommend these.  

It takes a little homework for bushing selection, but it's well worth it.

For autoloading rifles:  

Redding type-S match bushing full die set.

For bolt action rifles:

Redding type-S match bushing neck die set.

Same here.  I have no complaints with Hornady dies what so ever.  Redding, Forster?  Sure, but I dont need them to make good ammo.

Redding makes great stuff. I have neck sets for 338 lapua and 6.5 swede. But not even my wasteful self would pay so much for 223 set for a semi auto. Of course, perhaps some of you may notice a difference. Most wouldn't.

Get the Redding or Forster micrometer seating die.  Mine is Redding but chose the one YOU like best but get one.  This will save you time and trouble when you change bullet styles, bullet weights, etc.  You will not need to do multiple iterations to get to your final seating depth,  Repeatability is perfect.  Concentricity is as good as it gets.

The Redding Type S Full Length Sizing Die is the way to go.  It does it all and does it as well or better than any die out there.  It is a body-only die, a neck-only die, it does neck and body, it uses a carbide expander ball, it can size without an expander ball, you get to set the amount of neck sizing done to your cases by selecting the bushing diameter.  Really, it does it all*.

I'd say, buy the two Redding does.  Truly, either seater works but the Redding sizing die is the way to go.


*  If I had one wish for Redding, it would be to develop a micrometer adjustable sizing die.  One that adjusts the shoulder set back using a screw adjuster that does not require the coarse-threaded (sloppy) die body to be loosened to adjust the sizing depth.  It would be great to just spin a knurled ring to adjust the depth.

I've wondered why nobody has come up with one yet, or have they?

Redding
Redding Premium Series Deluxe 3-Die Set 223 Remington

What do you think? $130.00

Get them, you will be happy. I'd take Redding over RCBS every time. I have and use RCBS dies though, I bought them before I ever tried Redding. RCBS dies work fine but you'll see some differences.

If seating to a set distance vs the lands, a micrometer seating die is very useful to seat long, measure, adjust, then re-seat. For this purpose, either the Redding or Forster are very good and the markings are readable. In that regard, the Redding is a bit better, at least in my samples.

If not seating to the lands, then the RCBS micometer seating die is useful because you drop the bullet into a slot in the side of the die when seating . . . no need to set the bullet on the case and at times guide it into the die. Unfortunately the micrometer markings require young eyes and a bright light directly on them for readability. Or a DIY re-painting.

Not from Redding, not a die just a die add-on, but the closest thing I've found:

System Message