Info on reloading equipment - The Firearms Forum

Patriot1 · 09-17-2009, 04:45 PM

Okay, I'm a rookie at reloading....never saw the need until recently.
Anyway, I just bought a Lee reloader kit. I like it, but I was just wondering whether RCBS dies or any others would work with the Lee press.

Thanks for any info or comments.

DWARREN123 · 09-17-2009, 04:54 PM

Most modern dies for the same calibers have the same diameter and threads.

Patriot1 · 09-17-2009, 05:10 PM

Appreciate the info. I was looking for dies for 38 special/357 rounds.
I may try the RCBS dies, if they fit..

Thanks again,
Patriot1

woolleyworm · 09-17-2009, 05:28 PM

The Lee carbide dies will do the job every bit as well as RCBS and cost you less. Unless it's just an availability issue, I've never had any problems from Lee's carbide dies. In fact, Midway has the 4 die set available -
Lee Deluxe Carbide 4-Die Set 38 Special, 357 Magnum
Product #: 309802

Its about $3 less than RCBS's carbide 3 die set.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulcrider

I have the RCBS die set. I found that adjusting was much more difficult than my Lee dies. In fact, I replaced the lock rings with Lee rings and O-rings and purchased a Lee factory crimp die to complete the set. Paid way more for all than just getting the Lee dies in the first place! But, you live and learn, for the money it is hard to beat Lee.

I would say that for the money, it's hard to beat Lee's DIES. They've proven to me to be a good value. Presses are a long beaten dead horse story. just my .02

vulcrider · 09-17-2009, 06:39 PM

I have the RCBS die set. I found that adjusting was much more difficult than my Lee dies. In fact, I replaced the lock rings with Lee rings and O-rings and purchased a Lee factory crimp die to complete the set. Paid way more for all than just getting the Lee dies in the first place! But, you live and learn, for the money it is hard to beat Lee.

Terry_P · 09-17-2009, 07:16 PM

All my equipment is RCBS so I am admittedly bias toward them as I have had excellent luck with their equipment both new and used. Their dies will work and RCBS warranty coverage is excellent. Good luck and when you get into to it don't be afraid to ask questions. Also if you don't have a new up to date firearms manual then that should be your next investment. I started with the Speer manual but any from the bullet companies will do and they stress safe procedures which is theonly way to start.

Patriot1 · 09-17-2009, 07:40 PM

Thanks for all the input friends! I think I have enough to make a couple of choices now.
Stick with Lee carbide...got it.

gdmoody · 09-18-2009, 12:08 AM

Patriot, you are learning quick. By the way, welcome to the forum.

I have Redding dies, RCBS dies, and Lee dies, they all perform the same job. Most of mine are Lee because of the price, in my opinion, the quality of Lee products are just as good as the others and you get more for you money.

Insulation Tim · 09-18-2009, 07:10 AM

My system is all Lee and I've never had any problems with any component.

Patriot1 · 09-18-2009, 07:44 PM

GD Moody, thanks for the welcome. I feel honored to be included in such a forum that includes good people from all over this great country. I appreciate all the information that you all supplied. I just need to get a good book on reloading now. Take care and may God Bless!

BigJakeJ1s · 09-18-2009, 08:13 PM

If I had to pick one brand of pistol dies to use, it would be Hornady, but I don't even like all of their die types.

Any brand carbide sizing die will do fine.

Hornady seating dies have a sliding alignment sleeve, optional micrometer adjustment, and disassemble easily for cleaning without messing up the settings. They roll crimp really well too.

Redding or Lyman M-type expander dies work best in my experience. I don't care for Hornady expanders, because they are one piece, and hard to clean or polish. Lee expanders are often crudely finished, and need lots of attention.

I roll crimp while seating, but usually taper crimp separately. I've tried Hornady and Redding taper crimp dies, and noticed little difference between them. For bottleneck pistol cartridges, the Lee collet type FCD is absolutely great. But their carbide FCD for straight wall pistol cartridges has been less than useful for me.

And no matter what brand of die it is, it wears a Hornady, Forster, or the old, original RCBS cross-bolt lock ring. They are much more secure, and lock more squarely to the die body than set screw lock rings. Lee lock rings are practically worthless.

Andy

Lotsdragon · 09-18-2009, 08:16 PM

Patriot I have a set of the lee 38/357 dies and have reloaded over 10000 rounds with no problems what so ever. I have found all of my Lee equipment to be very satisfactory. I know we all have our favorites.Lee has just been an exceptional value to me.

JLA · 09-18-2009, 08:47 PM

Lee equipment is, for the most part, sufficient enough to get the job done correctly. some of thier equipment is better than others. Thier dies are superb in value and in quality. I use Lee dies exclusively. Thier presses are ok, but a rockchucker or a lock n load is certainly better. Of the Lee presses the classic cast single stage and the cast turret are the best. BTW all modern die sets are 7/8 X 14 threads so they will fit all modern presses. I started out with a Lee anniversary kit almost 5 years ago. I now have an arsenal equipment from several different manufacturers. Lyman and RCBS make the best case prep tools, Lee has a hard to beat value on thier bullet molds and casting equipment and they are easier to use than most other brands IMO, Jeez, I could go on and on. Lee is an excellent start. You will quickly learn whats better as you learn more about the process and how things work... Be safe and have fun,

...

Room 101 · 09-18-2009, 10:16 PM

I bought my Lee Classic Cast Iron Press for $35.00 on sale at Midway about 4 years ago. The prices have skyrocketed since then. I have had no problems with this press and I use mostly Lee dies. I have some RCBS dies because I purchased them used on eBay when they didn't hate Americans that support the constitution.

flannelman · 09-20-2009, 08:50 PM

I have a Lee BreechLock press and the classic cast press and I like them both. I have Lee rifle and pistol dies and I also have some RCBS and Hornady dies. I haven't loaded any pistol ammo yet be the dies I have look good. The rifle dies I have both work well. My .30-06 die is from Lee and my .25-06 die is from RCBS. They both work well.

GMFWoodchuck · 09-21-2009, 06:45 PM

I don't have Lee dies. But I do have Hornady and RCBS dies. RCBS definitely stands by their name. I had a problem and called them to ask about it and they asked for my address to send me the new replacement part before I could even finish explaining what was wrong. I also had a minor problem with my Hornady dies and they rectified that quickly too. I do plan on getting Lee dies for my Dad's 30-40 when I actually get around to it. It seems to me that the simple stuff, Lee has down pat....Dies are dies. Especially the resizing dies. They all work the same way. The seating dies may differ, but even at that the critical differences are minor...

09-17-2009, 04:45 PM	#1
Patriot1 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 5	Info on reloading equipment Okay, I'm a rookie at reloading....never saw the need until recently. Anyway, I just bought a Lee reloader kit. I like it, but I was just wondering whether RCBS dies or any others would work with the Lee press. Thanks for any info or comments. -->

09-17-2009, 04:54 PM	#2
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 764	Re: Info on reloading equipment Most modern dies for the same calibers have the same diameter and threads. __________________ Have a nice day!

09-17-2009, 05:10 PM	#3
Patriot1 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 5	Re: Info on reloading equipment Appreciate the info. I was looking for dies for 38 special/357 rounds. I may try the RCBS dies, if they fit.. Thanks again, Patriot1

09-17-2009, 06:39 PM	#5
vulcrider V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 72	Re: Info on reloading equipment I have the RCBS die set. I found that adjusting was much more difficult than my Lee dies. In fact, I replaced the lock rings with Lee rings and O-rings and purchased a Lee factory crimp die to complete the set. Paid way more for all than just getting the Lee dies in the first place! But, you live and learn, for the money it is hard to beat Lee.

09-17-2009, 07:16 PM	#6
Terry_P Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NH Posts: 2,513	Re: Info on reloading equipment All my equipment is RCBS so I am admittedly bias toward them as I have had excellent luck with their equipment both new and used. Their dies will work and RCBS warranty coverage is excellent. Good luck and when you get into to it don't be afraid to ask questions. Also if you don't have a new up to date firearms manual then that should be your next investment. I started with the Speer manual but any from the bullet companies will do and they stress safe procedures which is theonly way to start. __________________ NRA and NAHC Life "Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms." -Aristotle

09-17-2009, 07:40 PM	#7
Patriot1 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 5	Re: Info on reloading equipment Thanks for all the input friends! I think I have enough to make a couple of choices now. Stick with Lee carbide...got it.

09-18-2009, 12:08 AM	#8
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,407	Re: Info on reloading equipment Patriot, you are learning quick. By the way, welcome to the forum. I have Redding dies, RCBS dies, and Lee dies, they all perform the same job. Most of mine are Lee because of the price, in my opinion, the quality of Lee products are just as good as the others and you get more for you money. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

09-18-2009, 07:10 AM	#9
Insulation Tim Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,315	Re: Info on reloading equipment My system is all Lee and I've never had any problems with any component. __________________ Tim *"Remember the Ark was built by amateurs....Professionals built the Titanic"*

09-18-2009, 07:44 PM	#10
Patriot1 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 5	Re: Info on reloading equipment GD Moody, thanks for the welcome. I feel honored to be included in such a forum that includes good people from all over this great country. I appreciate all the information that you all supplied. I just need to get a good book on reloading now. Take care and may God Bless!

09-18-2009, 08:13 PM	#11
BigJakeJ1s V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 121	Re: Info on reloading equipment If I had to pick one brand of pistol dies to use, it would be Hornady, but I don't even like all of their die types. Any brand carbide sizing die will do fine. Hornady seating dies have a sliding alignment sleeve, optional micrometer adjustment, and disassemble easily for cleaning without messing up the settings. They roll crimp really well too. Redding or Lyman M-type expander dies work best in my experience. I don't care for Hornady expanders, because they are one piece, and hard to clean or polish. Lee expanders are often crudely finished, and need lots of attention. I roll crimp while seating, but usually taper crimp separately. I've tried Hornady and Redding taper crimp dies, and noticed little difference between them. For bottleneck pistol cartridges, the Lee collet type FCD is absolutely great. But their carbide FCD for straight wall pistol cartridges has been less than useful for me. And no matter what brand of die it is, it wears a Hornady, Forster, or the old, original RCBS cross-bolt lock ring. They are much more secure, and lock more squarely to the die body than set screw lock rings. Lee lock rings are practically worthless. Andy

09-18-2009, 08:16 PM	#12
Lotsdragon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Potosi, Mo Posts: 813	Re: Info on reloading equipment Patriot I have a set of the lee 38/357 dies and have reloaded over 10000 rounds with no problems what so ever. I have found all of my Lee equipment to be very satisfactory. I know we all have our favorites.Lee has just been an exceptional value to me. __________________ "First comes smiles,then lies.Last is gunfire" Roland Deschain

09-18-2009, 08:47 PM	#13
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: Info on reloading equipment Lee equipment is, for the most part, sufficient enough to get the job done correctly. some of thier equipment is better than others. Thier dies are superb in value and in quality. I use Lee dies exclusively. Thier presses are ok, but a rockchucker or a lock n load is certainly better. Of the Lee presses the classic cast single stage and the cast turret are the best. BTW all modern die sets are 7/8 X 14 threads so they will fit all modern presses. I started out with a Lee anniversary kit almost 5 years ago. I now have an arsenal equipment from several different manufacturers. Lyman and RCBS make the best case prep tools, Lee has a hard to beat value on thier bullet molds and casting equipment and they are easier to use than most other brands IMO, Jeez, I could go on and on. Lee is an excellent start. You will quickly learn whats better as you learn more about the process and how things work... Be safe and have fun,... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

09-18-2009, 10:16 PM	#14
Room 101 Former Guest Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 23	Re: Info on reloading equipment I bought my Lee Classic Cast Iron Press for $35.00 on sale at Midway about 4 years ago. The prices have skyrocketed since then. I have had no problems with this press and I use mostly Lee dies. I have some RCBS dies because I purchased them used on eBay when they didn't hate Americans that support the constitution.

09-20-2009, 08:50 PM	#15
flannelman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rural Arkansas. But isn't all of Arkansas rural? Posts: 1,176	Re: Info on reloading equipment I have a Lee BreechLock press and the classic cast press and I like them both. I have Lee rifle and pistol dies and I also have some RCBS and Hornady dies. I haven't loaded any pistol ammo yet be the dies I have look good. The rifle dies I have both work well. My .30-06 die is from Lee and my .25-06 die is from RCBS. They both work well. __________________ What we do in life echoes in eternity! **** Liberals, they make about as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. If you want to be a looser the best way to get there is to hang around with other loosers.

09-21-2009, 06:45 PM	#16
GMFWoodchuck Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,369	Re: Info on reloading equipment I don't have Lee dies. But I do have Hornady and RCBS dies. RCBS definitely stands by their name. I had a problem and called them to ask about it and they asked for my address to send me the new replacement part before I could even finish explaining what was wrong. I also had a minor problem with my Hornady dies and they rectified that quickly too. I do plan on getting Lee dies for my Dad's 30-40 when I actually get around to it. It seems to me that the simple stuff, Lee has down pat....Dies are dies. Especially the resizing dies. They all work the same way. The seating dies may differ, but even at that the critical differences are minor...