What are "Cowboy" dies?

[Big Data]

I'm getting setup to reload 44 Spcl for a Charter Arms Bulldog, light loads probably 200gn lead bullet. I see that both RCBS and Hornady offer special Cowboy die sets for 44 Special, .430 lead bullets.

Can someone explain to me what's different about reloading with lead bullets here that would require a different die set? Can I just use a regular 3-die set for lead 44 Special? Tnx

[at_liberty]

I'm getting setup to reload 44 Spcl for a Charter Arms Bulldog, light loads probably 200gn lead bullet. I see that both RCBS and Hornady offer special Cowboy die sets for 44 Special, .430 lead bullets.

Can someone explain to me what's different about reloading with lead bullets here that would require a different die set? Can I just use a regular 3-die set for lead 44 Special? Tnx

Regular dies would work but would leave you with cartridges that looked overstuffed, and you would have to use care in your setup not to swage bullets. Getting the right expansion to have the bullets stand for seating can be a challenge, and thus the M-die.

I have every caliber RCBS offers in their cowboy sets. They yield better sizing for bullets that are typically .001 or more larger in diameter than standard. The cartridges for me come out with little if any bullet shape printing through the case. Crimping is smoother looking too.

I stopped buying Hornady Cowboy sets (cheaper), when I discovered that they include a larger expander but not a sizer, so the cases gall on the expander. The other dies in the set give identical results as the standard set.

[stranded1980]

I'm getting setup to reload 44 Spcl for a Charter Arms Bulldog, light loads probably 200gn lead bullet. I see that both RCBS and Hornady offer special Cowboy die sets for 44 Special, .430 lead bullets.

Can someone explain to me what's different about reloading with lead bullets here that would require a different die set? Can I just use a regular 3-die set for lead 44 Special? Tnx

I have the RCBS Cowboy dies for 32 Win Spl, supposedly to allow for lead bullets. They basically just include an expander plug to open the mouth of the case to accept a cast lead bullet, since cast lead bullets are generally .001 larger in diameter than typical.

The expander plug is pretty much the same as a Lyman M die. Very useful for rifle cartridges, but maybe not as necessary for pistol cases, since most die sets (or progressive press caliber conversion kits) usually provide a means to expand the case to receive a bullet.

[stranded1980]

I missed at_liberty's post. He sums it up very well.

[Cowboy T]

Thanks for that description. I wondered what the difference was, too.

I use Lee dies for my .45 Colt, and the cast boolits do print a little (I size 'em a touch big), but not obtrusively so. Regardless of what die set you use, what matters is that your rounds easily chamber. The charging/flare die does a good enough job to where I don't need the Lyman M Die or anything similar.