used die set
- Thread starter Goose25
- Start date
with the price and shipping costs that most guys want for thier used dies it just doesn't seem to be worth it.
I'd really appreciate some honest advice... I got a RCBS Reloader Special-5 press and don't know what dies to get? Are the Lee Dies a direct fit on a rcbs press? are the rcbs dies worth the extra coin?
which to choose?
1. RCBS Group A 2 die set + LEE factory crimp Die + shellholder
2. Lee Pacesetter dies
3. Lee RGB + shellholder
4. Lee deluxe rifle die set
I'd really appreciate some honest advice... I got a RCBS Reloader Special-5 press and don't know what dies to get? Are the Lee Dies a direct fit on a rcbs press? are the rcbs dies worth the extra coin?
which to choose?
1. RCBS Group A 2 die set + LEE factory crimp Die + shellholder
2. Lee Pacesetter dies
3. Lee RGB + shellholder
4. Lee deluxe rifle die set
Depending what you are reloading for, assuming a bolt gun I'd get the Lee deluxe dies and the Lee shellholder set. Very handy having a shellholder for almost anything without visiting the store. From Montreal, you could even make the run to Hawksbury and save shipping.
I have to give credit to RCBS for service hands down. Dont matter how good they are if you cant service them. Have to assume someone so bent on customer service just has to make a good product. Good middle road stuff. Used stuff is always a gamble and I am not much of a gambler.
Goose, you'll hear a million opinions on this matter. Here's mine:
If you're a novice, buy a new set. They're not that much more expensive than a used set.
If you're on a budget, you simply cannot beat the Lee Deluxe Die kit for the value. For the price of other brands' two-die sets, it will give you three dies plus a shellholder in one package. The third die is the collet neck-sizing die, and it is worth about $25 by itself -- and, in reality, it is probably worth its weight in gold. If you're loading for a bolt rifle, you can use that neck-sizing die and don't even have to lube the cases. I use if for my target loads.
However, you only want to use a neck-size die for brass that's already been fired in your rifle, for rounds that are going to be used on the range, and for rounds in a bolt action rifle. In all other cases, you should use the full-length size die. It's just great that the Lee set gives you that extra option.
Otherwise, any new set of dies by a reputable manufacturer will work with your RCBS press.
If you're a novice, buy a new set. They're not that much more expensive than a used set.
If you're on a budget, you simply cannot beat the Lee Deluxe Die kit for the value. For the price of other brands' two-die sets, it will give you three dies plus a shellholder in one package. The third die is the collet neck-sizing die, and it is worth about $25 by itself -- and, in reality, it is probably worth its weight in gold. If you're loading for a bolt rifle, you can use that neck-sizing die and don't even have to lube the cases. I use if for my target loads.
However, you only want to use a neck-size die for brass that's already been fired in your rifle, for rounds that are going to be used on the range, and for rounds in a bolt action rifle. In all other cases, you should use the full-length size die. It's just great that the Lee set gives you that extra option.
Otherwise, any new set of dies by a reputable manufacturer will work with your RCBS press.
- Location
- burnaby BC
one thing, check to see it comes with instructions.
i bought a used set of 45acp dies and had never used pistol dies before. instructions would have been nice.
i figured it out, but its a good thing to check any way.
i bought a used set of 45acp dies and had never used pistol dies before. instructions would have been nice.
i figured it out, but its a good thing to check any way.
- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
I have had good luck finding good prices for dies on the equipment exchange here with WTB ads. I have also seen used dies listed for sale for more than Higginsons lists new dies for. Most Manufactureres are using a standard size thread, so dies interchange between most manufacturers. I have a Lee press and a mix of Lee and RCBS dies, either will work for you ( also Hornady, Redding, Lyman and proboably others as well). I'd post a WTB ad and see what you get, if you don't see a good deal in the first week, buy new.
Slash5 said:
Starting with my Tikka T3 in .30-06
p-17 said:
lets see if I got this straight?
The lee deluxe rifle die set gives me a:
1. deprime and full lenght sizing die
2. bullet seating die
3. neck sizing die
With a deluxe die set I could add a factory crimp die and I'd be set? I'd have the neck-sizing dies for my bench ammo (no crimping) and I would full lenght size and crimp my hunting ammo (reliability)???
whats the difference between the "Lee factory crimp die" and and the "Lee carbide factory crimp die"?
are there people who crimp after neck sizing?
Workin Man said:
I did, and most guys want 5-10$ cheaper then what I can get them for from a store. It's just not worth it if I have to pay shipping on top of that!!!
The Factory Crimp is for rifles.
When I can get them in the caliber,I have the Deluxe 3-die set and the Factory crimp.
The Factory Crimp die gives a even starting pressure.This comes from all having the same neck tension.You use it with all loads you work up.
The Lee Collet die works a different priciple than other neck sizing dies. A Collet radially squeezes the neck to size. It makes very true cases. In fact it's used as a cheap competion die. It also uses no lube,making for very lazy reloading. But you do have to F/L every once and while.
Lee equpment is not for every one,if you are not mechanicaly inclined,you won't get the most out of them. I love their engneering elegance,but others only see the cheap looks.
When I can get them in the caliber,I have the Deluxe 3-die set and the Factory crimp.
The Factory Crimp die gives a even starting pressure.This comes from all having the same neck tension.You use it with all loads you work up.
The Lee Collet die works a different priciple than other neck sizing dies. A Collet radially squeezes the neck to size. It makes very true cases. In fact it's used as a cheap competion die. It also uses no lube,making for very lazy reloading. But you do have to F/L every once and while.
Lee equpment is not for every one,if you are not mechanicaly inclined,you won't get the most out of them. I love their engneering elegance,but others only see the cheap looks.
Personally, I'd just get the Deluxe Die set to start. The factory crimp die can have its uses, but I've never really missed it in most of my rifle loads. I've never used a factory crimp die in any .30-06 or .308 (and I'm a competitive shooter).
If I were you, I'd try the Deluxe Die set and possibly get the crimp die at a later date. FYI, the basic seater die crimps the bullet, as long as you're seating at the cannelure. The value of the factory crimp die is that is allows you to crimp even when there is no cannelure. On the other hand, in bolt rifles, there really is relatively little need to crimp, especially if you have the right neck tension in your brass and seat to an appropriate overall length.
If I were you, I'd try the Deluxe Die set and possibly get the crimp die at a later date. FYI, the basic seater die crimps the bullet, as long as you're seating at the cannelure. The value of the factory crimp die is that is allows you to crimp even when there is no cannelure. On the other hand, in bolt rifles, there really is relatively little need to crimp, especially if you have the right neck tension in your brass and seat to an appropriate overall length.
- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
Goose25 said:
Keep in mind that retail stores charge taxes and shipping (if not local), if you havent taken that into account, you may be overlooking some deals. If I don't find a good deal, I go with Lee dies from Higginson's. I don't find any difference from Lee to RCBS other than price, but I shoot hunting rifles, not competitivley so what works for me may not work for you.
Goose - just to clarify....if it hasn't been already...all commonly available dies have the same thread and will fit your press.
Only my opinion but.....dies are financially of small significance in the whole shooting picture, so I don't think its worth risking the hassle of unknown used ones.
Not very familiar with Lee dies....some of their stuff ain't condusive to precision reloading, in my opinion. Prefer Redding, some RCBS, Hornady, etc.
My .02 only.
Only my opinion but.....dies are financially of small significance in the whole shooting picture, so I don't think its worth risking the hassle of unknown used ones.
Not very familiar with Lee dies....some of their stuff ain't condusive to precision reloading, in my opinion. Prefer Redding, some RCBS, Hornady, etc.
My .02 only.
