Killed my 45ACP Sizing/decap die

[Jeffvn]

Sooner or later it was going to happen; yesterday it did. All reloading dies that get used a lot wear out and eventually need to be replaced. In my case the 45ACP decapping /sizing die catastrophically failed yesterday. The bottom flange on the die tore off leaving the sizing bushing attached to a piece of brass.

I had that die for nearly 10 years (the last 6 on my Dillon 550B) and its decapped and sized between 15,000-18,000 rounds. The first 2 years it was used on a single-stage...ugggg that sucked for loading lots of 45 ACP.

The carbide replacement is already en route, so my production will not be shut down for long.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Killed my 45ACP Sizing/decap die

Depending on the brand, they'll probably replace it free. Send it back. JMHO

 

[Clark]

Re: Killed my 45ACP Sizing/decap die

I built a 1903 Turkish Mauser into a 45acp, but with a very tight chamber.

I used a .469" straight fluted ream and a 45acp throater.
Lee 45acp carbide dies are .467", and the brass springs back to .469" when it comes out.
But the Lee dies have a bevel at the bottom.
So I cut the base down on the Lee carbide dies using a diamond bit.

There is actually only a carbide ring that is fixed in the bottom of the otherwise steel die.

So when I cut down the carbide ring, it got smaller and even more brittle.

But I wanted to get the sizer down and do something to the web.

The result was I have broken a lot of carbide rings in the bottom of Lee 45acp carbide dies.

 

[Clark]

Re: Killed my 45ACP Sizing/decap die

I built a 1903 Turkish Mauser into a 45acp, but with a very tight chamber.
I used a .469" straight fluted ream and a 45acp throater.
Lee 45acp carbide dies are .467", and the brass springs back to .469" when it comes out.
But the Lee dies have a bevel at the bottom.
So I cut the base down on the Lee carbide dies using a diamond bit.
There is actually only a carbide ring that is fixed in the bottom of the otherwise steel die.
So when I cut down the carbide ring, it got smaller and even more brittle.
But I wanted to get the sizer down and do something to the web.
The result was I have broken a lot of carbide rings in the bottom of Lee 45acp carbide dies.

 

[buffybuster]

Re: Killed my 45ACP Sizing/decap die

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jeffvn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sooner or later it was going to happen; yesterday it did. All reloading dies that get used a lot wear out and eventually need to be replaced. In my case the 45ACP decapping /sizing die catastrophically failed yesterday. The bottom flange on the die tore off leaving the sizing bushing attached to a piece of brass.

I had that die for nearly 10 years (the last 6 on my Dillon 550B) and its decapped and sized between 15,000-18,000 rounds. The first 2 years it was used on a single-stage...ugggg that sucked for loading lots of 45 ACP.

The carbide replacement is already en route, so my production will not be shut down for long. </div></div>

Whose carbide sizing die was it? 15-18K rounds is nothing for a carbide pistol die. Competitive pistol shooters do that many rounds in less than one season. I have and would expect them to last in the +100K rounds.

Call the company and talk with them.

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: Killed my 45ACP Sizing/decap die

I have a four die 45ACP RCBS set with a carbide sizer marked 1971, that I bought used probably twenty years ago. Wonder how much longer my luck will hold? BB

 

[Paladin2147]

Re: Killed my 45ACP Sizing/decap die

My Dillon dies have always rocked. You will find that many folks running 550, 650 and 1050s run lubed cases (I run two 1050s), yes I know they are carbide dies. Machines and dies run forever and easier. Lube does not hurt a damn thing. Load them - shoot them. go to Brian Enos site and do some searches. And these are folks who run a lot of rounds. Lube on rifle rounds a no-no. Handgun stuff - rock and roll. Just leave the ones you drop in the dirt. Try just 50 and see for yourself.