Shell Holder Questions

[DSMDealer]

I've done some research and have seen a lot of back and forth about which shell holders to round out my collection with.

I have some RCBS and Hornady one already, but still want to pick up a few other calibers.

The Lee "Packages" are by far the best deal, cost-wise, however after mapping out what I needed yet, I've noticed that they don't seem to be as "precise" as Hornady/RCBS/Redding/Lyman.

For example:

.40 S&W
Redding: #5
Hornady: #10
RCBS: #27
Lyman: #15
Lee: #19

9mm
Redding: #13
Hornady: #8
RCBS: #16
Lyman: #12
Lee: #19

Notice that Lee uses the same holder for both cases whereas the other 4 seemed to deem it necessary to produce two different sizes.

Do any of you more experienced reloaders have any input on this?

Am I making mountains out of molehills here, or is it worthwhile going the extra mile to track them down separately (Lee seems to be the only one who sells larger "kits")?

Thanks!

[Bang]

I think you'll find when they list separate shell holders where others list one for multiple uses, the differences is the bump factor in the resizing dies.

Anyway, just in case you haven't seen this...

http://www.handloads.com/misc/shellholders.asp

[Arrdy]

I use a Lee Pro 1000 press, and have had no problems using the #19 plate for 40 and 9mm. While the outside 'rim' of the 40 S&W has a larger diameter, both the 9mm and 40 have the same size 'notch' (extractor) diameter, 0.347" (according to SAAMI).

I also like how the 380 auto and 223 use the same plate. Saves a couple $$$.

[dkf]

The #19 works more than fine for 9mm, .40 and .357sig in my experience. Matter of fact all my shell holders are Lee. Some came with die sets, some purchased separately.