RCBS dies too short for LNL AP

[smallshot13]

Just purchased new 9mm RCBS 3 die carb TC set because my Lee dies were just a little too short for my LNL AP. The RCBS sizing die is shorter than the LEE sizing die. Threads on the RCBS are two threads longer, but the to get it to contact the shell plate on the LNL AP, the lock ring is engaging about 1 1/2 - 2 threads at the top. I don't believe it is sizing as much of the case as the LEE. Has anyone experienced this? I bought them because the Lee's are too short, and these RCBS's seem as short or shorter when properly set up.

Edited April 3, 2012 by smallshot13

[noylj]

I have no problem with Lee dies on my L-N-L AP. I remove the lock ring, remove the o-ring, and put the lock ring back on upside down. More than enough threads.

Unless you are using bulged brass, you almost never need to actually lower the sizing die all the way to touch the shell plate. If you can't get them to work, you really should just get the Hornady New Dimension sizing die:

1) It sizes smoother/easier due to TiN insert

2) It sizes further down than the other sizing dies

3) It is made for the L-N-L

[smallshot13]

Thanks for the comments. I have had no trouble with my Lee dies on the LNL up to this point,even if they are a little short. Somehow bent a decapping pin, so I thought it time to buy some better dies (along with replacement decapping pins for the Lee). Made the mistake of getting the RCBS dies assuming that they would certainly be a little longer than Lee's, not shorter. I could make these RCBS dies work with some effort, and lock rings that can't be locked accept against the die itself, but why bother. I plan on returning them and getting Hornady sizing and seating dies, and possibly a taper crimp die as well. The two Hornady dies, sizer and seater are just a few dollars more than the RCBS 3 die set, which includes an expander that I won't use on the LNL AP because I successfully use the PTX.

[59Bassman]

Odd. I use RCBS dies with my LNL in 9mm, .40, and .45 ACP. Mine are adjusted to kiss the shellplate, and I have not had any issues with the lock ring not having enough purchase. My .45 dies are at least 15 years old, the 9mm are at least 5 years old, and the .40's were new last year.

I wonder if RCBS might have changed their die lengths?

[smallshot13]

59Bassman; that is a possibility. I measure my Lee sizer 1.82" from top of threads to bottom of die, and the RCBS 1.75". As I indicated, I have used the Lee die set for more than 3 years, with the lock ring all the way to the to and just a thread or two engaged, just toudching the shell plate of the LNL AP. i mistakenly assumed that the RCBS dies would be longer but no shorter. If someone can measure their RCBS sizing die top of threads to bottom of die, and post here,we may all learn something

[59Bassman]

You're right, I did learn something. I'd never looked that closely before, and the threads on my dies end before the top of the lock ring. I think I'm not engaging about 1.5 to 2 threads at the top, but the set screw is still on full threads.

Very interesting, thanks for bringing this up. I guess I adjusted them without looking very close at where the lock ring and threads ended up. Mine aren't having a problem, but I could see how you might if the LNL bushing was a wee bit thicker.

[JonF]

I have some RCBS dies in 9mm, 45acp, 38/357 and 44 (all about 2 years old) that i have no problem with getting them adjusted down far enough. Furthermore, there is still plenty of threads on top for a hornady split lock ring as well.

[smallshot13]

I have some RCBS dies in 9mm, 45acp, 38/357 and 44 (all about 2 years old) that i have no problem with getting them adjusted down far enough. Furthermore, there is still plenty of threads on top for a hornady split lock ring as well.

OK, but we are still speaking in subjective terms. It would help to clarify the problem I have if you could measure your two year old RCBS dies from top of thread to base of die. That will tell me if the problem is new RCBS die configuration, or my particular LNL AP press.