Die question

[ihuntbucks]

I have several sets of dies that were given to me and I have some questions on them.I have 4 sets of "Lyman AA dies (3die .44 spec/mag);(2 die .3006)both in black boxes.3 die .9mm and 2 die .270 Remy in orange boxes.2 RCBS sets;one 3 die SWC .357 mag and 2 die SB .223 Remy,both in green boxes.My question is are these dies carbide or steel?Have bought some new Lee dies and got "deluxe" as to get carbide.Thats all I want.But don't know what these are made of.Looked on Lyman website and there is no mention of AA dies sets.So I don't have a clue.......Rick

[stimpylu32]

IHUNTBUCKS

As for the rifle dies , I don't know of any company that makes a carbide rifle die .

The pistol dies shoud say carbide on them if indeed they are , but odds are that they are not .

Stimpy

[Graybeard]

I believe Lyman used the word DELUXE in conjunction with their carbide die sets. As stated no bottle neck cartridge die set will be carbide. I think it was an outfit called Hollywood that did make them many many long years ago but even then they were well over $100 for the sizer die at a time when others were under $10 a set.

Generally speaking a carbide die has a carbide insert which you can easily see by looking in the mouth of the die. If it doesn't say TC, Carbide or some variation and there is no visible insert you should assume it is NOT a carbide die and use lube.

[ricciardelli]

The Lyman "AA" dies were designed for the old Lyman All American turret press of the 1960's.

As already stated, if they are carbide, you can see the ring from the base of the sizing die.

[jcunclejoe]

Dillon Precision does make carbide rifle dies for bottlenecked cartridges. The selection is limited and is available for 223 Rem and 308 for sure at $114 per set. There may be one or two more cartridges available but not many.

I would agree with everyone else your rifle dies are probably steel and the different colored insert in the end of the sizing die would indicate carbide for the pistol stuff.
Joe

[ihuntbucks]

Thanks for info guys.I looked at my Lee Deluxe pistol dies and I see the ring of carbide ya'll are talking about.This ring is not on the dies I was given.On rifle dies/carbide;what about the Lee Deluxe Rifle?The ad claims no lube needed.You can buy them at Midway for $24.89.......Rick

[cal sibley]

I have 3 sets of Lyman rifle dies.  They are not carbide, but they are excellent dies, every bit the equal of RCBS or Hornady dies.  They've been around for about 30 years and still working superbly.  Just one guys oipinion.  Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[mountainview]

IhuntB,
I have 2 Lee Deluxe Sets, they claim (and it is true) that no lube is needed on the neck sizing die. I still use a dab of lube on the case neck when using them since it gives me more "feel" during sizing and reduces the effort quite a bit which saves on wear and tear of my hands (I have arthritis). The dies work quite well and are a decent buy.