What is the Difference Between RCBS Regular Dies and Cowboy Action Dies
- Thread starter 28 gauge
- Start date
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Don't know about the calibers you list but my 38-55 cowboy dies have a little bigger clearance at the muzzle end of the case to accommodate seating larger dia cast bullets without pinching the case mouth. My regular 38-55 dies will not allow me to seat anything larger than .376 bullets but the Cowboys will seat up to .380 dia. easily.
28 gauge
Always remember Google is your best friend for finding information.
The biggest difference with the RCBS Cowboy Action dies are they are designed for lead bullets. Meaning the sizing die is slightly larger in diameter, the expander is larger in diameter because cast lead bullets are used.
"Built to slightly different dimensions than regular dies to allow optimum sizing, expanding, seating and crimping needed to load lead bullet ammunition."
RCBS Cowboy Carbide 3-Die Set
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/441640/rcbs-cowboy-carbide-3-die-set-45-s-and-w-schofield-45-colt-long-colt
RCBS Cowboy Dies
https://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/article.cfm?magid=24&tocid=329
With the standard RCBS dies and other manufacture dies many shooters by a Lyman type "M" die when shooting lead bullets. The type "M" expander die creates a larger diameter "step" to help seat the larger diameter lead bullets.
The Lyman patent for the type "M" die expired and many hand gun dies are copying this type expander.
Below is a drawing from the Redding die webpage and the Redding type "M" expander now being used.
So 28 gauge "Size does matter"
Always remember Google is your best friend for finding information.
The biggest difference with the RCBS Cowboy Action dies are they are designed for lead bullets. Meaning the sizing die is slightly larger in diameter, the expander is larger in diameter because cast lead bullets are used.
"Built to slightly different dimensions than regular dies to allow optimum sizing, expanding, seating and crimping needed to load lead bullet ammunition."
RCBS Cowboy Carbide 3-Die Set
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/441640/rcbs-cowboy-carbide-3-die-set-45-s-and-w-schofield-45-colt-long-colt
RCBS Cowboy Dies
https://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/article.cfm?magid=24&tocid=329
With the standard RCBS dies and other manufacture dies many shooters by a Lyman type "M" die when shooting lead bullets. The type "M" expander die creates a larger diameter "step" to help seat the larger diameter lead bullets.
The Lyman patent for the type "M" die expired and many hand gun dies are copying this type expander.
Below is a drawing from the Redding die webpage and the Redding type "M" expander now being used.
So 28 gauge "Size does matter"
You can use any regular die designed for jacketed bullets and just buy a Lyman type "M" die to expand the cases for cast bullets.
I believe if you look into it the RCBS Cowboy Action dies do not have a type "M" expander and cost more than a normal die set and the Lyman type "M" die together. And you would need a standard die set to load jacketed bullets on top of the Cowboy Action dies. (subtle hint)
