I started with Redding 300-221 dies because I read that "SSK dies were expensive."
I was not really happy with the Redding dies because the thin shaft on the expander seems easy to bend, and the crimp ring did not see adjustable to work with my cases that were less than max OAL but still in spec.
I ordered SSK/Hornady Whisper dies and did not ask the price. They charged $76.96 including delivery by priority mail. They came two days later. I don't see how this can be called expensive for a 3-die set.
I like them much more because:
1. The expander is massively beefy. There is no possible way it can bend.
2. The bullet seater is very adjustable and it can crimp anything.
3. It seems to make the case body about 0.001 smaller which should help reliability.
Redding on left, Hornady/SSK on right.
I recommend the SSK dies.
Threaded Mode