Die issues and what is your favorite die brand

[rhodesengr]

I have been working with a particular bullet. The Rim Rock 357 158gr LSWCHP g/c. I made some a few weeks ago with my Hornady dies and made some last week with my RCBS dies. There was a bit of a problem with the RCBS dies.

The g/c on the base of the bullet is .360dia. I had to go in pretty far with the expander die to open the mouth enough to get the g/c inside the case. At that point, the case mouth hits the opening at the bottom of the seater/crimp die. It went in with a little force and the finished bullets look OK but I did notice some brass shavings collecting around the shell holder.

I want to try the Lee dies and then Hornady again and pay more attention to how the bullet fits in the seater after being opened enough for the g/c base. I know the Lee Factory crimp die talks about sizing the brass again so I wonder if the case will fit into the crimp die after the seating die.

With the Hornady dies, I recall having to go in further with the expander than with my plain lead bullets but I do not recall the case having trouble going in to the seater/crimper. With the Hornady dies, I sometimes feel that catching on the way down as I mentioned before.

 

[Dr Charlie]

Interesting comments regarding dies. I have them ranging from Hollywood Texan, Redding, RCBS, Hornady, and evedn a few Behr. I like them all. When reloading exoctic calibers, or one of a kind wildcat Ill use whatever works.
Regards Dr Charlie

 

[oddshooter]

If I may, allow me to write a little more detail on why buy the expensive Redding dies.

They have a micrometer adjustment on the top for those of us who make 20 rounds and then swap out the bullet. The seating and crimping micrometer topped dies are quick to adjust for different bullet lengths.

If you make hundreds of rounds with the same bullet, you don't do adjustments and really don't need to spend the extra $100-$150 per die.

I also use a lot of different diameters and bullet noses. RCBS support has been outstanding in helping me to find the right size and shape on the Stems of the expander and seater dies.


Prescut

 

[nksmfamjp]

can anyone shed light on the "catching" issue? This is while I am adjusting the crimp. The seater is backed out. I turn the crimp die in a little, raise the case to add to the crimp and then as I lower the case back down I can feel the assembly catching on the die somewhere.

Yes. When most dies crimp, they crimp with the body of the die, so you don’t feel the crimp release. Hornady crimps with the floating sleeve. Some dies give an odd release sensation about 1/2 way down the down stroke at an odd place. It is normal.

I’m a Hornady die fan.

 

[old pipefitter]

Carbide in Redding or Dillon. never had any issues with either. Higher priced but you get what you pay for

 

[gwpercle]

CH4D ... if you have never tried them ... you will never know !
Gary

 

[BillBro]

Too much crump? Try adjusting your crimp and see if that sticking or catching goes away.