Steel vs Carbide for rifle

[Woody3]

Hi all,

I'm sure this has been discussed but I guess my searchkuando is weak today.

Anyhow, what is the benefit of using carbide dies on rifle cases if you still have to lube? I like to save where I can and right now can't see any real benefit to having carbide dies.

Right now I'm using RCBS steel dies for my .223 but I'm going to buy the Dillon 3 die set real soon. I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth the extra money for the Carbide set.
I load around 500 rounds per month.

Thanks,
Woody


Keep your head low and your powder dry.

 

[rcmodel]

IMO: No.

You still have to lube bottleneck rifle cases which is the only major benefit of carbide handgun dies..

The Dillon carbide rifle dies are for commercial or high-volume reloaders that actually load enough to wear out steel dies on a regular basis.

rc

 

[ranger335v]

"what is the benefit of using carbide dies on rifle cases"

Well, if the cases are clean and properly lubed, the average life expectancy of a steel sizing die is maybe a half million rounds before it wears passed SAAMI tolerances; carbide can multiply that by 4 or 5. Do the math for your volume vs. the die prices and see if a carbide FL sizer vs. maybe a secnd steel sizer would help you better in this life time.

 

[Woody3]

Thanks guys. That's pretty much what I was thinking. I'll stick with my plan and buy the steel set.


Keep your head low and your powder dry.

 

[jmorris]

I have some carbide rifle dies as they require less effort to size. You must lube with bottle neck cases but I lube all cases, rifle and pistol, with both carbide and standard dies anyway. Again, its less work.