[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Dies & shell holders

Posted: 2/28/2013 5:57:27 PM EDT

I thought I read somewhere that dies and shell holders should be of the same brand, is that a good practice or can they be mixed?

Posted: 2/28/2013 6:02:19 PM EDT

[#1]

All depends on the tolerances involved.

I try to match dies/shellholder, but I do have some that are mismatched.

I like to use RCBS shellholders with Lee dies. Just has worked out for me.

I have a shellholder in every one of my die boxes. Saves hunting for them.

Posted: 2/28/2013 6:25:33 PM EDT

[#2]

I have only experienced one mixed shell holder and die combo that hasn't worked.

Posted: 2/28/2013 6:27:42 PM EDT

[#3]

I have been trying to keep them matched up. I loaned my rcbs .223 dies to a friend that has a 550, he has the .223 conversion , but has no idea when his dies will show up. He is going to try sizing up his brass this weekend. Has anyone tried this combo?

Posted: 3/2/2013 3:48:18 PM EDT

[#4]

I kind of make it a habit now. I had a combo of RCBS and hornady, dont remember which was the die and which the shellholder, that wouldnt fully size 223 even when the shellholder touched the bottom of the die. Of course, I didn't KNOW this until I had made hundreds of rounds. Can I tell you how much fun it was to find this out through my AR? I didn't have the charging thing (slickside upper/bolt carrier) so I had rounds I couldnt chamber or unchamber. I bought a case gauge after this, and a matching shell holder.

Posted: 3/2/2013 6:05:46 PM EDT

[#5]

The more important thing is to ALWAYS use the SAME shellholder- regardless of manufacturer- when you reload that specific caliber.

If you change the shellholder, you MUST check ALL the set-ups for the different station/die settings.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Dies & shell holders

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Dies & shell holders

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Dies & shell holders