Redding dies

[Rodentman]

I bought a Redding Comp pro series die set (cuz I like 'em) for .44 sp and mag. I had a Big Boss II press. I screwed the die in to just touch the shellholder, and found that I could not adjust the seater plug far enough down to seat the MO Cowboy #5 RNFP bullets fully. At the cannelure they have an OAL of 1.44.

I don't think I did anything wrong and I think it's just the physics of the caliber, die, bullet, and OAL combination.

What say you?

[Seismic Sam]

Seeing as 44 Spl cases are 1/8th shorter than 44 mag, which cases are you reloading?? If you are reloading 44 Spl, that could be your problem, and not the only one. Firing lead bullets in a revolver with the shorter cases can build up a ring in the cylinder, and then if you put in a 44 mag load the ring can keep the case mouth from opening up and letting go of the bullet, and you get a pressure spike or worse. If you're shooting SASS, you may need 44 Spl dies rather than the dual caliber ones. Never heard of this problem before, but I would call Redding up and ask them what the deal is. Their customer service is reputed to be pretty good.

[DeanC]

I have a few sets of 44 mag & spl dies and none of them will seat a bullet deep enough for 44 Russian. Maybe you got a hold of one/some of those cases?

I've been going to get one of my seating dies trimmed to 44 Russ length but just haven't gotten around to it.

[livnlg55345]

First things first...you should call Redding (607)753-3331, and then ask to speak with Pat Ryan he can probably help you with a different seating stem, before butchering dies up.

[1911fan]

First things first...you should call Redding (607)753-3331, and then ask to speak with Pat Ryan he can probably help you with a different seating stem, before butchering dies up.

Ding, winner....

[Rodentman]

Ths for the replies. They're definitely not .44 Russian brass. I will call Redding tomorrow. It's not a big deal as I have other dies for .44 that will work with the .44 sp. I just HAD to have the Redding Comp set.....

I fire a lot of these in my Super RH but I don't fire .44 mag in the same range session. I clean the cylinder well when I get home.

[Seismic Sam]

Hate say it, but I'm not sure Redding comp dies for a 44 Spl are any better than Lee dies for the same caliber. With pistols. the greatest source of variability is the loose nut (rodent) behind the trigger, and things like bore seating the bullets and case concentricity for a CYLINDRICAL cases simply do not exist!! There is a guy over on THR named ReloaderFred who has probably 5 - 10 years more reloading experience than I have, and he once told me about his experiences trying to come up with the most accurate .357 load, using a Ransom Master Machine Rest, so he DID take the loose nut out of the eqaution. In spite of all of his trying, the most accurate load he could come up with was a 158 grain full wadcutter seated with the bullet just barely extending from the case, with a mediocre load of Bullseye whose weight I can't remember. Redding Comp dies are most definitely THE choice for RAGGED and me with our big 338's that have all sorts of variables that a 44 Spl doesn't, but I'm not sure the value is there for a straight walled pistol case.

[Rodentman]

Sam, I agree with you. But I HAD to have them. Doubtlessly they don't do anything that the Lee dies won't do just as well. But the Reddings are just so well built. My DW Sportsman probably doesn't do anything better than my G20, but it's a joy to seehow well that slide fits onto the frame...........

[Seismic Sam]

Sam, I agree with you. But I HAD to have them. Doubtlessly they don't do anything that the Lee dies won't do just as well. But the Reddings are just so well built. My DW Sportsman probably doesn't do anything better than my G20, but it's a joy to seehow well that slide fits onto the frame...........

I understand completely - the fit and finish of the DW guns was beyond reproach - nothin' wrong with trying to get the best for your true love...

[Rodentman]

Issue resolved. User error. Duh. All I had to do was adjust the hex nut in the top of the die down a turn or so. Got that from Redding. They were very helpful.

[Seismic Sam]

You got the $225 set with the micrometer seatingd die?? And didn't try twiddling the threaded part that the micrometer fits into??

[Rodentman]

The set was $125 at GS. I forgot about the hex nut in the top of the die.