Older Die Sets

[alamogunr]

I bought a couple of older RCBS die sets from a seller on this board. I didn't realize how old but should have based on price. It didn't matter since I wanted them for the steel sizers and it got me an extra crimp die.

My question is: does anyone know approximately when RCBS and possibly other die makers combined the sizing and decapping, and added the mouth expanding function to the 2nd die? I'm not sure that I stated that correctly but hope I expressed what I would like to know.

These particular die sets have the decapping and expanding function in an aluminum body die. Also not a problem for me. I've been thinking about a custom revolver in .357 magnum and I prefer the steel size die, at least for my .44 and .45 custom revolvers.

I've only mentioned RCBS dies but I also have a Pacific die set that is similar in its operation sequence. I didn't think to check if one of the die bodies was aluminum. The lock rings are also aluminum on both older sets. If that gets to be a problem, I can always replace them.

[rbuck351]

I'm not sure the exact year but I believe it was in the middle to late 60s. I have a 1967 rcbs die set in 38spl that is the old style and a 1966 rcbs in 32 S&W long that is new style so I suppose the transition took at least a couple of years. I have a 45acp die set that is old style but I can't find it at the moment. Both the older ones have the aluminum bodies on the #2 die. I bought both of these sets new and am still using them and neither have given any trouble. Nothing wrong with them except they won't work in some progressive presses.

[alamogunr]

Thanks! I have to say that to be that old, these die sets are in very good shape. It sounds as if new style was phased in as old style were sold.

[JimB..]

I’m away from the reloading room, but I think I have older style RCBS dies dated from 1980.

[Bushrat]

All of my RCBS die have the year of manufacture stamped on the top

[dale2242]

What Bushrat said.
I have some marked in the 60s.....dale