Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-18-2017, 03:25 AM
jski3's Avatar
jski3 jski3 is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Melbourne, FL
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
Liked 30 Times in 14 Posts
Default Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set

Is there a reason to prefer one of these die sets over the other?

Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-18-2017, 03:28 AM
BruceM's Avatar
BruceM BruceM is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 7
Liked 657 Times in 369 Posts
Default

The Lyman set has a better IMO expander ("M" Die). Other than that it's tit for tat.

Bruce
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 06-27-2017, 02:10 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,068 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

I would go with RCBS because their CS is superior to that of Lyman. Additionally the RCBS dies are very good too.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 06-27-2017, 09:33 PM
SteveFi SteveFi is offline
US Veteran
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 213
Likes: 2
Liked 124 Times in 67 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceM View Post
The Lyman set has a better IMO expander ("M" Die). Other than that it's tit for tat.

Bruce
recent RCBS carbide dies I have bought have the m style expander - they call it stepped expanders, these were .44 SPL/MAG, .45 ACP & .45 Colt
__________________
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-27-2017, 10:07 PM
damienph damienph is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Kansas
Posts: 626
Likes: 5,546
Liked 999 Times in 347 Posts
Default

I've been handloading for a few years (since 1976) and currently load for 28 cartridges and have several different brands of dies. They all work, most work well but my favorite is RCBS. I have a few Lyman die sets that do work well. Between the RCBS and the Lyman, honestly I would buy whichever set was readily available for the best price, either set will serve you well.

I jut tend to lean toward the green.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 06-28-2017, 05:54 AM
Ivan the Butcher Ivan the Butcher is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Harlem, Ohio
Posts: 14,323
Likes: 23,029
Liked 26,065 Times in 9,045 Posts
Default

The current owners of Lyman, don't believe in customer service!

But the truth is, on a weekend is when the stem or primer pin bends or breaks. Your other die sets of the same brand are your spare parts. All brands use ASE threads, but there are many diameters, so getting parts from other brands is a little iffy!

I load 114 cartridges and won't pass up a inexpensive set of used dies, so I have every brand of dies and some shop made dies. For standard (including Carbide) the best dies are Redding, RCBS, & C-H tied for first place Hornady (Pacific) and Lyman are OK, and Lee's do work, but to keep the price down they do things differently and make the dies as short as possible (stems also are short) they work well with Lee presses but not with some others (especially very old presses from the 50's & 60's! Certain series of many brands have permanent decapping pins in the stem. I won't own one! The down time is too great waiting for the free replacement!

I try and keep a set of decapping pins for everything! But for some reason the companies change diameters or designs without my permission. That is why you cannibalize from other dies.

Ivan
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 06-28-2017, 06:20 AM
Collo Rosso's Avatar
Collo Rosso Collo Rosso is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Upstate South Carolina
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1,267
Liked 2,021 Times in 760 Posts
Default

Very happy with RCBS carbide dies. The 3 die sets are fine for revolver with a roll crimp. I've not had a problem seating/crimping a bullet with a crimp band. Cannelure is another story. Semi-auto rounds I get separate taper crimp die. ALWAYS have spare decapping pins handy!

Last edited by Collo Rosso; 06-28-2017 at 06:21 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-28-2017, 06:24 AM
gojones gojones is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 6
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by damienph View Post
I've been handloading for a few years (since 1976) and currently load for 28 cartridges and have several different brands of dies. They all work, most work well but my favorite is RCBS. I have a few Lyman die sets that do work well. Between the RCBS and the Lyman, honestly I would buy whichever set was readily available for the best price, either set will serve you well.

I jut tend to lean toward the green.
Couldn't have said it better.
__________________
NRA Endowment Member
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 06-28-2017, 09:18 AM
LoboGunLeather's Avatar
LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
US Veteran
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 7,518
Likes: 19,273
Liked 32,337 Times in 5,474 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by damienph View Post
I've been handloading for a few years (since 1976) and currently load for 28 cartridges and have several different brands of dies. They all work, most work well but my favorite is RCBS. I have a few Lyman die sets that do work well. Between the RCBS and the Lyman, honestly I would buy whichever set was readily available for the best price, either set will serve you well.

I jut tend to lean toward the green.
I am with damienph on this topic. I started reloading 45 years ago. I have used die sets from RCBS, Lyman, Lee, Hornady, Bair, Pacific, and Herters. They have all been satisfactory, although I have developed a personal preference for RCBS based on consistently high quality and proven long-term durability.

If I were looking for a die set that would be used a lot over many years I would certainly choose RCBS. If I were loading a caliber that I expected to use only infrequently or in small quantities I would select the most economical dies readily available (example: .44-40 for my antique Marlin and Colt, which I like to shoot but seldom use more than 100-200 rounds per year, so the Lee dies do a good job at very small expense).
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 06-28-2017, 01:55 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,425
Likes: 235
Liked 28,857 Times in 13,973 Posts
Default

I too have a large variety of dies from all different manufacturers, and I cannot say I have any brand preference. I have only two sets of Lyman dies (one in .308, one in .44 Mag), no complaints about either. Numerically I have more RCBS die sets, followed by Lee. My point is that I really don't care who made the dies. When I first started reloading I had a Lyman Tru-Line Jr. press which used much smaller dies. I still have that press and Lyman TLJ dies in several calibers, but I have not used them for many years.

Last edited by DWalt; 06-28-2017 at 01:58 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-28-2017, 02:34 PM
GB's Avatar
GB GB is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SW Wyoming
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 3,766
Liked 2,259 Times in 694 Posts
Default

I can add only a little to what has already been said. (But I will Blab away anyhow)

I have used most of the major brands. Had my Lyman 45acp sizer die fail. But it was nearly 50 years old. Replaced it with a Lee and then a RCBS, just because. I have no complaint about any Carbide sizing I have ever used. My problems usually involves one of the other dies, seater/crimp or in the expander stage. In order of preference:

1. RCBS
2 Redding (not because they aren't good but I'm not sure they are any better than Big Green but the cost is significantly more.
3. Lyman
4. Lee (my issues are with other than the sizer
5. Hornady (again my problems with this brand are several not the least of which is that I find the sizing die, with their "Magic metal" coating, Ain't magic! And has not performed well for me.

I must add that all of my reloading is done on one, or more, single stage type presses. (more than one brand) I don't have a progressive machine and that could well change the whole dynamic of my choices.

Disclaimer: This is my experience and you may well have had a different experience. That doesn't make either of us wrong, just different.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-28-2017, 02:37 PM
38SPL HV's Avatar
38SPL HV 38SPL HV is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 957
Liked 946 Times in 417 Posts
Default

Used RCBS for 40 years...great dies and excellent customer service. By the way, Lee is good also...
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-28-2017, 03:50 PM
STORMINORMAN STORMINORMAN is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 1,151
Liked 1,381 Times in 835 Posts
Default

I really prefer the design of the Hornady expanders and their die lock rings (vs. the RCBS ones), like the LEE FCD's, use a dedicated LEE decapper (mounted in an old RCBS Jr. press) to help best keep my various sizing dies clean and undamaged...

With a Lock-N-Load bushing installed in my LEE Classic Cast Press I too notice that the LEE die bodies are pretty short, especially the expanders, but once set they seem to work OK.

My latest OCD effort is to check weigh (on a small digital scale) each completed round before they go into a container: no more exposure to a possible "primer only" mistake. A couple grains (or tenths?) either way should ring a bell or two...? Do sorted empty cases from the same manufacturer even vary that much?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-04-2017, 08:20 AM
zeke zeke is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: NW Wi
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 3,289
Liked 2,996 Times in 1,272 Posts
Default

The only advantage I have found with lyman pistol carbide sizing die is the bottom lip can be rounded over inward. This allows sizing the case down further on .40 and 45 acp.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-04-2017, 09:52 AM
moosedog moosedog is offline
SWCA Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 7,845
Likes: 11,758
Liked 13,753 Times in 3,343 Posts
Default

Started in 1973 with RCBS and have used both since then, but prefer the RCBS. The few times I asked for help with RCBS, they bent over back wards to help, and fast too.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-04-2017, 12:02 PM
Hasbeen1945 Hasbeen1945 is offline
Absent Comrade
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Deer Park Texas
Posts: 450
Likes: 410
Liked 596 Times in 212 Posts
Default

Favorite dies for rifle are Forster's. Use RCBS, Lyman, Hornady for pistols. Use Lee carbide crimp die on all my pistol loads. Like repeatability of adjustment.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-09-2017, 01:09 AM
BoCash's Avatar
BoCash BoCash is offline
Member
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: western NC
Posts: 263
Likes: 73
Liked 556 Times in 139 Posts
Default

Began reloading in 1969.........multiple rifle and pistol calibers.

Like others, have owned dies from RCBS, Lyman, Lee, and Hornady.

Have had my best luck with RCBS, Lyman, and Lee (Lee in pistol calibers only). Have had issues with Hornady and now avoid them. My oldest Lymans are in .45 acp and have been going strong since early 1970's.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 08-07-2017, 05:57 PM
Bakebfr480 Bakebfr480 is offline
Banned
Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 271
Liked 1,207 Times in 659 Posts
Default

I use both but mostly RCBS..........I will NOT use Hornady dies!
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 08-07-2017, 08:03 PM
Troystat Troystat is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 790
Liked 678 Times in 436 Posts
Default

Since my press is green I use the dies in the green box. Seriously I use RCBS dies and they seem to work well. I am sure other brands are good as well. You can often find them for a good price on EBAY.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
RCBS Carbide 3 die set glockengruvin Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 05-29-2014 10:14 PM
RCBS 9mm Carbide cmm5350 Reloading 7 05-28-2013 06:02 PM
WTT: New RCBS Gray Box .357/.38 Carbide Dies For New RCBS Gray Box .380ACP Carbide Di J.Solo Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 6 02-10-2012 08:39 PM
WTT: NEW RCBS .44 Mag/.44 Special Carbide Die Set for NEW RCBS .45 ACP Carbide Dies J.Solo Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 10-07-2010 12:36 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:53 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)