Redding Competition Pro Carbide Die Set 38 Special 357 Mag

The Redding Competition Pro Carbide Die Set for 38 Special and 357 Magnum is purpose-built for shooters running progressive reloading presses who want precision handloads without compromise. This three-die set strips away unnecessary components and focuses on what matters: efficient sizing, clean bullet seating, and consistent crimping. If you're loading high volumes on a progressive press and demand tight tolerances, this is the setup that delivers.

The carbide sizing die is the heart of the package—a Redding Titanium Carbide die that handles the heavy lifting of resizing and decapping in one stroke. Carbide dies mean less lubrication, faster cycling, and longer tool life, all of which add up on the progressive machine. The Competition Seating Die is stripped down for its primary job: accurate, repeatable bullet seating with micrometer adjustments for fine-tuning. By splitting seating and crimping into separate operations, you gain control that single-stage or combo dies simply can't match. The included crimp die (Profile Crimp for 38 Special/357 Mag, which headspace on the case mouth) handles the final step independently, letting you dial in crimp pressure without disturbing your seating depth.

Every die features a generous large-radius mouth for smooth, reliable case entry—essential when you're feeding rounds into a progressive press at speed. This isn't a compromise set; it's engineered by reloaders who understand that high-volume production demands tool quality and intelligent design. Whether you're loading target rounds or defensive ammunition, the Competition Pro carbide set is built to keep up with serious progressive reloading.

Key Features

• Titanium Carbide sizing die with integral decapping unit—durable, low-maintenance, and fast
• Micrometer-adjustable Competition Seating Die for precise bullet seating control
• Separate Profile Crimp die optimizes crimp pressure independent of seating depth
• Large-radius die mouths designed for smooth progressive press operation
• Three-die configuration eliminates unnecessary expander die
• Carbide construction reduces lubricant requirements and extends tool life

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this die set work in my progressive reloading press?

Yes. The Competition Pro set is specifically designed for progressive machines. The three-die configuration and large-radius die mouths are engineered for reliable case entry and smooth press operation on progressive equipment.

Do I need to apply case lube with the carbide sizing die?

Carbide dies require significantly less lubrication than steel dies. Many loaders use minimal or no case lube with carbide sizing dies, which speeds up the reloading process on a progressive press.

Can I use this set to load both 38 Special and 357 Magnum?

Yes. This is a combined die set for both 38 Special and 357 Magnum cartridges, allowing you to reload both calibers with the same equipment.

Why is the seating die separate from the crimp die?

Separating seating and crimping into two distinct operations gives you independent control over bullet seating depth and crimp pressure. This approach produces more consistent, reliable ammunition than combo dies that attempt both functions at once, which is why it's favored in competitive and precision handloading.