RCBS 38/357 die puzzler? I need advice!

[PappyDC]

Started reloading again after being away from the hobby for a few years. Currently loading 45acp. 380, and 45 LC no problem. Using Dillon and Lee dies on a Dillon 550.

Ok, I bought a used RCBS 3 die set for 38/357. The decapper is in the EXPANDING die and not the sizer die. So if you picture a Dillon 550 toolhead, positions 1,2,3, and 4 are decapper/sizing, powder die, bullet seat, and lastly the crimp die. That's what I have for the other calibers mentioned.

The RCBS carbide sizing die will not accept the decapper from the other RCBS die-I tried. I guess these dies were made for use on a single stage press.
I tried setting up the Dillon toolhead with the postions as follows: 1 decapper, 2 carbide sizer, 3 powder die, and 4 the combo seat/crimp die. That will work but it is awkward as heck 'cuz you have to reach around to the rear/right position to place the bullet....not a good plan....

Any ideas? Or will I be buying some new dies soon? Guess I wasn't paying attention when I bought them at a show.....arrgghh

Also, I like the separate seating and crimping die setup.


What I ended up doing was running all the brass through the sizer die. Used a spare toolhead. Then, ran them through the Dillon 550. 1-decap and prime, 2-powder, 3-bullet seat/crimp, 4- empty PIA!!

 

[Walkalong]

Well that works. An extra step, but it works. A Lee sizer is cheap.

 

[mdemetz]

The decapper is in the EXPANDING die and not the sizer die.The RCBS carbide sizing die will not accept the decapper from the other RCBS die-I tried.

I had the same with my old 38 and 357 sets(steel sizers). Does your sizer have a threaded hole in the top? Mine did and I contacted RCBS and they sent me an adapter, and sizer type decapping rod.

 

[Walkalong]

That is worth a try. RCBS customer service is great.

 

[243winxb]

There was/is an optional decapper that fits the carbide pistol sizing dies. My die is old (1970's?), no date on the top, here is a photo of my decapper, if does NOT expand. It fits my 38,357,44,45acp carbide pistol dies. If you die has a date on the top, this will help RCBS fine the correct one for your die. Huntington is also a good place to find RCBS. http://www.huntingtons.com

 

[PappyDC]

Thanks guys!

Ok, Thanks so much for the info! I sent an email to Huntington's asking about the special decapper rod. I may also call RCBS direct to check on the decapper rod as well.

Trying to just use the equipment I have in stead of always buying new...this will help!

Thanks,

Pappy

 

[Sport45]

Call RCBS direct. They sent me the update kit to move my depriming to the sizing die after I brok the pin on the original deprimer. (Turned a turret with the ram up.)

 

[rfwobbly]

Ha! They sent me the whole rod AND spare decapper pins!

They must like me better.

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

One of my oet peave's about RCBS is they seem to have a diffrent styme and decaper oin size for each die, making middle of the nite repairs a real pain. I must like them, I have about a dozen die set's from them.

 

[PappyDC]

Wow...

Just got off the phone with a nice lady from RCBS...They are sending me a decapper that will fit the sizer die that I have now. Sending it free of charge!

Now I feel like I need to buy some RCBS stuff to help pay for that kind of service.

Thanks again all!