1980's change in RCBS sizer die?

[376Steyr]

I dug a set of RCBS .222 Rem dies that I hadn't used in a very long time out of storage. The decapping/expanding assembly was missing from the sizing die (these things happen) so I grabbed a set of RCBS 22-250 dies to borrow it's decapper. To my surprise, the 22-250 guide bushing that holds the decapping rod wouldn't fit into the 222's die body. The .222 was date stamped 1982, the 22-250 was 1991. I wound up buying a set of used .221 dies dated 1978 for parts. Current catalog shows the guide bushings for the smaller calibers to be the same, I didn't see any mention of older style parts. Anybody else run into this?

[Nickle]

Yup, they changed. I've got both, because I have newer acquisitions, and also older acquisitions, dating back to the 50's/60's.

Need a decapper still? I doubt you could buy a new replacement. I probably can scrounge one up in my stuff.

[376Steyr]

Yup, they changed. I've got both, because I have newer acquisitions, and also older acquisitions, dating back to the 50's/60's.

Need a decapper still? I doubt you could buy a new replacement. I probably can scrounge one up in my stuff.

Thanks for the offer, I'm set now. Same shop where I picked up the .221 die set for parts also had a Lyman box labeled ".222 Neck Sizer", which I also bought, and it turned out to be an "M" die, so now I have multiple ways to expand those sized necks.

[Nickle]

Oh, you'll love that M die. I've got them (about every normal caliber) myself. Best neck expander for cast boolit use, if you ask me. Pretty good with jacketed bullets too.

[Lance Boyle]

I'd be suprised if RCBS didn't have repair parts even if not cataloged. I'd at least make a call to them.

I think I have 1 or 2 die sets made before the switch.

[Nickle]

If they don't, I do have a limited supply of parts, some more than others, for both the new dies and old dies, and I've got plenty of dies in each category.