Reloading dies intrechangeable?
- Thread starter Ed Smurf
- Start date
They all have the same threads nowadays so you can screw any standard die into any brand press. The exceptions being big stuff like .50 BMG and other cases that are too big for standard presses, they use a larger thread for larger presses dedicated to big stuff. Other exceptions are older dies sometimes used different threads than other manufacturers of the time but anything you buy new will be 7/8". I think one of the Dillon progressives use a proprietary die set but you can stick RCBS dies in a Lee press, Lee dies in a Lyman, Forster dies in a Dillon etc. Single stage shellholders are mostly interchangeable too.
- Location
- Central AB
For the most part yes. But their can be advantages to matching the brand of dies to match the press, particularly with progressive presses when powder dispensing and bullet feeding are automated.
Lee classic cast here, with a mix of Lee/Hornady/RCBS/Redding dies and no issues.
Once had an issue with an older 1980's made Lee 7-08 FL die in this press.... they use to thread them much shorter and there was no way to have the die touch the shellholder with any lockring.
Newer dies, no problem.
Once had an issue with an older 1980's made Lee 7-08 FL die in this press.... they use to thread them much shorter and there was no way to have the die touch the shellholder with any lockring.
Newer dies, no problem.
- Location
- West Quebec
Exactly like the easy way to clean Dillon dies without removing and having to readjust them in the press
- Location
- Central AB
And on the Lee side of things, their automated bullet feeder only works with their bullet seating die. And some types of dies have locking rings too big to fit on their turret press, due to how close the dies are in the turret. Of course other dies are usable, but may require little workarounds.
- Location
- West Quebec
That's what I thought as well..
Put the lock ring on the bottom side of the turret.
You can also use the Dillon 1" lock rings instead of the thick Lee ones. That's what I ended up doing on my XL650 for my Lee FC dies.
I use some Lee dies in my Dillon 550b. And yes the sizing/decapping die is a tad short. I had to resort to flipping the nut over and leaving out the O ring. Two sets of hand gun dies done with this trick are now working fine. Try it on your 650 and let us know how it goes.
Obviously this is only working by the hair of my chinny chin chin. It's THAT close. The nut when flipped is only holding on by one turn or maybe a turn and a half. But that's all it takes.
Ed Smurf, reloading presses, dies and other EQUIPMENT are all legal to bring in from the US. It's only reloading components like cases, primers, bullets and powder which you cannot bring in directly on your own.
