Newbie Reloading Question: RCBS 3-Die Set, and Streamlining the Operation

[the pistolero]

So after shooting .45ACP for a couple of years and 10mm for a little over six months, I finally decided to take the plunge and get into the reloading hobby, with the RCBS Turret Press Deluxe Reloading Kit, case tumbler & Lyman calipers, topping it off for now with an RCBS 3-die set for 10mm. I still need a case trimmer, but before I put in another order, I have a question. I was looking at the Uniflow powder measure the kit came with, and I was thinking it would be great if I could get a charging die to streamline the operation a bit.
And here's the rub. All I see at MidwayUSA are the Lee universal charging die and the Lyman multi-expander and powder charge die. The RCBS set includes a sizer die w/ decapper, expander die and crimp die. Would I be doing something I shouldn't be doing, if I picked up the Lyman multi-expander die and used it in place of the RCBS expander die? Should I go ahead and pick up the Lyman 4-die set? As of yet I will only be reloading for pistol. Advice would be very much appreciated...

 

[P0832177]

I have never trimmed a straight walled pistol cartridge. Nor to I think I will.
You have six slots in your turret head.
Station #1 Decap/Size then prime
Station #2 Bell case mouth
Station #3 Put your powder measure
Station #4 Seat
Station #5 Crimp

Now standard dies do not come with a seperate crimp die, and to me seating is one operation, and I think crimping is seperate opertion.

I would be looking for a crimp die, not powder through die.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't see any reason not to get the Lyman Multi-Expander, put it in the turret instead of the RCBS expander, and mount the powder measure on the die. That will save handling the cases separately for powder charging.
No need to buy the whole Lyman dieset.

Are you getting good taper crimps out of that RCBS die? I assume it is also the seating die since you do not mention one and it is a 3 die set.

I have never trimmed a straight pistol case except for one batch of mixed .357 Magnums to get uniform roll crimps. Straight pistol brass can actually shorten with use. I think you can save the cost of a trimmer.

 

[the pistolero]

The seating die also crimps the bullet, yes. I actually have yet to sit down and crank out any loads, as I am still in the process of getting the whole operation set up -- just got started on that in earnest day before yesterday. I was thinking I would need a trimmer -- thanks for the advice. And just so we're clear, I'll be doing it with some supervision at first to make sure I don't do anything I shouldn't be. I've been talking for a while with shooting buddies who reload as well. More updates to come...thanks, guys.

 

[Jim Watson]

And just so we're clear, I'll be doing it with some supervision at first to make sure I don't do anything I shouldn't be. I've been talking for a while with shooting buddies who reload as well.

Be sure the buddies' advice agrees with equipment instructions and handloading manual procedures and data.

 

[the pistolero]

Be sure the buddies' advice agrees with equipment instructions and handloading manual procedures and data.

Yes, indeed. The one I have in mind to show me the ropes, my friendly local FFL, has been shooting for probably longer than I've been alive and reloading for just about as long. I don't know if he's ever run the RCBS turret press, but I know he has a Lee turret out in his shop. He's a good guy...I met him through a friend of my family, who went to school with him 'round about the time they invented dirt. I don't think he'd lead me to blow up my guns. Especially since I bought so many of mine from him and have my eye on another one that I'd like him to get for me.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

I'd get the Lee case gauge/trimmer setup. It's cheap, foolproof, effective, and falling off a log simple to use. You'll only have to trim your brass once; they won't grow much after that anyway, and at least they'll stay consistent length compared to each other.

Having uniform length brass makes setting up the crimping much easier, and also makes crimping while seating work much better, obviating the need to perform an extra operation just to crimp.

The Lyman powder-through expander die will replace the expander die from your set just fine.

Andy