The Original CZ Forum

GENERAL => Ammunition, questions, and handloading techniques => Topic started by: parastoo on February 03, 2021, 10:53:50 AM

Title: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: parastoo on February 03, 2021, 10:53:50 AM
Hi,
     It seems to be difficult to find a die set for 9mm Luger. But what about using individual dies from different manufacturers to to make up a set?
Thanks,
            Mark
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: lewmed on February 03, 2021, 11:05:16 AM
 I say use what ever you can find several of my machines have mixed die sets.
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: nicky on February 03, 2021, 11:06:01 AM
Shouldn't be a problem. You will find that many people do.
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: George16 on February 03, 2021, 12:18:05 PM
There’s no problem using different manufacturer dies. Just make sure they’re properly set up.
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: recoilguy on February 03, 2021, 01:33:18 PM
There’s no problem using different manufacturer dies. Just make sure they’re properly set up.

this
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: m1a_scoutguy on February 03, 2021, 01:56:38 PM
They all are set to Spec's so no issues. But why chase around unless you have all you need already. Buy once cry once, LOL
https://www.lymanproducts.com/brands/lyman/dies-die-sets/pistol-die-sets/lyman-premium-carbide-3-die-sets

Darn,I just was looking again and NOW it says out of stock,,Sorry !  :(
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: Wobbly on February 03, 2021, 05:17:54 PM
At one time I had a Dillon Tool Head fitted with 4 different brands of dies. Redding sizing, Dillon powder, Lyman seater and Lee taper crimp. That was some of the best ammo I ever loaded.
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: tdogg on February 03, 2021, 08:07:08 PM
I pick dies I like that address certain needs.  Currently I have a Lee undersize sizing die, a hornady ptx expander die, an RCBS lockout die, a hornady seating die, and a Lee taper crimp die for my 40S&W.

For rifle I generally use a Redding type s full length sizing and Forster ultimate seater.

Cheers,
Toby

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: Fuzzy Sights on February 03, 2021, 08:21:05 PM
Think mine is a Dilioin Sizing die, Hornady seating die and a Redding crimp die.  Works well for me.

JW
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: parastoo on February 05, 2021, 10:10:57 PM
Hi,
    thanks for the replies.
Mark
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: Wobbly on February 06, 2021, 07:13:18 AM
Hi,
    thanks for the replies.


Mark -
Some of this is machine dependent. Mind telling us which brand of press you are, or plan to use ?
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: parastoo on February 08, 2021, 10:51:36 AM
Hi,
    I've got a Rock Chucker Supreme.
M.
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: recoilguy on February 08, 2021, 12:16:59 PM
Solid as a rock that machine. RCBS has some of the best customer service anywhere.
And with the pandemic closing everything and keeping people home, you will have plenty of time to make your bullets 1 at a time.
you also get to touch every bullet in every process along the way.

Dies will not matter at all in that press unless there is a brand I do not know about that has a different thread pattern or diameter.
by the way this is the best addition to a Rock Chucker Supreme you can get in my opinion because the weakest link is the spent primer disposal. https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Primer-Catcher-Chucker-Supreme/dp/B0738MP4JK

RCG

Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: Wobbly on February 08, 2021, 01:00:53 PM
Solid as a rock that machine. RCBS has some of the best customer service anywhere.


Agreed. Probably 80% of the people loading over 25 years started on a Rock Chucker. I certainly did. Those were very happy days.

If you have a choice, a Redding Big Boss II or the MEC Marksman presses will give you better trash control and disposal. But as for loading good ammo, they will all be equivalents.

For numerous reasons, only about 60-70% of users like the primer insertion method used on any single-stage press. Sometimes it's an option, sometimes it comes with the press. Just depends on the "kit" you buy. The others are priming "out of press", with hand-held priming tools by Lee or RCBS. HERE (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101293803?pid=564408). I greatly prefer the bench mounted RCBS Bench Priming Tool. HERE (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012932670?pid=457599). Those are quick and cut the chance of carpal tunnel medical issues. But the handheld units are more convenient for watching TV. Three ways to go; your choice.


Dies will not matter at all in that press....


...however, the Lock Rings on the dies will matter. On a single-stage press, when you finish one operation, you'll be unscrewing the die and fitting the next one. How far the die body screws into the press (the depth) sets how much work the die performs on the brass case. These die settings can be tedious to achieve. Some individual die settings may take 20 minutes.

The point is, if you want to make the same great ammo every time, then you want your dies to screw into the press to the exact same position EVERY single time. Over and over, without any changes. That means the die Lock Ring has to stay in the exact same position. The best lock rings for that purpose are the ones made by Hornady and others. These clamp onto the 7/8-14 threaded die body and stop the die at the exact same position every time. RCBS has a solution, but it is not nearly as secure as the Hornady clamping style.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1165236200

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: painter on February 08, 2021, 04:21:24 PM
Solid as a rock that machine. RCBS has some of the best customer service anywhere.
And with the pandemic closing everything and keeping people home, you will have plenty of time to make your bullets 1 at a time.
you also get to touch every bullet in every process along the way.

Dies will not matter at all in that press unless there is a brand I do not know about that has a different thread pattern or diameter.
by the way this is the best addition to a Rock Chucker Supreme you can get in my opinion because the weakest link is the spent primer disposal. https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Primer-Catcher-Chucker-Supreme/dp/B0738MP4JK

RCG
I bought a similar item off ebay. It was a little more, but also came with a slick case ejector so you didn't have to handle the deprimed case coming off the press. It's not listed anymore, but the seller still has the catcher listed. Perhaps if you contacted him you could buy the ejector.

The seller has this item listed... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Improved-primer-catcher-for-RCBS-Rock-Chucker-RC-IV-Supreme-presses-BLACK/114207004164?epid=12015488898&hash=item1a97449604:g:D3YAAOSweBtakZey
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: recoilguy on February 08, 2021, 05:00:32 PM
I have used this for primer loading on the RCBS machine it works in the belling die stroke

case in pull lever bell case

push primer knob and lower the ram primer inserts

take case out it is m=now belled and primed in the same stroke.

It actually works real well. https://www.rcbs.com/presses/press-accessories/rock-chucker-supreme-auto-prime/16-9358.html

RCG

Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: parastoo on February 08, 2021, 06:43:09 PM
Hi,
    I was thinking of the Hornady lock rings and their lock and load bushings. Also about priming; any system where I don't have to rely on feel. What about the Ram prime unit?
Thanks,
           Mark
Title: Re: Assembling a die set from different manufacturers for 9mm Luger.
Post by: Wobbly on February 09, 2021, 07:50:40 AM
I was thinking of the Hornady lock rings and their lock and load bushings. Also about priming; any system where I don't have to rely on feel. What about the Ram prime unit?


Mark -
Glad you asked.

• Hate to disappoint, but the reloader needs that "feel" to know when the primer is seated properly. Due to brand, cleanliness and pocket size, the insertion pressure and depth varies from case to cartridge case. So you need that tactile feedback to fully seat the primer.

• If you use the LNL Bushing, then you do not need the fancy lock rings. Think about it. The whole purpose is to get the die to the same position at each mounting. You can use the LNL Bush with the die locked in position with a simple hex nut, or you can thread in the die until you the stationary lock ring touches. Either way you achieve the same result. So you don't need both.

The bushing is a "quick change" device. Screwing the die in or out takes maybe 30 seconds. The die still requires initial setup either way.

• Also, I understand that the LNL Bushings are one of the most difficult pieces of equipment to find right now. You were previously trying to control costs. Just saying.

Hope this helps.