Hornady-Pacific Die set question

[Jal5]

Just bought a set of Pacific Durachrome dies in 9mm, look brand new in box with papers, etc. Want to be sure I have everything needed. Set included: seater die, decapper-expander die, another die I am assuming is the sizer although it has no insert to be screwed into the body. Does this 3rd die require an insert for sizing? It is threaded on the top like it should have an insert which is why I am questioning it. Each die body has a locking ring. I would also assume these are standard, steel dies without carbide insert right? thanks.

Joe

[Autorim]

The sizer die should require no insert. Sounds correct to me.

[Lloyd Smale]

if there a newer set you will have a sizer-decaaping die and expander die (no insert) and a seating die. If theres a forth die its a crimp die. the sizer die will have an insert. its the decapping rod and the seating die will have a rod to ajust the seating dept. the newer hornadys dont have a stem on the expander. you just ajust them up and down in the press to adjust.

[Czech_too]

" I would also assume these are standard, steel dies without carbide insert right?"

Correct.

[wncchester]

You have a conventional pistol die set, the sizer needs no "guts".   

Carbide?  Not likely in an old Pacific set.   Look at the mouth of the sizer, if it's carbide there will be a clearly visible ring of a slighly different color at the entry extending no more than maybe 1/4" up the die wall.   

If there is no (carbide) ring and the die wall is continious over its length it's all steel.  And that's not really bad, your cases will live longer.  Lube inmass with a spray such as "1 Shot" and go.

[Jal5]

Thanks to all. That helps explain it very well.  Lubing isn't a real problem to me, I take my time reloading, it is part of the fun of it for me. These dies look unused so for $10 plus shipping not too bad of a deal I say.

Joe

[Travis Morgan]

Is there no seater plug in the third die?

[Jal5]

yes the 3rd die does have a seater plug.