Carbide Pistol dies

[Song Dog]

After years of rifle & shotshell reloading finally taking the plunge to load pistol calibers. Starting of with 38 special and 9 mil so the wife can get more range time. So looking for suggestions which carbide die set either the RCBS or the Lee 4 die delux set with factory crimp die. I assume buy the .38 special in roll crimp and the 9 mm in tapered crimp?

Thanks

 

[Mooseman]

I like the Lee 4 die for pistol and RCBS for rifle. It is all personal preference.

 

[Meatasaur]

After years of rifle & shotshell reloading finally taking the plunge to load pistol calibers. Starting of with 38 special and 9 mil so the wife can get more range time. So looking for suggestions which carbide die set either the RCBS or the Lee 4 die delux set with factory crimp die. I assume buy the .38 special in roll crimp and the 9 mm in tapered crimp?

Thanks

I just recently started reloading 38 special using RCBS carbide die set and have had a great time with them. Easy set-up and they are fast and reliable, even on my antiquated Lee Spartan press. I originally wanted a Lee 4 die set but am very happy with these. I am expanding to reloading 223 and just got my Lee Pacesetter die set today.

 

[dj_in_md]

Any manufacturer will work. It's all preference. I've found that I always ended up getting the Lee factory crimp die. It solves a lot of crimping issues.

 

[John from MD]

Over forty some years of reloading,

I have tried almost every type of die out there. I started with RCBS in the sixties and they are a good company. If you were shooting 600 to 1000 meters or a bench rest shooter, I would say the high dollar and special dies are worth it. Since you just want to reload close range pistol stuff, the Lee dies will do just fine.

I suggest you get the four die package that includes the Factory Crimp die. That die makes for some consistent ammunition.

John

 

[Deep Creek Rock]

Both RCBS & Lee will work. I tend to buy RCBS die sets for the warranty. You buy them once, and own them for life. RCBS will cover you if you break something, (which sometimes happens by your own fault) They are warrantied for life . Lee will only give you a 2 year warranty.

I personally do not like Lee's O-ring lock down for the die lock rings. The die lock rings come loose anytime you screw in or out, the die. The RCBS use a lock ring, with a brass nut, which if you are not careful can strip, but it works well. Again RCBS will replace it if you strip it.

I do however like the Lee factory crimp die. I use that in addition to the RCBS die sets for handguns. I prefer to bullet seat & crimp in seperate operations.This will not distort the bullet, as crimping & seating in one step can do.

 

[TxAggie]

After years of rifle & shotshell reloading finally taking the plunge to load pistol calibers. Starting of with 38 special and 9 mil so the wife can get more range time. So looking for suggestions which carbide die set either the RCBS or the Lee 4 die delux set with factory crimp die. I assume buy the .38 special in roll crimp and the 9 mm in tapered crimp?

Thanks

If you want a Lee Carbide 4 die, I have an extra, brand new. I had one on backorder so I ordered from a second vendor and thought I could cancel one. Of course they both shipped the same day. I'm willing to sell at cost.

EDIT: Sorry, forgot to mention it's the 9mm. I'll pull up the invoice if you're interested, just PM me.

 

[FMRAO3]

If you want a Lee Carbide 4 die, I have an extra, brand new. I had one on backorder so I ordered from a second vendor and thought I could cancel one. Of course they both shipped the same day. I'm willing to sell at cost.

EDIT: Sorry, forgot to mention it's the 9mm. I'll pull up the invoice if you're interested, just PM me.

Isn't that how it usually works. I have the Lee 3 die set for 9mm and bought the FCD seperate. I also have the 10MM/.40 4 die set. I have been happy with my lee dies.

 

[TxAggie]

Isn't that how it usually works. I have the Lee 3 die set for 9mm and bought the FCD seperate. I also have the 10MM/.40 4 die set. I have been happy with my lee dies.

Yeah, that's about par for the course. I was a little peeved at first, then I realized someone would be looking for one and I could save them a 3-6 month wait on backorder.

 

[Song Dog]

Sent ya a PM

As far as lee lock nut read somewhere a guy swap them out and used his Hornady lock nuts so problem solved of the Lee lock nuts coming loose.

 

[John from MD]

Remove the rubber o ring and turn the Lee nut upside down and it works just like any other lock nut. Don't put 100 pounds of torque on it though.