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Thread: RCBS Vintage swaging dies

  1. #1
    Boolit Master Pavogrande's Avatar
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    RCBS Vintage swaging dies

    I have two rcbs bullet swage dies 22 and 25 calibers -
    These are some of the first dies Fred made, perhaps wwii or soon after -
    They are two piece, interuptred thread and useable in a standard 7/8" threaded press -
    Any one have feel for their value?
    I am trying to put a value on my stuff for my daughter to sell when I am gone --
    Last edited by Pavogrande; 10-23-2018 at 10:36 PM.

  2. #2
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    Two dies, or two sets for each caliber?
    There were a few designs over the years, it would be nice to see a picture to get a better idea.
    Ken

  3. #3
    Boolit Master Pavogrande's Avatar
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    Ken for some reason i can not get the photo - manage file - to work -
    tried this afternoon and just now -
    Die body is two piece -- lower section threads into press - upper section - nose forming - is threaded to lower section with a interrupted multi-lead thread --
    I will try again tomorrow to get photo thingy to work --
    george now in georgia
    Last edited by Pavogrande; 10-23-2018 at 11:11 PM.

  4. #4
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    Watching, I also have RCBS bullet swaging dies
    Last edited by skeettx; 10-24-2018 at 03:54 PM.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master Pavogrande's Avatar
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    skeettx -- perhaps you could post a photo of your dies as I am unable to post any -
    Last edited by Pavogrande; 10-25-2018 at 12:42 PM.

  6. #6
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    With Photobucket and Hunt101 going down
    I have sworn off photos for a bit
    Last edited by skeettx; 10-24-2018 at 03:54 PM.

  7. #7
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    Imgr works

  8. #8
    Boolit Master



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    NOT for me, BUT RichardB, go ahead and post your picture
    NRA Benefactor 2004 USAF RET 1971-95

  9. #9
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    The first picture is the RCBS dies George has that he needs an approximate value for. I am not really sure how to advise him as the set is not complete.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    The second set is complete and from my collection. I believe these are the last design the RCBS made before dropping out of the swaging die market. They will fit all the RCBS presses up to the second model A2 that does not have a removable bushing.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Does anyone else have RCBS swaging dies? What can you advise?
    Ken

  10. #10
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    I have three sets, two .22 caliber, nearly complete (except for the jacket draw die), and fully accessorized, and one .25 caliber which has the two-piece die and the ram punch. The first two were $15 each on the Remainders table at the local gun store, the third was (IIRC) $50 from a collector’s estate sale. The first two sets had been sitting a while with no interest, even at the low prices marked, and I think I was the only one who offered the asking price in the second case. Both acquisitions were in the early 2000s, I think.

    I don’t see that there is a “market” for these things. They’re an important piece of reloading tool history, since they were the product that launched the RCBS (Rock Chuck Bullet Swage) Company, which now makes everything for the handloader except bullet swage dies. However, they are seldom encountered and people who find them interesting and important enough to want a set are equally rare. Fewer still actually use or contemplate making bullets with them, so their value as tools would be very much less than that of a set of Corbins or Blackmons. A complete set might sit a while at any official historically appraised price. Without the punches and ram, the die bodies and caps are curios rather than usable tools.

    If they ever come up on the auction sites, I’ve never seen one, although I confess I don’t watch them much, for anything. But there would be the best place to get a real value, if one should show up. Or you could offer them for bids on the ARTCA site, and see what collectors are willing to pay that way.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master Pavogrande's Avatar
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    BR thanks for your viewpoint --- I expect you are correct most folk never heard of them. -
    I expect modern dies probably do a better job, certainly faster --
    I have some 22 cups perhaps i will make a push rod and give the dies a try --
    Must admit it is lo on my priorities.

  12. #12
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    I would be interested even the partial 22 set if they end up on the S&S.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check