Die question

[GH1]

Do reloading dies interchange from one manufacturer to another?  Also, does anybody have any info on Pacific Durochrome dies?
Thanks
GH1

[jhalcott]

 The simple answer is YES! The different makers make them to a standard size. MOST make them to fit 7/8x14 press holes. There MAY be SOME difference in QUALITY from one maker to another. That brings up the question about Pacific Durochrome dies. I have a couple sets of these. They are top quality in MY experience.

[wncchester]

"There MAY be SOME difference in QUALITY from one maker to another.

Well, if we judge "quality" by pretty exteriors that's certainly true.  But, if we judge quality by the ammunition we can make with it, all current makers are pretty much equal for their common 7/8x14 dies.  (Excepting the expensive but high grade BR/Comp dies by Forster and Redding, and even they aren't worth the prices when loading for most factory firearms.)

[Luckyducker]

The Pacific Durachrome dies were made by a company that is now Hornady reloading.  I used to have a set of Pacific dies in 308Win, they worked well and I would buy more of this brand if priced right.

[Sweetwater]

In response to the OP - jhalcott +1

Hornady did acquire Pacific a bunch of years ago.

If we judge quality by finished product from the respective dies:
1) I had a Redding sizing die that was so rough the factory gave up on polishing it and sent me a new sizing die.

2) I had a Herter sizing die that was oversized in the neck. Took a long time to figure out why some brass would let a bullet slip in place and others would not. After replacing the die, end of problem.

52 years and 28 sets of reloading dies, that's not a bad track record for the industry. I believe all the manufacturers of today are represented, and some I like better than others, but none can be classified as better or worse. JMHO

Regards,
Sweetwater

[jhalcott]

The quality of the DIES was what I referred to in my post. I have MANY sets of dies from most of the big name makers and a few specialty die sets from smaller companies. I have had VERY few that did NOT load excellent ammo. Some had dimension problems that were not with in spec's or had cosmetic problems. Like rust from the factory!?? Even those made decent to excellent ammo though.

[Czech_too]

In regards to the Pacific Durachrome dies, these are not to be confused with carbide dies, lube is required when sizing.

[GH1]

Thanks for the info everybody.
GH1