Redding Reloading Shellholder Set Review

My Real Take on the Redding Reloading Shellholder Set

As someone who has spent over a decade wrestling with equipment in everything from sterile labs to dusty workshops and unpredictable field conditions, I understand the value of reliable, well-designed tools. The Redding Reloading Shellholder Set promised to streamline a critical part of the reloading process, and frankly, my reloading bench was starting to feel a bit cluttered and inefficient. I was looking for a solution that offered both versatility and ease of use, something that wouldn’t fight me every step of the way.

My journey to this set began with a growing collection of brass that spanned several calibers, each requiring a specific shellholder. Juggling loose shellholders and fumbling to find the right one was becoming a real bottleneck during my reloading sessions, especially when I was on a deadline or just wanted a smooth, uninterrupted flow. The idea of a curated set, designed with user experience in mind, was incredibly appealing.

Upon first impression, the set felt solid. The shellholders themselves have a substantial weight to them, hinting at robust construction. The inclusion of a heavy-duty storage box was a practical touch, immediately addressing the organizational issue that prompted my purchase. It wasn’t the most revolutionary design I’d ever seen, but it was practical and functional, which is often all you need in this line of work.

I briefly considered piecing together a set from individual purchases or looking at generic brands, but the reputation of Redding Reloading and the specific “E-Z Feed” design piqued my interest. The promise of easier case insertion, a common frustration point for many reloaders, made this particular set stand out. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism and a definite sense of relief at finally having a dedicated, organized solution to a persistent reloading annoyance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Redding Reloading Shellholder Set to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing began right on my familiar reloading bench, which has seen its fair share of both triumph and frustration. The primary goal was to integrate this set into my regular case resizing and priming operations for various calibers. I specifically chose this set because it included a good range of common shellholder sizes, which I frequently used.

The “E-Z Feed” design was immediately noticeable. Slipping cases into the shellholders felt noticeably smoother than with older, more traditional designs I’d encountered. There was a subtle, yet effective, beveling that guided the case rim effortlessly into place. This was a welcome change, as it reduced the minor fumbling that can add up over a long reloading session.

One of the most satisfying moments was after I’d finished a large batch of 9mm cases. I simply grabbed the next caliber, a .308, and the correct shellholder popped into place with minimal effort. The included storage box was also a lifesaver, keeping all six shellholders neatly organized and readily accessible, preventing the usual frantic search for the right piece of equipment. There were no immediate issues or surprises; it performed exactly as advertised, which in my line of work, is a rare and appreciated occurrence.

Extended Use & Reliability

After weeks of consistent use, spanning several reloading projects that involved resizing, priming, and even some initial bullet seating, the Redding Reloading Shellholder Set has proven to be a reliable workhorse. It has seen daily use on my bench, enduring the minor bumps and jostles that are inevitable in a busy workshop environment. The green, coated finish has held up remarkably well, showing only the faintest signs of wear where the brass makes contact, but no chipping or significant scuffing.

Durability is clearly a strong suit for these shellholders. I haven’t encountered any cracks, stiffness, or degradation in performance. The precision machining is evident, as the fit with my press is consistently snug and wobble-free. Maintenance has been virtually non-existent; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is all that’s needed to keep them clean and functioning optimally.

Compared to some older, generic shellholders I’ve used in the past, this set is a significant upgrade. Those older ones could sometimes be a bit rough on the case rims, and their fit wasn’t always as precise. This Redding set, by contrast, feels like a premium tool, offering a smoother, more controlled experience that translates to better reloads and less potential for case damage. It consistently outperforms basic alternatives.

Breaking Down the Features of Redding Reloading Shellholder Set

Specifications

The Redding Reloading Shellholder Set comes equipped with six of the most commonly used shellholder numbers: #1, #6, #10, #12, #18, and #19. This selection is designed to cover a wide spectrum of popular handgun and rifle cartridges, providing considerable versatility for the reloader. Each shellholder features Redding’s signature E-Z Feed design, which incorporates a unique tapered shape.

This tapered design is crucial for simplifying case insertion, reducing friction and the need for excessive force. The shellholders themselves are constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring they can withstand the pressures and stresses of reloading without deforming. The set is finished in a durable, green coating, which not only adds a distinct visual identity but also provides a layer of protection against rust and wear.

The entire set is conveniently packaged in a heavy-duty plastic storage box. This case is designed to keep each shellholder secure and organized, preventing them from getting lost or damaged. The dimensions of the box are compact enough to fit easily within a standard reloading tool cabinet or on a shelf, making it an efficient storage solution.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a shellholder is to securely hold the cartridge case at the correct height for resizing and priming operations. The Redding Reloading Shellholder Set excels at this fundamental task. The precise machining ensures a snug fit with the base of the cartridge, preventing any rocking or misalignment during press operation.

The E-Z Feed design truly lives up to its name. The tapered opening makes it significantly easier and faster to seat the case rim into the shellholder. This is especially beneficial when reloading in volume, as it reduces the physical effort and time spent on each case. I found that cases slid in with a satisfyingly smooth action, requiring far less manipulation than with older-style shellholders.

One of the key strengths of this set is its versatility. The included numbers are thoughtfully chosen to accommodate a vast array of common calibers, from smaller pistol rounds like .380 ACP (with #1) to larger rifle cartridges like .30-06 Springfield (with #10 or #12). The weakest aspect, if one can even call it that, is that it doesn’t include every single obscure shellholder size; however, this is inherent to any curated set and not a fault of the product itself. For the vast majority of reloaders, this selection will cover their needs exceptionally well.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design perspective, the Redding Reloading Shellholder Set is a prime example of functional excellence. The steel construction gives each shellholder a reassuring heft, indicating robust build quality. The green finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a tactile grip surface that aids in handling.

Ergonomically, the E-Z Feed feature is the standout element. The subtle chamfering around the opening of each shellholder guides the case rim smoothly into place. This reduces the frustration of fumbling with a case, especially when your hands might be greasy or cold. The consistent size and shape across the set make them easy to identify and handle, even without looking directly at the numbers.

The heavy-duty plastic storage box is another well-considered ergonomic feature. It’s designed with individual slots for each shellholder, preventing them from rattling around and making it easy to select the correct one. The box itself is sturdy and latches securely, protecting the shellholders and keeping them contained.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of longevity, these shellholders are built to last a lifetime of reloading. The solid steel construction means they are highly resistant to deformation or damage from regular use. The green coating adds a layer of durability, protecting the underlying metal from rust and minor abrasions.

Maintenance is almost laughably simple. After use, a quick wipe with a clean cloth is sufficient to remove any brass shavings or lubricant residue. The smooth finish of the shellholders makes cleaning straightforward. There are no complex parts to worry about; they are robust, monolithic tools.

Potential failure points are virtually non-existent for typical reloading applications. Unless subjected to extreme abuse or corrosive environments, these shellholders should perform flawlessly for decades. The only thing to be mindful of is ensuring they are stored properly in their case to prevent accidental drops or damage to the box itself.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Redding Reloading Shellholder Set comes as a complete package in its own right, with the heavy-duty plastic storage box being the primary “accessory.” This case is essential for organization and protection. There are no further customization options for the shellholders themselves, as they are precision-machined to specific dimensions for particular cartridge families.

However, the true “accessory” aspect comes in how this set integrates with reloading presses. Each shellholder is designed to fit standard shellholder bodies for most common reloading presses on the market. This means that while the shellholder itself isn’t customizable, its compatibility with a wide range of presses makes it a universally useful addition to any reloader’s toolkit. The green color also makes them easily identifiable on a busy press.

Pros and Cons of Redding Reloading Shellholder Set

Who Should Buy Redding Reloading Shellholder Set?

This Redding Reloading Shellholder Set is an absolute must-have for any reloader who frequently works with a variety of cartridges. It’s perfect for home reloaders, custom gunsmiths, and anyone who values efficiency and accuracy on their reloading bench. If you’re tired of losing or struggling with individual shellholders, this set will bring order and speed to your process.

Reloaders who only ever work with one or two specific calibers might find this set to be more than they need, and might be better served by purchasing just the specific shellholder they require. However, even for those with limited caliber needs, the E-Z Feed design and superior organization make this set a worthwhile upgrade.

For those looking to maximize efficiency, I’d highly recommend pairing this set with a good quality universal shellholder body if your press doesn’t come with one, ensuring maximum compatibility. A set of high-quality case lubricants and resizing dies would also complement this shellholder set beautifully, creating a truly streamlined reloading workflow.

Conclusion on Redding Reloading Shellholder Set

The Redding Reloading Shellholder Set is, in my professional opinion, a superb addition to any reloader’s toolkit. It elegantly solves the common problem of disorganization and makes a critical part of the reloading process noticeably smoother and faster. The E-Z Feed design is not just a marketing term; it’s a functional improvement that saves time and reduces frustration with every case.

Considering the quality of materials, the precision engineering, the thoughtful selection of sizes, and the excellent storage solution, the price of $75.99 represents excellent value. You’re not just buying six pieces of steel; you’re investing in consistent performance, durability, and improved workflow.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this Redding Reloading Shellholder Set to any reloader, from intermediate to advanced. It’s a purchase that will pay dividends in saved time and increased reloading satisfaction. If you’re serious about your reloading and value efficiency, this set is a no-brainer.