Help Choosing RCBS Dies

[Jack Crevalle]

I'm an FNG as far as reloading centerfire is concerned.

I bought a RCBS RockChucker Master Reloading Kit after reading the posts on this board.

I'm not sure what dies I need however. After reading the RCBS reloading primer, it looks like I need a sizer die and a seating die. On their products website I see "FL Die Set", "Neck Die Set", "FL Sizer", "Neck Sizer", "Seater" and "Trim" for the cartridge I wish to reload, 7.5 Swiss. What are each of these? Do I also need a base holder? What is this called?

Thanks.

[ricciardelli]

Buy the FL die set and the neck-sizing die.  Yes you need a shellholder.

[onesonek]

Jack, it sounds like you are new to this. Go get a book on reloading basics( available at at most shops) and read it. Don't be shy, tell them you want to learn.  One or two good books read, might save you one or two headaches, fingers, or eyes!   O.

[Jack Crevalle]

Thanks Ones, I can assure you I'm not going to go blindly into full-scale production.  :grin:

I've yet to find any local professional instruction but I do have a friend that reloads who can help me get started. I've got one manual and I've got a pretty good idea of a couple of more I'd like to have form reading this forum.

I'm trying to get all the bits and pieces together though and there are some things that aren't readily apparent such as the fact that "FL die set" contains two dies and what those dies are sizer and seater dies. What's in a "set" is, I assume, is specific to RCBS since I see a Lee set has two dies, a seater and a powder measure. This is the kind of info I don't think I can find in a generic reloading manual and that I count upon the generosity of the people on this board, like yourself, to help me with.

[onesonek]

Hi Jack, I hope I didn't sound arrogant!.  For bottle neck cases, a set contains a sizing and seater dies. The FL, stands for "full length" rather the other version "neck sizing". Straight wall cases, use 3 die set, deprime, sizer, and seating. Hope this helps, and please do, and feel welcome to ask any questions. O.

[Jack Crevalle]

Thanks, Big-O.

[Dand]

I like to have lots of load manuals - and read the front part of each one. The sections on safety, components, and reloading process.  I like the Speer and Lyman for beginners.  I think they'll help you understand the use of  the various dies.  Size dies squeeze the cases back into shape and the seat die pushes the bullet into the sized case after the primer and powder have been installed.

I think Sierra makes a reloading video, and they have a help line you can call with questions.

If you're starting out, take your time to learn the basics. I'd suggest you won't need a Neck sizing die to start with - just the FL - full length die set. However, the guy who recommeded the neck die knows a ton about reloading - check out his site some time.

Spend some time at this web site too and you'll learn a bunch. Good luck.

[Flint]

What dies, and how many (2, 3 or 4) depends upon whether you are reloading rifle or pistol, bottle-neck or straight cases.  For straightwalled pistol ammunition get carbide dies, and the reloading dies do come in sets, not individual.  If you buy 30-06, for instance, you have all the dies you need in the box.  You will need a shellholder to fit.  30-06/308/mauser size brass mostly all use the same shell holder which will also fit 45ACP.  Others go by the charts the makers have for fit.

[The Shrink]

Jack

I will echo all of the advise to read, read, and read some more.  You can't learn too much in this game.  For example, one thing you need to know when reloading the 7.5 Swiss is that this rifle has a rear locking bolt.  I know, what does that have to do with reloading?  In rear locking bolt rifles there is much more case stretch than in front locking bolt rifles.  that means if you're shooting .303 Brit. or 7.5 Swiss you need to measure and trim your cases.  An overly long case will cause the case to extend past the chamber, effectively crimping the bullet into the case as the case is cammed into the action.  This increases pressure when the round is fired.  

This means you need a dial caliper and a case trimmer to add to your equipment.

[Jack Crevalle]

Jack

I will echo all of the advise to read, read, and read some more.  You can't learn too much in this game.  For example, one thing you need to know when reloading the 7.5 Swiss is that this rifle has a rear locking bolt.  I know, what does that have to do with reloading?  In rear locking bolt rifles there is much more case stretch than in front locking bolt rifles.  that means if you're shooting .303 Brit. or 7.5 Swiss you need to measure and trim your cases.  An overly long case will cause the case to extend past the chamber, effectively crimping the bullet into the case as the case is cammed into the action.  This increases pressure when the round is fired.  

This means you need a dial caliper and a case trimmer to add to your equipment.

If I understand you, I believe the rifle which I'm intending to use the round in is a front-locking bolt rifle, the K31 carbine. I think that some of the earlier Swiss rifles chambered for this round were mid-locking:

http://www.swissrifles.com/sr/

I have found a great deal of information about proper case length here:

http://swissriflewebsite.com/FAQ.htm

I guess I need to get an 0-buck shot.

The kit I bought is supposed to have a case trimmer. I still need calipers and I've read you can pick them up for $10 but I'm a little leery of anything meant to read that accurately for $10. Digital calipers seem to be on the opposite end of the spectrum as far a practicality goes. Sort of like a digital tire guage.

[Beetle]

Jack - All the calipers I've seen in the $10 -$20 range have been plastic.  I got one from Lyman, stainless steel, that is easy to use and stays calibrated.  If memory serves, it was about $50.00.  To me, just the confidence and peace of mind in a tool used in a critical part of the reloading process was worth the extra $30.     Beetle

[BruceP]

Midway USA offers a stainless dial caliper for around $20. I have 2 of them and have never had problems out of them.
BruceP