Broken RCBS dies

[yo-yo]

Is anyone having an issue with RCBS dies? We have broken two of the resizing does from RCBS for the .338 Lapua. After 30-40 rounds pressed into the dies, when the brass is released from the die, the die cracks. These were both purchased from local large sporting goods stores (one broke, exchanged it for another, and broke that one yesterday).

Anyone else seeing this issue?

 

[Herb Stoner]

Are you using Lapua brass?

 

[kd185]

ive never broken a die like that ever, i reload for over 12 calibers (including bmg), and ive reloaded well over 100k rounds
id have to say it sounds like an rcbs problem, i know there warranty and customer service is excellent but i think i might start looking at another manufacture for that caliber for your collection

 

[yo-yo]

Are you using Lapua brass?

No, we are using Hornady brass, and S&S brass. So weird.

 

[yo-yo]

ive never broken a die like that ever, i reload for over 12 calibers (including bmg), and ive reloaded well over 100k rounds
id have to say it sounds like an rcbs problem, i know there warranty and customer service is excellent but i think i might start looking at another manufacture for that caliber for your collection

Ok. Sounds good. Too bad. We’ll return these and try something else.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Dies are hardend steel so if they are cracking something must be way out of wack. Could your press be out of allignment/true and causing lateral forces on the die? Are you using a good lube? One cracking is crazy...2 is not a coincidence. Maybe they were from the same batch and a bad batch of steel/heat treat somehow got out? I would call RCBS and talk to someone about it.

 

[yo-yo]

Are you using Lapua brass?

No. We have Hornady brass and some other brass stamped S&S on the bottom (not sure who this is). Both are from factory loads after shooting them the first time. I did hear the Lapua may be a bit thicker.

 

[whatsupdoc]

A thin brass tube cracking a steel die, something is not right.
Is the expander ball in the die when you are resizing brass?

 

[bpd459]

Sounds like too much cam over contact with the ram / shell holder and base of the die.

 

[oldrifleman]

Sounds like too much cam over contact with the ram / shell holder and base of the die.

I agree, the expander would just get stuck, no real force transfer. Going over cam on hard contact, something had to give.

 

[Cr1775]

I agree, the expander would just get stuck, no real force transfer. Going over cam on hard contact, something had to give.

No i don't agree, you should have seen me 30 years ago sizing cases . Never cracked a die, but made a crap load of 308 short.

 

[Smokin7s]

Send them back and get some Wilson’s or Redding, I don’t think I could break one if I tried.

 

[Smokin7s]

Can we see it