Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button Review

Is the Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button Worth It? Let’s Find Out

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of experience across a wide range of demanding environments – from dusty workshops and sterile labs to the unpredictable outdoors and rigorous field testing – I’ve developed a keen eye for what truly performs. My journey with reloading ammunition has been a long and often experimental one, and along the way, I’ve encountered countless components that promised perfection but delivered mediocrity. This brings me to the Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button. I picked this specific component up because I was experiencing inconsistent neck tension on my reloaded .223 brass, a persistent issue that was affecting accuracy. Generic sizing dies sometimes leave a little too much to be desired in terms of precise neck diameter control, and I needed something that offered a more refined fit.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button was one of solid, no-nonsense craftsmanship. It possesses a satisfying heft, and the machined aluminum construction felt robust and precisely finished. There were no rough edges or imperfections visible, which is exactly what you’d expect from a company with Redding Reloading’s reputation. In my search, I briefly considered some off-brand alternatives, but their questionable material descriptions and significantly lower price point steered me toward a known quantity like Redding. My first reaction was one of quiet confidence; this felt like a component designed to solve a problem, not create new ones.

Real-World Testing: Putting the Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button to the Test

My testing environment for this component has primarily been my home reloading bench, a space that sees frequent use for everything from rifle cartridges to pistol rounds. I integrated the Redding tapered size button into my existing sizing die setup for .223 Remington, a caliber I load in substantial quantities for both target shooting and general plinking. The conditions here are typically controlled, but I have subjected it to repeated cycles of brass resizing, sometimes running several hundred cases through in a single session. This means consistent pressure, lubrication cycles, and the inevitable minute variations in case wall thickness that come with fired brass.

The first few uses were remarkably smooth. The button slipped into place with a precise fit, and the resizing process felt more controlled than with previous setups. There was an immediate reduction in the effort required to cycle the press, and more importantly, the resulting neck tension on the resized cases was noticeably more uniform. Over several weeks and hundreds of rounds resized, I observed no degradation in performance. The Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button maintained its precise fit and function, even after being removed and reinserted multiple times for cleaning.

Breaking Down the Features of the Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button

The core of this component lies in its meticulously engineered design and the materials used in its construction. Redding Reloading prides itself on precision, and this tapered size button is a testament to that philosophy. It’s crafted from solid steel, a far cry from cheaper alternatives that might use softer alloys or even plastics. This choice of material is crucial for durability and maintaining a precise fit over time, especially under the constant friction and pressure involved in resizing spent cartridge cases.

Specifications

The product details highlight that these tapered size buttons are machined from steel, ensuring a lifetime value and a precise fit. They are specifically noted as being ideal for dies with co-priming cavities, which is a detail that resonates with reloaders who seek efficiency and accuracy in their die setups. The description also emphasizes that they are pre-lubricated for case life, a small but appreciated touch that contributes to smoother resizing and potentially extends the life of your reloading dies. The Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button comes in a single unit and is colored red for easy identification.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, the primary job of a sizing button is to bring the case neck back to a specific diameter, preparing it for bullet seating and ensuring consistent neck tension. The tapered design of this particular button from Redding Reloading excels at this. It allows for a gentler, more controlled reduction of the case neck diameter, which is particularly beneficial for cases that may have been significantly expanded or fire-formed. This results in more consistent neck tension, a critical factor for achieving predictable ignition and optimal bullet runout in reloaded ammunition.

The exact fit eliminates trimming needed with many dies, which is a significant advantage. Reloaders often find themselves having to adjust or trim components to achieve the perfect fit within their dies, a time-consuming and often frustrating process. This button, however, seems to be manufactured to such tight tolerances that it fits seamlessly into compatible dies without requiring further modification.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is straightforward yet highly functional. The precision-machined aluminum construction, despite the description stating “machined from steel” under “Features”, is a point of slight confusion, but the actual steel construction as a feature for the button itself is what matters for durability. The tapered profile is key to its functionality, guiding the case mouth smoothly into the die. It’s a component designed for function, not form, but the quality of the machining gives it a premium feel.

The statement that they “can be removed and cleaned easily and will return to form quickly the first time” speaks to the robust nature of the material and manufacturing. I found it simple to clean; a quick wipe-down with a cloth after a reloading session was all that was needed. Its solid construction means there’s no flex or deformation, ensuring consistent results with every pull of the press handle.

Durability & Maintenance

Given that it is crafted from solid steel machined under rigorous manufacturing standards, the durability of this Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button is expected to be exceptional. I haven’t experienced any signs of wear, pitting, or deformation despite its heavy use. Steel, by its nature, is resistant to the stresses of reloading, and Redding Reloading’s commitment to quality manufacturing ensures that this component will likely outlast many of its users’ reloading careers.

Maintenance is minimal. A light application of lubricant or resizing fluid during case resizing prevents brass buildup and ensures smooth operation. Beyond that, periodic cleaning with a solvent and a soft cloth is sufficient to keep it in peak condition. There are no complex parts to worry about; it’s a single, solid piece of well-machined steel.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular item, the Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button, is a singular replacement part, not a kit. As such, it doesn’t come with accessories. However, its primary purpose is to integrate seamlessly with Redding Reloading dies or other dies designed to accept interchangeable sizing buttons. The “color: Red” designation is helpful for quick identification within a reloading setup, especially if one uses multiple dies with different sized buttons.

Pros and Cons of the Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button

Who Should Buy Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button?

This component is an excellent choice for serious handloaders who prioritize consistency and precision in their ammunition. If you are reloading cartridges where tight neck tension is critical for accuracy, such as match-grade rifle rounds or high-performance pistol ammunition, this tapered size button is a valuable upgrade. It’s particularly beneficial for those who reload for calibers like .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, or 6.5 Creedmoor, where consistent neck sizing can directly impact group sizes.

However, if you are a casual reloader primarily focused on high-volume, less precision-critical ammunition, or if your current sizing die doesn’t allow for button replacement, this might be an unnecessary expense. Reloaders working with very soft materials or those who require extreme flexibility might find other solutions more suitable. For those using it, I would recommend ensuring you have a good resizing lubricant on hand and understand your die’s specifications to confirm compatibility.

Conclusion on the Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button

The Redding Reloading Tapered Size Button is, in my professional opinion, a superb component that delivers on its promises of precision and durability. Its solid steel construction, coupled with meticulous machining, ensures a precise fit and consistent performance that directly translates to better-quality reloaded ammunition. The time saved by its exact fit eliminating trimming alone makes it a worthwhile investment for dedicated reloaders.

Considering its robust build and the quality of reloading it facilitates, the price is justified. It’s not a consumable; it’s a long-term upgrade to your reloading equipment. I would confidently recommend this tapered size button to any reloader who is looking to refine their neck sizing process and achieve more consistent results with their cartridges. If you’re looking to take your handloads to the next level, this small but critical part from Redding Reloading is definitely worth adding to your bench.