Newbie question on dies

[Lunk]

Ok, so in the near future I am going to start casting for .357 and I need some advice. I was going to get the RCBS cowboy dies for reloading but I can not find them anywhere. So I've been looking for alternates and it seems that the Lyman M die is well suited for cast reloading so I imagine I'll probably get a set of regular RCBS carbide dies and an M die for case mouth expanding.

My primary question is is it worth it to go to those lengths? Should I just wait for the RCBS dies to come back in stock? Do I need an M die?

[wiljen]

M dies or the Lee universal expander sure are handy to have around when loading lead bullets. I use the lee universal expander and a set of Hornady 357 dies myself with good success.

[jdgabbard]

I use regular every day dies. I don't ever get shaved boolits. You just have to remember to expand enough, but not too much. I light bell, and proper placement make all the difference in the world...

[docone31]

I like the Lyman 310 dies and handles.
They work well, and just in case....
I use Lee molds for my .357s also.

[awaveritt]

I lucked out and bought a used set of RCBS off ebay for $12 and have never looked back. They are actually 38 special dies but can be satisfactorily adjusted for 357, of course.

[helg]

midwayusa has Lee carbide 4-die set for 357Mag on sale now, and also 3 die set for the caliber. Neck expander comes with the dies, so you do not need a universal expanding die with either of the above sets.

[462]

Lunk,

Get a set of Lyman Multi-Deluxe tungstun-carbide dies, which includes the "M" die and seater plugs for RN, SWC, and WC boolits. If you're patient, you can find them on ebay in the $15 range.

[Maven]

"My primary question is is it worth it to go to those lengths? Should I just wait for the RCBS dies to come back in stock? Do I need an M die?"

Lunk, I believe all current pistol/revolver reloading die sets come with 3 dies, one of which expands or flares the case mouth a la the Lyman M-die. You'll want a carbide or titanium nitride sizing die in the set and shouldn't be bashful about looking at them on your favorite auction sight either.

[AZ-Stew]

Lunk,

Get a set of Lyman Multi-Deluxe tungsten-carbide dies, which includes the "M" die and seater plugs for RN, SWC, and WC boolits. If you're patient, you can find them on ebay in the $15 range.

Ditto.

I bought a couple of sets of RCBS carbide dies. The lead-in to the sizer die was so stingy that I always had trouble with cases hanging up when entering the dies. I've NEVER had that problem with Lyman carbide pistol dies. With three exceptions (all Dillon for 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP) ALL my handgun dies are Lyman carbide sets. I have 11 die plates set up with handgun dies for my Dillon 550 progressive. I sold the RCBS carbide die sets I had.

Regards,

Stew

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

I like my carbide RCBS dies, over 20 years old, and still loading . . . in my Rock Chucker

Here is a set like mine: http://cgi.ebay.com/RCBS-3-Die-Pistol-Set-357-Remington-Mag-38-Special-NR_W0QQitemZ220526656081QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item335869ba51

[405]

Lunk,
You can mix and match all sorts of dies that will work. The RCBS Cowboy dies work well for cast loading. Midsouth shows them in stock.... check here:
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0004418251

[Lunk]

Lunk,
You can mix and match all sorts of dies that will work. The RCBS Cowboy dies work well for cast loading. Midsouth shows them in stock.... check here:
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0004418251

Dang it! They were out on Monday! :p

And thanks to all of you for the information. I'll spend some time on Ebay and see if there's anything there. (did not think of them)