Question about a die set

peter2772000

peter2772000

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Hey guys, can someone confirm that these dies are or are not carbide? I traced the part number 18208 and I'm still not sure if they're carbide or not. The paperwork that comes with the set states something about a carbide resizer, is that the die that needs to be carbide? Or is a carbide set comprised of all-carbide dies.


DSC01903.jpg


Thanks!
 
Carbide sizing dies have a carbide ring insert at the base, whereas steel dies have a one-piece body. If you can't see a separate ring at the base of the sizer die, then it is steel.

The sizing die is the only difference between a regular and a carbide die set.
 
The sizer die will be stamped. "Carb.", I think. You can definitely see the carbide insert too. If that's the original box, it'll have 'Carb' on the label. You can buy a carbide sizer die separately as well.
 
Just get some Hornady One Shot or Dillon spray lube. The carbide is only for the resizer so the spray lubes work well. Or they will work well until you can pick up a carbide sizer die somewhere.
 
The least expensive option would be just to get a carbide sizer die only. You definitely want to have carbide dies if the option is available; no need to worry about stuck cases or cleaning lube off of loaded rounds.

I prefer Dillon dies because the separate seating and crimp dies make for less fiddly adjustment, but RCBS dies will probably work fine if you don't want to spring for a whole new die set. You won't need the neck expander die, as Dillon presses use the powder funnel to expand,

I can't tell from the picture, but there are some old RCBS die sets that have the deprimer pin on the expander die instead of the sizing die. If this is the case, you definitely need a new sizing die to work with a progressive press.
 
peter2772000 .......

Like tjhaile said, look for a ring on the bottom of your resizing die. Sometimes it's so well made, that it's hard to tell for sure. However, you can test for a carbide ring by using a magnet. Carbide has almost no attraction to a magnet.

- Innovative
 
"...least expensive option..." Yep. One die. The rest of the set is the same. Wholesale Sports wants $48.99 for an RCBS carbide sizer die. Sets start at $60.99.
 
Man, you guys are great. My questions have been answered. It's definitely not a carbide die, and I'll prolly get a carbide re-sizer and be done with it. That and a spare tool head from Dillon.

Once again, thanks for the guidance :rockOn:
 
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