Most of my dies are RCBS . How can I tell which ones are carbide?
- Thread starter Ishallbie O'Cullkillin
- Start date
Re: RCBS Carbide dies
Only straight case pistol/revolver dies are carbide. Look inside the sizing die, there will be a visible ring of carbide.
Only straight case pistol/revolver dies are carbide. Look inside the sizing die, there will be a visible ring of carbide.
Re: RCBS Carbide dies
Thanks.
Thanks.
Re: RCBS Carbide dies
They will usually be black inside. All of my carbide dies came in gray boxes instead of green.
They will usually be black inside. All of my carbide dies came in gray boxes instead of green.
Re: RCBS Carbide dies
I have RCBS Carbide dies that came in green plastic boxes - so while that might be "something new" - it's not always an indication of whether or not the dies are carbide.. As mentioned above - look at the bottom of the die. If it's carbide - you'll see a distinct ring of dissimilar metal around the opening of the die.
I have RCBS Carbide dies that came in green plastic boxes - so while that might be "something new" - it's not always an indication of whether or not the dies are carbide.. As mentioned above - look at the bottom of the die. If it's carbide - you'll see a distinct ring of dissimilar metal around the opening of the die.
Re: RCBS Carbide dies
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr. Humble</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only straight case pistol/revolver dies are carbide. ... </div></div>
... Ugghhhh... That's not entirely true. Dillon carbide rifle dies are indeed carbide dies for full length sizing. This is not so cases can be done without lube. As is the case for straight wall pistol cases. But so the dies don't wear as quickly as regular tool steel would with very high quantities. There are a couple of other speciality companies that also make carbide dies for bottle neck rifle cartridge cases.
But for regular run of the mill Lyman, RCBS, Redding, Hornady production style dies, yes you are correct.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr. Humble</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only straight case pistol/revolver dies are carbide. ... </div></div>
... Ugghhhh... That's not entirely true. Dillon carbide rifle dies are indeed carbide dies for full length sizing. This is not so cases can be done without lube. As is the case for straight wall pistol cases. But so the dies don't wear as quickly as regular tool steel would with very high quantities. There are a couple of other speciality companies that also make carbide dies for bottle neck rifle cartridge cases.
But for regular run of the mill Lyman, RCBS, Redding, Hornady production style dies, yes you are correct.
Re: RCBS Carbide dies
But...in bottleneck cases you still have to lubricate the cases. So, unless you are loading millions of rounds, the hardened steel will probably outlast you. JMHO
But...in bottleneck cases you still have to lubricate the cases. So, unless you are loading millions of rounds, the hardened steel will probably outlast you. JMHO
Re: RCBS Carbide dies
Actually the numbers I have seen says between 100,000 and 200,000 rounds, depending on the amount and type lube used, will cause the start of egg shaped or oversized brass in full length sizing operations.
That's a lot for one person to shoot in a bolt action rifle. But if loading for 3 or 4 people shooting semi autos or full auto, that number can become realistic.
Actually the numbers I have seen says between 100,000 and 200,000 rounds, depending on the amount and type lube used, will cause the start of egg shaped or oversized brass in full length sizing operations.
That's a lot for one person to shoot in a bolt action rifle. But if loading for 3 or 4 people shooting semi autos or full auto, that number can become realistic.
