Dies for lead 30-30

[korny351]

I've decided to dust off the old Winchester and reload with lead. Back when I loaded for it I was using RCBS steel dies circa 1974. My concern is that these dies offer very little in the way of flare and will result in shaved lead. RCBS catalog shows a 3-die Cowboy set aimed specifically at reloading with lead. Does anyone use this set? Does it perform as advertised? Anyone loading 30-30 with lead using the standard RCBS dies and do you have any issues doing so? Bullets to be used are 165 gr RNFP .309 dia.

[Alpo]

I bought a Lyman M die in 30 caliber. Worked fine, and I could use it in all my 30s - 308, ought six, 7.62x39, whatever. It's just the expander die, but is made for belling for lead bullets.

[bntyhntr6975]

The only cast bullets that I've loaded in .30-30 were a bevel-base 170g flat point so wasn't any concern with getting them in the case. They were given to me in a ziploc bag so no idea where they came from. I only loaded a handful and the rest (maybe 50) are around here somewhere I think.

[korny351]

Without any feedback on the RCBS cowboy die set, I think I'll hold off and try what I have. If I run into any problems that die set is only a phone call and $60 away.

Have you tried a lyman VLD case chamfer tool?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/342...rag?cm_vc=S014

[JLA]

Alpo is spot on. Gotta get a flare die. The lyman M die or the Lee universal flare die. i have the lee because I used to load lead in my 7.62X54Rs and my .30-06s. Dont sweat a 50 dollar set of dies when all you need is a 15 dollar die..

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/140...-expanding-die

[Alpo]

I went to RCBS's site and looked at their cowboy dies. It's a 3-die set. They have, apparently, copied the Lyman M die and added it to their regular dies, making the "cowboy dies". Looks to me to be the only difference.

[Little Rooster]

I use the Lee expander die for many different applications. It's a handy die and well worth the 15 bucks it cost. It stays screwed into the tool head most of the time.

My question, I don't cast. I want to load some .30-30 who do you reccomend for some cast bullets? I want to shoot steel targets Not deer

[korny351]

Originally Posted by Little Rooster

I use the Lee expander die for many different applications. It's a handy die and well worth the 15 bucks it cost. It stays screwed into the tool head most of the time.

My question, I don't cast. I want to load some .30-30 who do you reccomend for some cast bullets? I want to shoot steel targets Not deer

Missouri Bullet shows RNFP bullets in 135 gr. and 165 gr. If you're already one of their customers you're go to go. I understand that they are no longer taking on new retail customers at this time. Mastercast Bullet also show a 165 gr. bullet but don't show a price. You'll have to email or call for pricing.


www.missouribullet.com

www.mastercastbullets.com

[quigleysharps4570]

Originally Posted by Little Rooster

My question, I don't cast. I want to load some .30-30 who do you reccomend for some cast bullets? I want to shoot steel targets Not deer

I've got a bunch of 150 gr. flatpoint gas check bullets here at the house that I've cast...would send you a good sample if you'd be interested Rooster.