RCBS Dies

[rc109a]

I just got a pretty old set of RCBS dies (price tag stated 8.50 new). I took them apart and noticed that the decapping pin was straight and had a sleeve it fit into and it compresses to hold the pin in place (that is why I am figuring it is an older style as compared to my new sets).

Will the full length sizing die set up the same as others? Anything to look for before I start using them? How hard will it be to get new pins? Thanks...

 

[jinxer3006]

Same setup as newer dies. Spare pins available here:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=798273

 

[rc109a]

Jinxer
Thanks... I noticed one review that stated make sure you don't have the older dies as these pins wont work. I wonder what he is talking about?

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Older dies have a friction-fit straight decapping pin, newer ones have a rivet-shaped pin. The pins are, obviously, not interchangeable although the new decapping/expander ball assembly fits just fine and works perfectly in the old dies.

I have a 33-y/o small base .308 Win die set that I got when I got my M1A from the factory in '78. I finally broke a pin and, when I went to replace it, discovered that the screw head that held the expander ball was bent. A quick call to RCBS customer service and three days later I had a new decapping pin assembly (that used the new pins) and 5 new pins.

Net, net, if you have any issues, RCBS customer service is first-rate in my experience.

FH

 

[243winxb]

Like Flatbush said, older dies are different. Plus there are 2 different diameter/thickness pins also. Cotact RCBS if you have a problem, they will take care of you.

 

[lightman]

RCBS was once considered to be among the best,and still is,in my opinion.If you give those older dies a good cleaning,I would bet that you will get another lifetime of service out of them.I know for a fact that their customer service will take care of you,so you can get replacement parts.Enjoy your dies, Lightman

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Just wondering....Is there a date stamped on the top of the dies? I have them back into the 80's with a year stamped on them.

 

[rc109a]

Part number is 15501 and the top says RCBS 308(a few spaces)70. I can tell they have been around a bit and I fully plan on using them. They are huge compared to another set of RCBS 308 dies I have. Very heavy duty... I like the older dies better anyway...

 

[FROGO207]

Made in 1970. I have used a wire brad of the proper diameter to get me by until I got a replacement. Just cut the head off the brad and square up the end with a file. I broke mine decapping 308 LC brass. I now use my LEE 500 S&W die as a universal decapper for all the military brass that I process. First I tumble 1/2 hour then I size without decapping. After that I polish the brass to my satisfaction, then I decap and clean/ream primer pockets as needed, keeps the flash holes clear of the walnut media that way. This works best for me. YMMV

 

[jinxer3006]

I noticed one review that stated make sure you don't have the older dies as these pins wont work. I wonder what he is talking about?

I'm not sure what he means. As far as I know, RCBS has only had 3 versions of decapping pins--large straight, small straight, and the newer "headed" pins. Maybe he tried to use small pins in a die designed for large?

 

[rcmodel]

I would make pins out of music wire spring stock from the hardware store if I needed some.

But with that said, I haven't broken an RCBS pin in about the last 40 years.
If you align the center stem by waiting to tighten the lock nut until the pin is already inside a flash hole, they will be perfectly centered and will just not break through normal use.

About the only way they get broken is by missing the flash hole and hitting the case web.
Or by trying to deprime Berdan primed cases!

rc

 

[lightman]

Most of my broken pins were caused by an unseen piece of gravel being lodged in the case.A lot of ranges around here use pea gravel to retard the grass growing,sure raises cain with the decapping rod. Lightman

 

[oneounceload]

If you need parts for RCBS dies why buy them from Midway when RCBS will send to you for free? Forever guarantee on dies, presses, etc. from RCBS

 

[rc109a]

Made in 1970, sounds like they are just starting to get broken in. I will be using LC 308 brass and I am going to decap using a Lee universal decapping die. Its a habit I gotten into recently and kind of like it. I can decap dirty brass and not worry about the die getting fouled up or tumbling before hand. Thanks for all the great ideas and info.