First truly bad die

[Wayne Smith]

As many know who have read my posts I frequent eBay because most of the stuff we use just doesn't wear out. I got my first 30-06 (the 03-A3 I didn't expect) and pulled the Bonanza dies I got several years ago (cheap!). The die is clearly marked "BONANZA 30-06 FLS SB H" but has a shelf instead of a neck about the length of a 30-30! I don't know what the "SB H" refers to but I fully expected a full length sizing die.

I have a Lee collet die coming from MidSouth as a replacement.

[mazo kid]

Small Base die?

[Wayne Smith]

No idea. The mouth of the case hits the shelf well before the base gets into the die.

[1hole]

No idea. The mouth of the case hits the shelf well before the base gets into the die.

I have no idea what letters mean but why did you "expect" an FL sizer? Does it have a decap/expander assembly in the middle?

Your 'shelf' sounds like a crimping ring. If so, you're trying to size with a seater.

[TNsailorman]

Did you call Bonanza and talk to them about the die? I'm fairly sure they will make it right with your die. I don't think I have ever seen a die marked as yours but that doesn't anything as manfacturers change their identification script on dies from time to time. I think Bonanza is part of the Lyman group now, not real sure about that though. james

[waksupi]

I think 1hole is right.

[MT Chambers]

Bonanza has been gone a long time, they are now Forster, one of the best in the business, are you sure someone didn't alter that "small base" die?

[o6Patient]

sure does sound weird??

[Wayne Smith]

Yes, it had the decap/expander button in place. I also have a seat/crimp die in the set, and is so marked. That one seems alright. And no, I don't expect anyone to do anything about this, just thought it is interesting. I have 30 or so die sets, and have gone through more, and this is the only one that is truly bad.