Anyone modify reloading dies? Carbide dies?

[McGuiver]

I have a 9x18 Makarov pistol. I have Lee and Hornday dies for this caliber. Has anyone modified carbide dies by lapping them with diamond grinding compound?

When I was young I used to machine. We used to lap parts. I once worked in the oilfield machining. We made gyroscopes and compasses for oilfield bore orientation work. We used to lap the parts for the gyroscopes bearing surfaces and spindle surfaces.

I wanted to ask before I tried it. Otherwise I will "McGyver" it.

I have already asked Dillon if they would make a custom set of reloading dies. They said no. Not even maybe. This is a simple "basic straight wall case". It is basically a 9x19 brass trimmed down 1mm with a straight wall instead of the taper. I have located a new set of Dillon dies that would be suitable for modifying that are cheap in price.




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[stilly]

Well I guess what I am taking out of this is that if Dillon does not make them, then you do not need them...

;D

Lee, CH4D and others make Custom dies.

[someoneeasy]

Why not just buy 9x18 dies?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/727371/lee-carbide-3-die-set-9x18mm-9mm-makarov

[JMP]

It seems like a lot of overkill given that other manufacturers have them. With custom dies, I say get them when you need them, not when you want them. However, if it is purely a recreational task in and of itself, why not try?

[M1NM]

RCBS will make custom dies - but they are pricey. I'd modify a standard set not carbide. It'll be a lot easier to cut and other than needing lube to reload I doubt you'll ever use them enough to wear them out. You might also look for a tool & die shop that can do centerless ID grinding.

[JagerDog]

Why? What are you trying to accomplish that isn't available OTS?

Lee, RCBS and Hornady at minimum have carbide sets.

[Win231]

I never have & I wouldn't try, but you know what you're doing & have experience, so why not? Wouldn't cost much if dies were screwed up.

[rm1911]

Why? What are you trying to accomplish that isn't available OTS?.

9x18 super mak
9x18 GAP
9x18 s&w

[sghart]

If you already have Lee and Hornady dies for this caliber what are you trying to do? It's not clear what you are trying to accomplish.

[Win231]

If you already have Lee and Hornady dies for this caliber what are you trying to do? It's not clear what you are trying to accomplish.

Maybe the OP wants the sense of accomplishment that comes with doing something challenging - like some people who make their own holsters even though good ones are available for purchase.

[McGuiver]

Anyone modify reloading dies? Carbide dies?

I appreciate all the replies. I ended up picking up some Dillon 38 Super dies from Phillips Wholesale in Covina. The were in his cash only section for $40.00. Rick at Phillips Wholesale is awesome. He comes up with old EQ from Estate sales and sells it cheap for cash. If anyone has a chance, stop by and take a look. Always something different in his cash only areas. To me, I love browsing pawn shops. Phillips is kinda like that, but they sell new components (brass, lead, powder, and primers) at good prices.

I already have 2 sets of dies for the 9x18 caliber. I just like how the Dillon dies work. If you have never tried then, ask a friend. The Dillon dies carry a lifetime guarantee.

The only part that Dillon doesn't have (for me) is the sizing die, and that is where I will take the 38 Super sizing die and open the carbide up to 9x18 dia specs. I will most likely just hone it. These are both straight wall cases. I always love a good mechanical challenge.

I also picked up a set of 45LC Dillon dies for $40.00 (from Phillips Wholesale) for a fellow CalGuns member who I called. He was interested in them. Sorry already gone.


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[McGuiver]

Per SAAMI spec on the 38 Super, the case dia is 0.384"

Per SAAMI spec on the 9x18 Makarov, the case dia is 0.3904"

I only need to hone out about 0.0064". That is a lot for carbide. It may take me a day or so. I will try the die as is first, but will probably need to hone it out.


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[milotrain]

Does the carbide ring in the die float? I thought it did, in which case it might spin with your lap.

[McGuiver]

The Dillon looks press fit. I don't think it floats.


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[McGuiver]

I am tumbling my Makarov brass right now. I will try a few in the morning with the unmodified 38 Super sizing die. I will let you know how it looks...


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