[dlzigjr]

....Like from a gunshow? I'm asking this from the total newb perspective. Is it possible to visually inspect them for detecting problems, or is it best to stay away from die purchases at gunshows altogether?


Dave

[Borg]

Check each die to make sure they're all the same cal.
Check for rust inside the size die.
Check to make sure the expander is the right size.
I've bought used dies at the fun show,, half the time I have to remove brass stuck to the inside of the size die,, it scratches all the brass you size.
Borg

[fguffey]

Dlzigjr, Yes there is, the integrity of the shell holder and die may have been compromised by a die/shell holder grinder (someone that has not accepted the practice of using a feeler gage to duplicate anything gained by grinding)

The shell holder deck height is .125, sometimes plus .001, never -.001 or more, the minus (-) adds to head space. In the perfect world the distance from the deck of the shell holder to the shoulder of the die is .000, this measurement (dimension) mirrors a full length sized case (when the die is sitting on the shell holder), the distance from the bolt face to the shoulder of the chamber is .005, when purchasing shell holders check the deck height, should be .125.

Checking dies, I would not suggest purchasing a go-gage, but for checking a go gage and or die I find this one of the few good uses for the gage is using it for a TRANSFER GAGE. With the ram down, place the gage into the shell holder, remove the primer punch/neck expander assembly from the die and install the die into the press and screw it down until it contacts the shoulder of the gage (with the ram up), secure the die, lower the ram, remove the gage, raise the ram and measure the gap between the shell holder and die, the gap should measure .005 (in the perfect world).

I know what all but two of you are thinking, the gage will not fit the shell holder, for the most part that is not true but is the reason most remove the extractor when using a go, no and beyond gage. I did say the deck height of a shell holder is .125, if necessary use a large shell holder as in a magnum shell holder for a 30/06 gage.

There are go-gages that will not chamber with an extractor and will not fit THE shell holder, this was a design feature a long time ago.

F. Guffey

[mallc]

I buy used dies from budget tables and gun shows when I have the opportunity. A lot of times the dealers will buy a guys bench for pennies on the dollar a sell it off. The only troubles I've had is missing/bent sizers and one mis-matched set.

I take them down and clean them with lacquer thinner and maybe steel wool when I get back to the shop and wipe them with gun oil before putting them away. I've gotten some really nice tooling for $5.00 an $10 a pop.


Scott

[loadedround]

All the previous posters have given you excellent advice and I agree with them all. I have bought several sets of used dies at both gun shows and the 'net and have gotten some good buys. However when I go to a gun show, I always carry a battery operated bore light(the one with the lucite bent tip) and use that to examine the inside of the die, usually with the decapper and seater stems removed. Really easy to spot damaged dies(and bad firearm bores) that way. Good luck! :)

[jcwit]

Go ahead and buy used dies if you fing a good bargen for them at a show. Most of my reloading equipment has come from gun showes. Good equipment, fantasic prices, most of this stuff, dies encluded never wear out anyway.

Check for rust, and make sure there isn't a shell caught in the die, if you're looking for straight walled pistol dies you don't need to worry about headspace anyway.

[RandyP]

Do you already have your reloading press? New Lee 4-die sets for pistol are usually about $35 or so.

Nothing wrong with saving money by buying used "if" you know what you're looking for and looking at. Kinda like buying off e-bay. If you know the product you can often find a good deal. If you don't you can waste a lot of money learning and would have been better off just buying new.

IMHO

[rfwobbly]

The only issue I ever had with used dies was a set I bought off Ebay sight unseen. It was a old style set of 9mm Dillon dies and I knew it was a chance, but I could not refuse the price.

Now, to be very fair to Dillon, these dies haven't been made in ~15 years, so they could have run several hundred thousand rounds through them. And, to their great credit, Dillon was happy to help me replace some of the parts at no charge. I'm now using the sizer and seater, but the taper crimp was flat worn out.

However, besides the occasional missing parts or broken de-capping pin, out of 30 sets of used dies, that's the only issue I've encountered. The moral of the story is to buy face-to-face.