pros and cons
of rcbs, lee and hornady

i have used lee for 40 cal and like fcd die, but hinking og going rcbs and adding lee fcd

any opinions

I've only used the Lee carbide set with the FCD. I like them, no reason to switch for me.

I like my Hornady dies... one note for .45ACP, 9mm, or any other pistol cartridge that headspaces on the case mouth; the Hornady 3 Die set DOES NOT include a die that can apply the necessary taper crimp, there's space in the die box for a 4th die... and you have to buy that taper crimp die separately.  The bullet seater / crimp die that comes in the set only applies a roll crimp (Why, I don't know, but that;s the way it is).

I have all three brands and a Lee FCD is added to finish the set. All work fine.

I now only buy Hornady dies, bigger box, and a straight line bullet seater.

Be sure to get the carbide dies if going RCBS, Hornady only sells the titanium nitrate (same as carbide in function).