Vintage Lyman All American Reloading Dies Question

[ChuckS1]

I was given a set of Lyman reloading dies in .380 Auto and don't know if the sizing die is carbide or steel. The sizing die is marked "LYMAN .380 AUTO SIZE C86. Don't see an obvious carbide ring on the die interior. Came in an orange plastic box with a sticker on it that says "Extended through 1986! Up to $17.95 value FREE!" so I'm assuming these are from at least 1986.

Anybody familiar with old Lyman dies? I'm hoping that the "C86" may mean something. Running a cartidge case in there without lube would be my last resort. Thanks in advance.

[Walks]

If there is a carbide ring, it will be visible as an insert in the die mouth opening.

[ChuckS1]

Yeah, looked at my RCBS .45 ACP and .44 Special sizing dies that have an obvious carbide ring. Then again, my RCBS .45 Colt carbide sizing does not.

[Green Frog]

When in doubt, clean the bottom of a sizing die (or just wipe it off with a dry rag) and look at it under good light. The carbide insert will appear to be a dull grey compared with the shiny, silvery die body. It's really obvious to the naked eye. I've only messed up on this one time... on a dirty die. [smilie=b:

Froggie

[gmsharps]

Of course a picture might help

Gmsharps

[Harter66]

1986 is vintage ????
I have some serious Antiques ......

If nothing else there will be a line or color change on the die mouth .

Probably April of 86 . I think Lyman used black powder for the month . Each letter for a month .