Buying Used Dies

[Gil Martin]

On the way home from work I stopped at a gun shop and bought used RCBS dies that are like-new in .32 Win. Special and 7x57mm Mauser. When I got home, I encountered a problem that often occurs with used or new reloading dies. The previous owners or the factory seem to tighten all the adjustment screws with about 100 ft.lbs. of torque. I end up placing the dies in a padded vise and using padded pliers to loosen things up. Even the allen screws on the lock rings are sometimes tight enough to damage the threads on the die body. Anyone else ever notice this? All the best...
Gil

[reload]

No, You just ran into someone who reloads with more muscle than brains. RCBS dies are precision made and backed by the best warranty company in the world, if you every have a problem because of something you have done or something just happens RCBS will make it right. Have had RCBS dies for over 40 years. Good Luck!

[Dan Morris]

RCBS will back them, the few times I have bought used dies, I've regretted it!
Dan

[Jack]

I've bought lots of used dies, and yeah, I've seen the rings all gorilla tightened. Usually no lubricant on the threads, either.
I haven't had trouble from used dies- other than the tight threads, and often they need a good cleaning.
I am kinda picky, though... I examine them carefully, particularly for scratches in the sizer. And I stick to RCBS or Reddings.
The worst part about used dies goes like this......
You see a set of dies for 15$, Good shape, etc., sooooo ya say "well, that's a good deal, even though I don't own a rifle in that caliber"
You buy the dies, clean em up and put them away.
About a year later you run across a used rifle you don't need at all.... but, ya already got dies for it.....:D
A set a used dies ends up costing you 3 or 400$

[Catfish]

I`ve bought a plie of used dies. In all conditions from new to junk, but the junk ones were usually for parts and so cheap I just couldn`t let them go. I`ve even bought them by the box just to get 1 set of dies. There are some cals. that I have 3 or 4 sets of dies for, most I have at least 2 sets for, a FL and a neck size set. I`ve got burned on acouple of sets, but I`ve save so much money I`m way ahead in the long run. :D

[skb2706]

I gotta agree with Jack. I have several sets of "just in case" dies for those someday projects. Never had any trouble with used dies...in fact I have a couple of sets I bought from ebay that were just fine....but then again they are still waiting to be used !!

[8X56MS]

I have not bought any used dies. They don't cost all that much new.

[Cal Sibley]

I see nothing wrong with buying used dies so long as they contain no rust, and none of the moving parts are frozen in place.
I use only Wilson NS bushing knock out dies and the Redding bushing NS dies and unfortunately there aren't many of either in used condition for sale yet. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[skb2706]

8x56 -Its not the cost that determines whether I buy used dies or not. Its availibility.....I was looking for specific dies in specific brands to do some modification .... Lyman.358 Win to be exact. They work best for modification to .358 Bellm. Other used dies I have....bought a set of Lee .243 Win dies used for $8 ....argueably if you add in the cost of gun show admission and it was a wash for new ones.