New to reloading

pyroman656 · November 11, 2008, 03:56 PM

I'm brand new to this sight and to reloading. I currently have a single stage RCBS press loanded to me by a friend. I want to start reloading for my .40 cal. Any suggestions on what dies to use? Also, I have seen kits with 2 or 3 dies in them. What do I really need to get started.

buckwoods · November 11, 2008, 04:30 PM

You will need dies for your specific caliber. Recommend a Deluxe carbide set. I use the Lee Deluxe 4 die carbides myself. For other needs, take a look at some of the starter kits that Lee, RCBS sell on sites like MidwayUSA and Midsouth.
They include scales, powder measure, funnels, case prep and primer tools. You will also need reload manuals (and be sure to read them) and a good set of calipers to check case specs.

Shoney · November 11, 2008, 05:43 PM

pyroman656
WELCOME TO TFL!

You definitely need a set of carbide dies, that means you will not have to lubricate the cases as you load.

The brand is a tossup. The Lee dies are the best value for the buck, however, some of the other brands do size cases further down to the web. This is only important if you are sizing cases shot from the old style Glocks, where there is a bulge, or if you have a very tight chamber.

The standard 2 die set has a sizing die and a seat/crimp die.

The standard 3 die pistol has sizing die, expander die, seat/crimp die.

The Lee 4 die set has a sizing die, expander/powder funnel die, seating die, and a Factory Crimp die.

Some three die sets have a sizing die, expander die, and a taper seat/crimp die or a roll seat/crimp die. The .40 requires a taper die, and in some brands requires that you order it seperately because (of all the stupid things) a standard set comes with roll crimp. Read carefully before you buy.

Bailey Boat · November 11, 2008, 05:53 PM

Since you have an RCBS press the only dies that will fit and work properly are dies from RCBS (not really but I'm a dedicated RCBS guy) Any die set will work. Most all pistol calibers will be a 3 die set, sizing/deprime, belling and a seating/crimping die. Most ACP rounds should already come with a taper crimp die since they headspace on the case mouth and a roll crimp would defeat that. Revolver calibers (38, 357, 44, 45LC, etc.) use the rim for headspace and therefore they use a roll crimp. Just make sure that you follow the manufacturers directions when adjusting the dies on the first use.

Use a good manual, a good scale and a good dose of common sense and you'll have fun!!!!!

November 11, 2008, 03:56 PM	#1
pyroman656 Junior Member Join Date: November 11, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1	New to reloading I'm brand new to this sight and to reloading. I currently have a single stage RCBS press loanded to me by a friend. I want to start reloading for my .40 cal. Any suggestions on what dies to use? Also, I have seen kits with 2 or 3 dies in them. What do I really need to get started.

November 11, 2008, 05:43 PM	#3
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	pyroman656 WELCOME TO TFL! You definitely need a set of carbide dies, that means you will not have to lubricate the cases as you load. The brand is a tossup. The Lee dies are the best value for the buck, however, some of the other brands do size cases further down to the web. This is only important if you are sizing cases shot from the old style Glocks, where there is a bulge, or if you have a very tight chamber. The standard 2 die set has a sizing die and a seat/crimp die. The standard 3 die pistol has sizing die, expander die, seat/crimp die. The Lee 4 die set has a sizing die, expander/powder funnel die, seating die, and a Factory Crimp die. Some three die sets have a sizing die, expander die, and a taper seat/crimp die or a roll seat/crimp die. The .40 requires a taper die, and in some brands requires that you order it seperately because (of all the stupid things) a standard set comes with roll crimp. Read carefully before you buy. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111 Last edited by Shoney; November 11, 2008 at 06:15 PM.

November 11, 2008, 04:30 PM	#2
buckwoods Member Join Date: November 1, 2008 Posts: 17	You will need dies for your specific caliber. Recommend a Deluxe carbide set. I use the Lee Deluxe 4 die carbides myself. For other needs, take a look at some of the starter kits that Lee, RCBS sell on sites like MidwayUSA and Midsouth. They include scales, powder measure, funnels, case prep and primer tools. You will also need reload manuals (and be sure to read them) and a good set of calipers to check case specs.

November 11, 2008, 05:53 PM	#4
Bailey Boat Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: NC Posts: 341	Since you have an RCBS press the only dies that will fit and work properly are dies from RCBS (not really but I'm a dedicated RCBS guy) Any die set will work. Most all pistol calibers will be a 3 die set, sizing/deprime, belling and a seating/crimping die. Most ACP rounds should already come with a taper crimp die since they headspace on the case mouth and a roll crimp would defeat that. Revolver calibers (38, 357, 44, 45LC, etc.) use the rim for headspace and therefore they use a roll crimp. Just make sure that you follow the manufacturers directions when adjusting the dies on the first use. Use a good manual, a good scale and a good dose of common sense and you'll have fun!!!!!