Hello,
I started reloading in 1948,and have used a LOT of different makes of dies.
Most of them have been very satisfactory.The dies that I use for my 30Carbine and 45/70 calibers are the same Herter's dies bought around 1960.I think about upgrading to RCBS,but keep putting it off.
My bad experiences are: my C & H dies would not size thin walled cases enough to hold a bullet in my 9MM pistol.I had to make a die to size the cases down farther. The Lee 45/70 seater die(to upgrade my old die)damaged the mouths of my cases.I threw it out.My old Herter's is much better. The Honady 30/30 dies had to be thrown out;they are an engineering fiasco.I complained that the expander plug was only connected by a slip fit connection,and would get stuck inside the case.They answered that that was the design.I complained about the bullet being deformed by the seater plug.They recommended that I polish the plug.Neither of these replies are consumer friendly.
I bought RCBS dies for the 30/30,and am completely satisfied.
In general: most of my dies are RCBS,and I recommend them.
Be wary of Lee;some are excellent(all the crimp dies that I buy are Lee)some may not be satisfactory.
Avoid Hornady,unless you enjoy tinkering while you are loading the ammunition.
I have never tried the more expensive line of dies.Except for the few afore mentioned instances,common priced dies work very well.
Frank
SORRY for the length;I seemed to have been carried away