Advice please...RCBS vs Lee dies

[Double-O-Dave]

Greetings,

I haven't reloaded in quite a while, and I'm slowly getting ready to get started again. I use an RCBS Rockchuker with the Piggyback conversion kit. I've always used RCBS carbide dies (I use to reload only handgun rounds), but I have used the Lee Factory Crimp die, with good results.

My question is, are the Lee carbide die sets as good as the RCBS dies? I know the Lee dies are almost a third less cost than the RCBS die sets, but wanted to see what the reloading community would advise.

Thanks in advance for your advice and help.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Greetings,

I haven't reloaded in quite a while, and I'm slowly getting ready to get started again. I use an RCBS Rockchuker with the Piggyback conversion kit. I've always used RCBS carbide dies (I use to reload only handgun rounds), but I have used the Lee Factory Crimp die, with good results.

My question is, are the Lee carbide die sets as good as the RCBS dies? I know the Lee dies are almost a third less cost than the RCBS die sets, but wanted to see what the reloading community would advise.

Thanks in advance for your advice and help.

Regards,

Dave

 

[epj]

I have used both, and can see no real difference, other than price. I currently load on a Dillon progressive, and all my pistol dies are Lee carbide. They see some pretty heavy usage, and so far, so good.

 

[Pinger4186]

I use mostly Lee dies for pistols, but I have RCBS dies for 38 and 45. Lee dies are cheap, they work well, and they are easy to adjust on the fly. RCBS are harder to adjust/change. Once you get them locked down, you likely won't have to change them for a while.
I do like the Lee FCD die!

 

[walnutred]

Generally if I'm buying new I buy Lee, if buying used I look for RCBS or Lyman.

 

[NFrameFred]

I've used both, but find my overall favorite are the Hornady dies with the titanium nitride sizers instead of carbide. They just seem to hold up better to me and it may just be wishful thinking or imagination, but I believe the natural lubricity is better, as well. I use several sets of Lee dies, but the RCBS stuff is what I bought years ago - given a choice today I'd pick the Hornady over the RCBS.

 

[orion1]

I use RCBS die sets for pistol and rifle. I also use a Lee factory crimp die for every caliber I reload. I like crimping as a separate operation.

 

[buckbeans]

For pistol, I see no difference in moderate volume reloading.

 

[240grJHP]

I have Lyman, RCBS, and Lee dies. If you are depriming cases that might have a crimped-in primer the Lee dies are enormously better. I just buy a new set of Lee dies rather than screw around with replacing broken depriming pins. In other aspects I see no disadvantage to Lee dies. Just my experience and opinion.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Thanks everyone for your advice and input. My only problem now is finding a store with the dies I want in stock...something weird when all of the dies you want are out of stock, and we're talking about 9mm Luger and .30 M1 Carbine.

Again, thanks for your help and advice.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Dale53]

something weird when all of the dies you want are out of stock

"This too will pass"...

On topic, I have a few of several manufacturers die sets. I have a LOT of Lee dies. Lee seems to offer high quality for less money. I have never had a problem with Lee dies and use them in two Dillon 550B's, a Lee Classic Turret press, a Lyman turret press, and an RCBS Rock Chucker. I use Lee FCD in nearly all of my handgun loads.

Dale53

 

[Paul5388]

I have duplicated most of my RCBS handgun dies with Lee carbides.

I have had one problem with a 7mm STW sizing die that would trim brass as it was sizing. I sent it to them and suggested it needed a little more bevel at the entrance to the die. When it came back, it sized like it was supposed to.