I was wondering what the dangers or prolems one might encounter when purchasing used reloading dies. I just bought two used dies from my father-in-law, one for 7mm mag and 30-06. The price was right, ($30 for both), but I don't know what to look for as far as damage or wear and tear. Thanks, Dan
I don't think you need to worry about them wearing out. I've dies that are 50yo that still make good ammo. How the dies were cared for is of more importance.
I reload for a dozen or so different rifle calibers. Most of my dies, except my neck sizing dies, were bought used from that famous on line auction site. I only got burned once, but even then it was not so bad. It was a set of old Herter's dies for the .222 Rem. The FL die works great, but the lock ring on the bullet seater will not move. It is locked into one permanent setting and will not allow me to seat the bullets deep enough. I just seat the bullet with my .223 bullet seater and it works fine. Anyway, reloading dies almost never wear out, are easy to clean, and just keep on going. So, I never have any qualms about buying used dies. All of mine work fine. And the price is generally a lot better than buying new. joe
Posts: 236 | Location: Florida | Registered: 08 September 2012
I have purchased a number of dies at gun shows,auctions etc. There are many good deals out there,but you can occasionally get stung if you don't check. I would suggest the following checks. With the sizer loosen off the top lock nut and back out the decap rod (remove it). Check the rod is not bent and the decap pin is held firmly. Check the inside of the die to ensure the body is not scratched or damaged.You may want to loosen off the lock ring on the die body if you have the tool(allen wrench or flat screw driver). If these have been overtightened they are hard to work loose. You almost need a vice and channel lock pliers . You don't want anything with scratches in the die body as that will scratch your brass. If the decap rod is bent or broken factor in the price of replacement parts. With the seating die again remove the top lock nut and back out the bullet seating stem. Check the inside of the die body for scratches or rust.Again chech the lock ring on the die body. Even a little surface rust can be cleaned up. I've picked up dies for $10 or less that had nothing wrong with them that a good cleaning didn't fix. Hope this helps someone.
I have purchased a lot of second hand dies set before I could afford to buy some new Redding dies sets. As long as the inside is without rust, you can buy it. If there is some rust on the outside, brush it of with a wheel brush in a drill then oil properly.
