RCBS Dies

[rc109a]

I went out and bought a set of RCBS dies for my 223 and decided to switch from Lee to RCBS small base. Needless to say after about 20 rounds I got one stuck and ripped the rim off the case. When I finally got the decapping rod out it was bent. The pin was broken and the expander was cracked. I was a little upset, but decided to go online and buy the X-dies since they were the ones I wanted in the first place (the store I bought them were out and the salemans talked me into the small base FL dies instead). When I calmed down I was trying to figure out what to do with this new set of broken dies. I called RCBS and asked them how much it would cost for the pieces that I broke. They said no charge and told me they were sending me all the internals for free. I told them again that it was not because of their product, but my forcefull handling that the die parts were broken and I would pay for the parts. The guy on line said it was not problem. I got the replacement parts in three days and they even sent 5 extra decapping pins as well. All I have to say is RCBS is GREAT!!

 

[tjj]

Glad to hear it turned out well for you.

RCBS is an old name in the business and for good reason. Great quality for the price. Like all manufacturers they have product lines at the top and bottom end to meet the competition and satisfy market demand.

Besides, it's smart business to treat you right. Your post is more valuable as advertising than thousands spent on a magazine ad.

 

[Walkalong]

Normal for RCBS. Great products. Great company.

 

[buenhec]

RC, I am about to start reoading 223. All I need are the dies and want to get the X dies. What is the diff between the small base and regular? They have both at Midway but no explanation. They are for use in my AR15.

 

[rc109a]

Buenhec: PM sent...

 

[jenrob]

I got the replacement parts in three days and they even sent 5 extra decapping pins as well. All I have to say is RCBS is GREAT!!

I had a same deal like this with them, but was on the phone for prob. 1.5hrs talking about hunting and fishing by time it was over he asked what all I load for. Needless to say I prob have a lifetime supply of Rods, expanders, pins, set screws, and enough lead shot I could start my own casting business.

 

[rigmech]

man i'm glad i read this. recently did about the same thing with a 9mm case. ran out and bought another sizing die at almost the price for the whole set. was wondering what to do with the die I demolished.

 

[Jeffery8mm]

They way I see it, you only buy an RCBS product once, after that, they take care of it and you!!!!!!!
Jeff

 

[rigmech]

dang Jeff, you're everywhere
Darron

 

[rc109a]

I don't know about other RCBS products, but their dies are great. The case lub they sell is also good. I like it better then one-shot and imperial sizing wax(now I will get flamed).

 

[rcmodel]

In all likelihood, small base dies are not needed, or desirable for your .223 ammo.

If you don't actually need small base dies to resize mil-sup machinegun brass, you are just over-working your .223 brass for no good reason.
Even then, after the first sizing, you need to revert back to standard dies to keep from over-working your brass.

I have been loading .223 for a steady progression of Ruger Mini-14's, AR-15's, and bolt-action's for about 38 years now, using standard RCBS .223 dies, and have never had a problem with them chambering in anything.


rcmodel

 

[rc109a]

rcmodel: What about using the xdies? Mine are small base dies. When I talked to RCBS they recommended that I keep using these. I have both the regular full lenght and the xdie small base. I know the purpose of the xdies are to prevent case growth. Are you suggesting forgetting these and just use the regular fl dies? Confused...

 

[308win]

I have always used standard RCBS or Hornady dies for my .223 in both my Mini14 and AR15. Never had any issues with stuck cases with my reloads.

 

[rcmodel]

What about using the xdies?

I don't know what to tell you there. Never used the X-dies.

I just see no reason to ever use Sm. base dies.

I've reloaded for everything there is (well, almost) and never owned a small base die in my life.

I know some folks seem to find it necessary in .308 with surplus machinegun brass they are getting now. Those new SAW's must be a lot rougher on brass then the old 30-06 Browning MG's were, is all I can think!


rcmodel

 

[rc109a]

Well since I got them I might as well use them.

 

[Souris]

RCBS is GREAT for customer service.

I had a very similar situation.
Prepping .223 brass and ran into some with smaller primer pockets (IMI)
I broke the decapping pin and screwed up the internals.
RCBS sent me a new rod, expanader and not one but 7 decapping pins.

 

[Khornet]

Use Your X-die

you'll be glad. It really does retard brass 'growth' through many loadings. How many? Haven't found out yet....but haven't had to trim for at least 6 loadings so far.

Since you need to full-length size, then trim to below usual trim-to length before you run cases through the X-Die the first time, you're all set now with a standard die and an X-Die. You can use the X-die for the first full-length size, but then you have to set it up again for X-die sizing. Much handier to have a standard FL die for doing brass the first time.