Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set

[jski]

Is there a reason to prefer one of these die sets over the other?

Lyman Carbide 3-Die Set v. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set

 

[Englishmn]

They are pretty similar. I used to favor rcbs, but now I just buy Lee I'm spoiled by their powder through expander dies and included shell holder. My old Lyman carbide dies are chrome plated which looks nice.

 

[cfullgraf]

Depends on whether you like orange storage boxes or green storage boxes.

Either set will serve you well.

 

[243winxb]

RCBS would be my first choice.

Many custom dies available.. http://www.huntingtons.com/store/home.php?cat=77


Lyman provides excellent customer service, as does RCBS.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I have a set of Lee dies, a set of Hornaday, The RCBS swager, a Lymann bullet puller, a Hornaday scale and Harbor Freight calipers.

Most of my mechanics tools are older Craftsman and my carpentry tools are DeWalt.

So I'm not brand biased.

When I started loading I had some issue do to being new and not knowing how to set a die. I called Hornaday and the folks were great. I've heard similar accounts on folks calling the other brand's help lines so I don't think anyone is much better or worse.

As far as reloading tools, in the items I have I don't see much difference in quality. My suggestion is buy what you feel is the best deal. If the price were the same I'd probably grab one and be happy.

 

[Walkalong]

I have multiple brands of dies, and now have a strong preference for RCBS.

 

[FROGO207]

I own many brands of dies as well. Some of the manufacturers are out of business but the dies are still reloading ammo years later. The only consideration would be any guarantee after the sale in case you get an out of spec die. Both brands questioned have worked well for years on my bench. Price is my biggest concern so I own a lot of Lee dies FWIW.

 

[slowr1der]

I also own many different brands of dies and I have a stronger preference for Lee dies. Followed by Redding. I've had more problems with RCBS dies that I have any others, so I tend to shy away from it.

The Lee dies with a Hornady lock ring on the seater die is the perfect combination in my opinion.

 

[jski]

Who has experience with Lyman dies?

 

[JimKirk]

I have multiple sets of Lyman dies ... Their work just like the RCBS, Redding, Hornady and Pacific dies ... Never had a problem with any that I didn't cause ... RCBS will look after you ... even when it is not their fault.... The others will also ... maybe not quite as easy .... Don't think there is a "bad" brand of die being made ...

My stack of 20 plus dies are multi colored ... With a green cast ....

 

[Walkalong]

Who has experience with Lyman dies?

I have a few, they work just fine. They don't harden them like RCBS does.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have two or three Lyman die sets and 6 of the "M" die expander dies. They perform just fine.

 

[243winxb]

Who has experience with Lyman dies?

1 Lyman and 1 Lee die set replaced with RCBS. I forget why on the Lyman, but the Lee 223 set had a problem pushing out crimped in primers.

 

[FROGO207]

FWIW I own sets of Lyman dies in carbide 380, carbide 9MM, 444 Marlin, 308, and 45-70.They all work fine. For reference I actually reload 47 calibers currently.