RCBS dies are JUNK

[elk hunter]

Are you sizing dirty cases? Cuz there are some people who size dirty cases and then tumble them.

Nope, I'm sizing once fired Starline and new unfired Starline. And the Hornady stuff. The new is to make sure the neck is round before loading. If I pop the button only through the neck to round it the case is fine if I run it all the way in with or without lube it comes out all scratched up. The die was washed out and cleaned and with the exact same effect no change. I worked the inside of the case body area with 6 ought steel wool and it actually helped it even though it wasn't much. This die is like the others it feels soft but that's just my sense of it. I have Lyman, Hornady, Hunnington (SP?) Redding dies and the RCBS are the only ones I have ever had a problem with in my over 50 years of reloading. To return a rough die it as of the last time I did it was you shipped the die to them along with 5 dollars and they sent you a proper polished die back, your die. Tells ya how long it's been huh. Ya I know, I'm older than dirt and I have reloading dies that are almost as old, probably older dies than a lot of the people that frequent this forum.

[hambam105]

Redding is a lot more expensive than RCBS. But I believe RCBS is in bed with China.
And I'm willing to spend the extra money to support working Americans than the Chinese govt.

[Cowboy T]

I've had good experience with the Lee dies as well, so that may be an option for you. And still made in USA.

Sorry to hear about RCBS...they've had a good name for a long time. Didn't know they ran over to Red China for the manufacture....

[elk hunter]

I've heard the speculation on the China part for quiet a long time now and it would not be surprising to me. I forgot to mention that I have some Lee dies to and they work without scratching up cases, as a matter of opinion I think that for the money Lee is a excellent die. But hey that's just my opinion and that and 2 bucks will get me a cup of coffee, maybe. What ever RCBS is doing to their dies they should have stopped a long time ago and start doing it right again.

[LynnJr]

If your not lubing your cases all non-carbide dies will scratch the cases.
Dies are Rockwell 63 so if steel wool had any affect something was on the inside of the die like galded brass from lack of lubrication.
Huntington dies is located 25 feet from RCBS dies and the sales people will walk between shops to check die availability.

[MarikinaMan]

I had the same experience with a carbide set of 9mm dies from RCBS. I got way too much rejects.

I have much better experience with LEE.

[SmokeTheClay]

[The War Wagon]

Geez... every RCBS die I've used is at LEAST 25 years old... Sorry to hear that, but I reckon I'll steer away from them, until I hear otherwise.

[elk hunter]

Crimped primers will break a decap pin that's about the only time I've ever broke a pin. I sort out any military crimped primer brass and deal with that with my Lee decap tool. As for these dies I'll go by the old saying "if it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all". Going out and shooting some clays this afternoon and all is well now, looked like a good place to bump into a deer or maybe even a desert elk.

[SmokeTheClay]

Crimped primers will break a decap pin that's about the only time I've ever broke a pin. I sort out any military crimped primer brass and deal with that with my Lee decap tool. As for these dies I'll go by the old saying "if it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all". Going out and shooting some clays this afternoon and all is well now, looked like a good place to bump into a deer or maybe even a desert elk.

[M1NM]

I've heard the speculation on the China part for quiet a long time now and it would not be surprising to me.

I heard they were having their stuff cast there but machined here.

[elk hunter]

Maybe low grade metal?

[Sandspider500]

A email from rcbs circa 2009

Thank you for contacting RCBS with your concern. Most of our products are still produced right here in our factory in Oroville CA. However, we do purchase some items from China or other countries around the world. Any items we source outside of our operation are closely monitored to insure they meet our quality expectations. The only reason we choose certain items to be produced over seas is to provide our customers with the best possible products for the lowest possible cost, or in other words, to give you the best value for your hard earned dollars. It is important for us to here from our customers and we appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your input. Have a great day!


RCBS Technical Services/ap
605 Oro Dam Blvd.
Oroville, CA 95965
1-800-533-5000

Got that from another forum, later there was another that stated the only things 100% from china were their electronic scales and tumblers.

[Sandspider500]

Redding is very impressive

Thank you for your interest in Redding Reloading Equipment. Yes all of our reloading equipment is made here in Cortland NY. All of our equipment is made on tooling machines made in the USA, and we use US Steel.

Thank you for buying American.

Best regards,


Chris Fox
Customer Service


Redding Reloading Equipment
1089 Starr Road
Cortland, NY 13045

607-753-3331
FAX 607-756-8445

[Sandspider500]

From Lee

I'm currently in the search for reloading equipment.
>
> Are all your products made and assembled in the US?

Yes


> Are any of your products made outside the US?

Some parts on our products are made over seas because there is no longer a US manufacturer to make the components. Specifically the heaters and thermostats on our electric melters. The thermostat used to be made in Morris Illinois but the Chinese ran them out of the market. Now we pay more and must 100% inspect them because the quality control is bad. The tubular heater is the same thing. No more US manufacturer.


> Are any of your products made outside the US and brought into the US for finish machining?

No


> In a bad economy, I must support US industries. It not only helps local businesses but your neighbors and friends also.
>
> hardwarz@xxx.com

We are as close to 100% American made as you can get.



Sincerely

John Lee, President