Buying used reloading dies

[Gil Martin]

While in a local gun shop today and was looking around. I found excellent used RCBS reloading dies in 6mm Remington and .444 Marlin that were made in 1974 and 1975. They were very reasonably priced so I bought them. After getting home I had to put the dies in a padded vise to get them apart. For some reason the factory and prior owners seem to tighten reloading dies to an extreme degree. I do not get it. Anyone else notice this trait? All the best...
Gil

[Jack]

I have bought quite a few used dies over the years. Hadn't noticed a pattern of dies being screwed down too tight, but, my standard procedure when I get used dies home is to clean and lubricate thoroughly.
I restrict used die purchases these days to green boxes - had some bad experience with used dies from companies other than Redding or RCBS.
I'll tell you one big problem with used dies. :) Down the road, you're going to see a rifle or pistol at a gun show or gun shop and say to yourself "Hey, I have dies for that." . . . . . . can be hard on the wallet!

[Adam Helmer]

Most of the used reloading dies I have bought this century were all TIGHTENED like there were prepped for a Space Walk! I am talking the ring on the die body as well as the seating stems for the resizer and seater.

I UNLOCK all rings, nuts and such, use CLP out and in all dies and leave the locking nuts LOOSE or finger snug.

Adam

[skeet]

I buy many sets every year. Mostly at Gun shows. And yep What Jack said. I just recently bought a bunch of dies at a porn...er...pawn shop. One set was a set of Redding 250 Savage Ackley Improved. Now I am going to make a 250 AI. Many sets I buy are new unused. Bought 8 sets from one fellow all with stuck cases. 25 bucks for all. 1/2 hour and all were unstuck and cleaned ready to sell.