RCBS "Cowboy" Dies, what's different?

[TexasRifleman]

Someone gave me a set of .45-70 "Cowboy" dies yesterday since I mentioned I was going to start loading that caliber.

I am wondering what is different about these from standard dies?

I read they are more intended for use with lead bullets, but what exactly is different?

I will probably not be loading all lead, most likely jacketed bullets for hunting with my Marlin.

These dies will work for that I assume right?

Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

Other then the fancy finish?

They are supposed to be built to slightly different dimensions to better handle lead bullet loads used in Cowboy Action games.

* Seating Die Designed for Use with CAST BULLETS ONLY

* Built to slightly different dimensions than regular dies to allow optimum sizing, expanding, seating and crimping needed to load lead bullet ammo.

As for use with jacketed bullets?
I would imagine the expander plug might be a frog-hair larger, as lead bullets are sized larger then jacketed bullets. That might present case neck tension problems with jacketed bullets unless you worry it down to .003" or so smaller then your .458" jacketed bullets.
You can chuck it in a drill and use black emery paper on a flat file to take it down a little if needed.

On the other hand, you may have got two expander plugs. One for lead and one for jacketed. In that case, just be sure to use the right one.

rc

 

[joed]

The difference I would think is the seating die. Probably is made for the different lead tips used for this type shooting. Couldn't imagine a difference in sizing.