Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp Review

How the Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp Surprised Me

In the meticulous world of handloading, precision and consistency are paramount, and often, the smallest components make the biggest difference. The Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die is one such component, promising a level of refinement in case neck finishing that can elevate reloaded ammunition from good to exceptional. For years, I’ve relied on a variety of crimping methods, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, but I found myself needing a more controlled and precise taper crimp, especially for certain rifle cartridges that demanded a near-perfectly seated bullet. The description of a “Squeaky Clean Die result” and the prevention of strain on the bullet caught my attention, suggesting a solution to subtle seating issues that can plague even experienced reloaders. My initial impression upon handling the die was positive; it felt solid, well-machined, and the Redding Reloading name inherently carries a weight of quality in the reloading community. While I briefly considered more generic taper crimp dies or even seating dies with integrated crimping, the allure of micro-adjust capability, a feature I’d found incredibly useful in other precision tools, made this Redding option stand out. There was an immediate sense of having acquired a tool designed for a specific, nuanced task, which is always a promising start.

Real-World Testing: Putting Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die took place at my reloading bench, a familiar environment that has seen countless dies and tools come and go. I paired it with a high-quality full-length sizing die and a quality press, focusing on .308 Winchester and .223 Remington brass that had already been processed through the resizing stage. The die installed easily into my press, and the micro-adjust collar provided immediate tactile feedback. Adjusting it for the desired crimp was remarkably straightforward; a few thousandths of an inch made a discernible difference, which is exactly what you want in a precision tool.

The results from the first few rounds were promising. Cases emerged with a clean, consistent taper crimp that wasn’t overly aggressive, leaving the bullet perfectly seated and the case mouth free from undue stress. I subjected it to repeated cycles, resizing and seating over 50 cases in a single session, and the performance remained remarkably consistent. There were no instances of case mouth splitting or the dreaded “bell mouth” that can occur with less precise dies. The die felt robust even under repeated cycling, and the silver finish, while not critical to function, added a touch of professional aesthetic to my bench.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent months, the Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die has become a staple in my reloading process for certain applications. I’ve used it on brass that has seen multiple reloads, brass that has been fired in various conditions, and brass destined for different purposes, from plinking to competition. Through all of this, the die has held up exceptionally well. I haven’t noticed any significant wear on the internal crimping surfaces, nor has the micro-adjust mechanism shown any signs of loosening or developing play.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a solvent and a light re-oiling of the threads is usually sufficient. I haven’t encountered any issues with the die collecting excessive powder residue or brass shavings, a testament to its smooth internal design. Compared to other taper crimp dies I’ve used over the years, which sometimes required frequent re-adjustment or exhibited inconsistent crimp depth, this Redding unit has demonstrated a superior level of reliability and repeatability. It maintains its settings and delivers the same quality of crimp, round after round, which is invaluable for producing consistent ammunition. The durability of this die suggests it will likely be a long-term fixture on my bench, a solid investment for anyone serious about achieving top-tier reloading results.

Breaking Down the Features of Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp

Specifications

The Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die is designed with the reloader in mind, offering precise control over the final seating and crimping process. It is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and resistance to wear from repeated use. The key feature, of course, is the micro-adjust collar, which allows for extremely fine-tuning of the taper crimp.

This fine adjustment is crucial because it allows reloaders to achieve a perfect crimp that secures the bullet without deforming it or excessively stressing the case neck. This precision prevents bullet push-back under recoil and ensures consistent feeding in semi-automatic firearms. Unlike dies with fixed crimp settings, the micro-adjust feature allows for minute adjustments, accommodating slight variations in brass thickness or bullet profiles. This level of control is what sets this die apart from more basic taper crimp dies, offering a tangible benefit in ammunition consistency and performance.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die is to apply a controlled taper crimp to reloaded cartridges. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well, delivering a clean, consistent, and precise crimp every time. The micro-adjust mechanism is the star here, allowing for subtle yet significant adjustments to crimp pressure.

This means you can dial in the perfect amount of crimp for any bullet type and any case lot, ensuring the bullet is securely held without causing undue stress on the case mouth. This precision directly translates to improved ballistic consistency, as it minimizes variations in bullet seating depth and prevents bullet slippage under recoil. The die’s design effectively works in conjunction with a full-length sizing die, ensuring that the case mouth is properly prepared for a clean crimp. Its main strength lies in its repeatability; once you’ve set it for a particular load, you can trust it to deliver the same result batch after batch.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die is a clear indication of its premium positioning. Machined from solid steel, it feels substantial and robust in hand, conveying a sense of quality and longevity. The silver finish not only looks professional but also aids in identifying it amongst other dies on the bench.

The standout ergonomic feature is undoubtedly the micro-adjust collar. Its knurled surface provides ample grip, allowing for easy turning even with slightly dirty hands. The precise indexing of the collar provides satisfying tactile feedback, making it simple to make tiny adjustments. The overall feel is one of refined craftsmanship, designed for function and ease of use. It screws smoothly into the reloading press, and the absence of any sharp edges or rough machining speaks volumes about Redding’s manufacturing standards.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die is built to last. The quality of the steel and the precision machining suggest it will withstand thousands of crimping cycles without significant degradation in performance. Its solid construction means there are few delicate parts to break or wear out.

Maintenance is minimal, which is always appreciated by busy reloaders. A basic cleaning with a bore solvent and a light application of lubricant to the threads are typically all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition. The micro-adjust collar, being a threaded component, should be kept clean to ensure smooth operation. Given its robust build, I anticipate this die will remain a reliable tool for many years, possibly outlasting several reloading presses.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die, in its base form, is a standalone tool designed to function directly in a reloading press. It does not typically come with additional accessories such as specialized dies or alignment guides, as its primary function is integrated into the reloading sequence after case sizing and bullet seating.

However, its design is meant to complement other reloading components, such as seating dies. The micro-adjust feature itself can be considered a form of customization, allowing the user to precisely tailor the crimp to their specific ammunition requirements. While there aren’t external add-ons for this specific die, the inherent adjustability offers a high degree of control, effectively customizing the crimp to a degree not found in more basic dies.

Pros and Cons of Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp

Who Should Buy Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp?

This die is an ideal tool for experienced handloaders who are focused on achieving the utmost precision and consistency in their ammunition. Reloaders who participate in competitive shooting disciplines, where minute variations can impact scores, will find the micro-adjust capability invaluable. It’s also perfect for those who handload for semi-automatic firearms where bullet slippage can cause feeding issues, or for cartridges where bullet runout can negatively affect accuracy.

Individuals who are just starting out with reloading or who primarily load plinking ammunition might not immediately benefit from the advanced features and price of this particular die. A more basic taper crimp die might suffice for their needs. For those looking to maximize their investment, I’d recommend ensuring they have a good quality reloading press and a precision bullet seating die to pair with this crimp die. A good set of calipers for measuring bullet runout would also complement its use.

Conclusion on Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp

The Redding Reloading Micro Adjust Taper Crimp die is a testament to precision engineering in the reloading world. It’s a tool that doesn’t just perform a function; it refines it. The ability to make minute, yet impactful, adjustments to the taper crimp elevates ammunition quality, offering enhanced consistency and reliability that translates directly to performance downrange. While its price point places it in the premium category, the build quality, durability, and the sheer precision it offers justify the investment for serious handloaders. If you’re looking to push the boundaries of your ammunition’s accuracy and consistency, and you value the ability to meticulously control every aspect of your reloading process, then this die is a highly recommended addition to your bench. It’s not just a crimp die; it’s a precision instrument for crafting exceptional ammunition.