Carbide dies
Hi; Can anyone tell me if an RCBS carbide die threads fit in a LEE Progressive Press? I'm getting tired of lubing 1 shell at a time and putting it thru the sizing die. If I lube more than 1, and the lube dries before I get it sized, it will stick in the sizing die. Thank you in advance, Mike
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I asked this over on the ATE forum but thought I should ask here instead.
I am rounding up gear to begin reloading. Finally bought a press and will be buying dies soon.
My question is r/t carbide dies. Can those with experience tell the pros and cons of them vs standards dies. I have read where lubricating the case is not necessary if using carbide dies. How large a factor is this and what other differences are there? Do carbide dies make the process faster, easier (by eliminating a step), or in any way help produce better or more uniform loads?
I am new to this so if you have anything to add r/t to this beyond my question please share that as well.
I am aware of the initial cost difference so that is not my question.
Thanks,
Scout0 -
Due to the smaller contact area (it's just a narrow ring of carbide at the sizing die mouth) and the hardness of carbide, you don't NEED to lube straight wall (IE pistol) cases BUT even carbide runs smoother with a little lube on the case.
For bottleneck cases (IE rifle), lube is required regardless of the die material.
For pistol, carbide sizind dies are almost a standard item today, but for rifle loading they are a VERY pricy option reserved for those who's round count is in the tens of thousand per month range0 -
quote:Originally posted by Tailgunner1954
Due to the smaller contact area (it's just a narrow ring of carbide at the sizing die mouth) and the hardness of carbide, you don't NEED to lube straight wall (IE pistol) cases BUT even carbide runs smoother with a little lube on the case.
For bottleneck cases (IE rifle), lube is required regardless of the die material.
For pistol, carbide sizind dies are almost a standard item today, but for rifle loading they are a VERY pricy option reserved for those who's round count is in the tens of thousand per month range
Thanks, this is what I am getting on the ATE as well. Pretty much, carbide dies for straight wall pistol cartridges and for shouldered rifle rounds there isn't a real difference as you should lube anyway.
I will be loading for hunting and a some target practice for that purpose. I am not a high volume shooter or, (at this time), shooting long rang competition. Though if time and money permit long range shooting may be in my future as it will help for some of the hunting I hope to do as some point.0 -
Absolutely get them for any handgun cartridge they are offered for. But you needn't consider them for bottlenecked rounds. As mentioned, a bare whisper of lube on the first case and on every 25th one after that help even a good carbide die. A lubed case will positively squirt through a carbide die!
BTW, both carbide and titanium nitride dies are equally effective. If you see dies in TN, don't pass them up.0 -
Thanks folks, I appreciate it.
Scout0 -
Used my first case lube in my carbide pistol cartridge dies today.
It's like a miracle! The slightest amount of case lube made the whole operation smooth with none of the previous "binding" feel.0 -
My use of squirt was not misplaced, was it? 0 -
I too use some lube with carbide dies...I smear a little on just the upper portion of every tenth round,and when that case hits the die it's like a hot knife thru butter. I bought a tub of Hornady case lube,it'll last me forever. 0
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