20 Nickels--
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If so how do you identify them?
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A carbide case sizing die will have a visible, dull ring of carbide inserted in the mouth of the die--the rest of the die is regular shiny steel. You can probably find used dies for sale @ gun shows, and you want the carbide sizing die, NOT the all-steel die. The case sizing die may come in a set, with a bell-mouth die and a bullet seat/crimp die, both of which will be all-steel.
The carbide die will be more expensive, alone or as part of a set, than will the all-steel sizing die in the same situation. And as pointed out, a carbide sizing die does away with the necessity for case lubrication prior to sizing. You can lube the cases if you want to but many pistol reloaders (myself included) don't lube the cases, and get quite satisfactory results.
Buying used dies is a smart move IMHO. If you can find the ones you want, dies are almost impossible to wear out or damage, so even a very old one will normally work just fine. The trick is to find the exact die you're looking for. It may take several trips to gun shows and to reloading shops. A seller who isn't busy will probably be willing to show you a carbide and a non-carbide sizing die--Once you have seen the difference it's obvious.
Damaged dies: What to check: The outer threads should be non-rusty and non-chewed. The lock ring might be chewed by pliers, especially if it is knurled and round rather than hexagonal. If the lock ring is too unsightly, use that as a bargaining chip--they are replaceable--and in any case all it does is lock the die to your press; it doesn't have to be pretty to work. The inner surface of the die, where it will bear on the cases when it is working, should be smooth and shiny. (Except the carbide part--carbide isn't shiny.) Any visible crack in the die body or the carbide ring, is an immediate and complete disqualifier. Any adjustments the die has, should work smoothly and lock down tight. Dies have so few working parts that they are easy to disassemble and check.
As always, when buying used, it's a good idea to have done yr homework, and know what the comparable new ones should cost.
Good luck and good hunting! And of course, a follow-up report is required!
