[SOLID EAGLE]

Hello, I am new to this forum and new to reloading. I really like this forum, it has been very informative for me. I have a question, Is there any problems in buying used dies. Thanks

[PotatoJudge]

The parts can get stuck together and be a bear to get apart, but other than that it's mostly cosmetic stuff (surface rust, buggered knurling where somebody used pliers to unstick something).

I haven't had any problems with used dies after I clean and lube them.

I do have a couple of tips though: Buy the die set you want the first time, be it lee, RCBS, Redding, whoever, just spend what it takes so you don't spend even more upgrading later. If you're doing pistol stuff, buy carbide even though it's more expensive.

[SASS#23149]

Used dies can save you some money IF the shipping doesn't kill the deal.
I"ve had zero problem with used dies over the years.

Welcome to the forum !!
we love answering questions and helping out newbies. ;)

[rfwobbly]

Mr. Eagle -
Although used dies can be a deal, there are instances you need to watch for. A lot of dies come originally with the shell holder, which is usually missing on used dies. Also, as mentioned, the price of shipping can push used dies into the price realm of new dies. The last thing I would warn you is what happened to me. Since the advent of multi-station presses, there is a real possibility of buying a set of worn out pistol dies.

With the newer presses, people think nothing of loading 1 million pistol rounds with no case lubrication... which adds a lot of wear to the dies. I bought one such pistol die set off Ebay about a year ago, and paid a premium. The dies are completely unusable for making ammo for any tight-chambered gun I own.

I don't think this is a huge issue, but it still exists.

[243winxb]

Only buy used dies that you can return if not satisfactory.

[fguffey]

SOLID EAGLE, there has been a rash of dies ground off at the base and shell holders that have reduced deck height for the same reason, grinding on both (could) result in a shorten case when sized, the advantage to grinding is known only to the owner/grinder, anything accomplished by grinding can be duplicated with a feeler gage.

A die with a sized case can be removed from the press by rotating the shell holder to facility removing from the ram and shell holder at the same time (then screw the die with shell out of the press), after removing case protrusion can be measured, should measure .125, cases I size for one chamber has case protrusion of .142, the rifle has .016 head space IF the die base has not been ground for some misguided reason. When purchasing used dies at a bargain, the box the dies come in could cost $5.00+ to replace.

Cleaning a die, I use a paper towel on a dowel, I avoid using an abrasive material (inside), consider a hard wax on the outside to seal from the atmosphere.

http://www.ch4d.com/

The link above has most adapters and replacement parts for anything bent, broke or missing for most brands of dies.

F. Guffey

[MMCSRET]

I have more than 140 calibers of dies, probably 90 were bought used. Inspect before and you should be all right. I use a bore light to inspect and always disassemble prior to buying. I bought all my used dies at pawn shops, gun shops and gun shows.

[WNTFW]

The biggest problem with used dies I'm seeing is they want as much as new sometimes or I never seem to find the calibers I want. I also like the Lee die sets and finding the right caliber/brand/price/timing/location/etc is hard to beat new lee dies.

That said I have gotten some that are as good as new. I'm waiting on some RCBS dies from a guy to come available as he is upgrading. One advantage of used is trading is a possibility. I'm doing better finding dies on local websites. Over here on THR 5 guys are lined up before I even see the post!