Desperate times call for stupid questions. I only ask because I know I have poor computer research skills. I have checked every source of reloading supplies I can find for a 3 or 4 die set for 9mm Luger. Anyone have a clue where I can buy these for less than the $130 on Amazon or ebay for a $39 Lee kit? I don't mind paying a premium in times like these, but not that much.

Optics Planet shows they have some
from various peddlers:

Results for 9mm dies - OpticsPlanet

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never get out of the boat

Thanks, I did have some on backorder from them but no eta on back in stock. I will check again right now.

I had no idea they had gotten so expensive.

FWIW, I have ZERO problems with my LEE 9mm Luger Dies (actually all of my Lee Dies work great).

That said, I have been experimenting with RCBS and Redding Dies and accessories. I really like both. IMO, Lee is on par with these for fit, though finish goes to the other folks...
HOWEVER, I do love these Redding Competition Shell Holders
. These sure take care of that bottom bulge that is out of reach for traditional shell holders. Works great with my ".223" S&W Sport II. In THIS instance, I have to give Redding a "Hat's Tipped" for such a great product! This allows me to reload what would otherwise be "over-sized/bulged" Rem .223 brass. The shell holders vary from 0.010" to 0.002" and actually allow you to resize to the base of the .223 brass. Sure saves a lot of brass IMO! In other words... I got my brass covered!

You might try Kempf Gun Shop in Michigan City IN.

BE CAREFUL if what you are looking at (especially on Ebay) is a “Lee Loader”, as that is absolutely not a set of dies that you can use in a modern/typical press. The old school “Lee Loader” is a whack-a-mole kit that has very little tangible use in modern humanity outside of nostalgia. Some old guys will argue this statement, hahaha, that’s fine also if they find it entertaining. (it’s still true)

Your best bet if you don’t want to be victimized by a shock price will be to sign up for e-mail alert specific to the item, and do this at a KNOWN excellent handloading source.

^^That means, not Optics Planet or a toilet dump like Cheaper Than Dirt. That means punch it up at Midway USA, Brownell’s, Widener’s, Graf & Sons, Natchez, or maybe find my friends at ET Brass and see if he has a set that he can ship you. (google ET Brass and contact them via e-mail, quality people, a husband & wife team, the epitome of a fantastic American small business)

Ditto on the Lee dies.
Don't they sell those Redding shell holders in anything less than a 5 piece set? Seems like a single holder with a minimum height would be pretty useful...

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

You should be able to get LEE 3 or 4 Die Carbide sets on MidwayUSA or OpticsPlanet. aROUND $45 - $55

Bob

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Sag Harbor & Manhattan, N.Y.

Thanks guys, after the first post by Serger, I checked Optics Planet again and found the Lee 4 Die Deluxe set in stock (only 2 left) and bought it. This was really lucky for me because when I went to cancel the backorder I had they had no record of it. Just got in some bullets from Xtreme and I am good to go as I had everything else I needed.

Well... to answer your open question, how the heck do you actually "know" which one you need? To me, that is like missing the steak dinner because it did not come with a side of corn... Just sayin'... Five set $67.99 + at MWUSA. To me, it is way too easy to throw away more than that in brass alone... Please don't be TOO cheap with your budget. Being "cheap" with one's budget and missing out, is terminal...

Hornady Custom Grade 9mm Luger Nitride 3-Die Set with Taper Crimp

Here are some.

Nice find. I was recently wanting an extra 9mm set and finally found a used Lee set for a good price. Like OP, all I could find was price gouged Amazon and EBay stuff.

I do like those Hornady dies .. but I don't need 3 sets. No, stop it. Now. Do not go order them.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

Too bad I couldn't predict your need. I just donated a Lee 4 die 9mm Carbide set with Hornady Split-Lock Rings to the Christmas Giveaway on another forum. Who knew there was anyone looking...not me!
Don't want to give a shout out to another forum (TFF) but if you know of one that has a Christmas Giveaway...throw your name in the pot if you meet the rules for participating.

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Draw me not without reason...

Midsouth Shooters has Lee carbide for 31.67.

Have you tried Midway, Graf's, and Brownells? Also Cabella's.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Does this mean new there's a market for OF brass?

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That's just somebody talkin.

Thanks for the idea...I just started throwing away some 300Blk brass, that's actually expensive ...now I won't have to waste it.

I believe the 5-set allows the reloader to increase or decrease the case to chamber headspace without adjusting the dies. In other words, you can switch back and forth between new and "fired" brass without have to make tedious changes in your die set, just swap out the shell holder as needed.

Well, in a few days I'll have a second die set so I'm probably good for a few decades ...

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Just Say No - To Social Media