Using Dillon Pistol Dies in a Non-Dillon Press?

[Spyguy]

I ordered two Lee Deluxe Carbide Pistol Die Sets: one in 9mm and one in 45ACP. I ordered these because they included 4 dies in each set, were moderately priced, and that many people had stated that all pistol dies are basically the same and that Lee's were good-to-go.

Well, I just received them and I'm not impressed. I first examined the .45ACP set. The finish on the working surfaces is rough. (I'm talking about the internal surfaces that contact the components, like the bullet seater and the taper crimp insert. The surface finish of the outside die bodies are excellent. But that's cosmetic.) But this wasn't a showstopper for me: I have a Dremel and felt bobs and polishing compound. What made me decide to reject these dies was when I examined the 9mm die set and discovered that the decapping pin in the sizing die was way off center! For me, a manufacturing error of that magnitude raises a big red flag, especially for a product that is making things that go "Boom!" Now I'm concerned about the concentricity of the carbide resizing ring in relation to the sizing die's body.

So I think I'm going to send them back and order some Dillon dies. I'm leaning towards Dillon dies this time (over RCBS or Redding) because I may one day invest in a Dillon progressive for pistol reloading.

But right now, all I have is a Lee Classic Turret Press. So I'd like to know how well the Dillon dies will work in the Lee press. I realize that most dies are universal in size and should work in any press, but Dillon does have some proprietary products. Plus they don't have a standard case mouth expander die; they instead have a "Powder Die" intended to work with their progressive press's automatic powder dispenser.

Insights, comments, & recommendations appreciated!

[3lsmc7]

Not sure if it will help, but I use Dillon rifle (.223) dies in my Hornady LNL. Works great!

[Pauliedad]

I started with Dillon and thought they were pricey so when I started in on 9mm all I could find were lee. That experience sent me back to dillon. Have also worked with RCBS and while these get the job done, dillon dies are just smoother and run better.
I have a lee hand press and the dillon dies I've dropped in there for giggles work okeydokey.
I imagine those dillon dies will feel like they're being punished.

[Rock6.3]

Dillon dies will work just fine in a single stage press.
Buy quality dies once, cry once, they will last more than a lifetime.

[Divernhunter]

You are learning. Some never do.
I also use Dillon dies on my Dillon 650XL. I do use Redding, RCBS, Hornady and Lyman dies. I do have a couple of lee die sets but rarely use them

[Spyguy]

You are learning. Some never do.

In my defense, the reason I was willing to try the Lee pistol dies was because virtually everyone said that all pistol dies are the same and there was no advantage to spending more for other-than-Lee dies. Even the people who openly criticized Lee's rifle dies.

[jonzer77]

Return the four die sets and pickup up the powder through expanding die and the dillon dies. I have lee dies but I picked up some dillon dies to go with my 650 and they are much better dies. I really like the fact that you can take them apart to clean them without losing your adjustment. Good dies are cheap in the long run.

[stilly]

I ordered two Lee Deluxe Carbide Pistol Die Sets: one in 9mm and one in 45ACP. I ordered these because they included 4 dies in each set, were moderately priced, and that many people had stated that all pistol dies are basically the same and that Lee's were good-to-go.

Well, I just received them and I'm not impressed. I first examined the .45ACP set. The finish on the working surfaces is rough. (I'm talking about the internal surfaces that contact the components, like the bullet seater and the taper crimp insert. The surface finish of the outside die bodies are excellent. But that's cosmetic.) But this wasn't a showstopper for me: I have a Dremel and felt bobs and polishing compound. What made me decide to reject these dies was when I examined the 9mm die set and discovered that the decapping pin in the sizing die was way off center! For me, a manufacturing error of that magnitude raises a big red flag, especially for a product that is making things that go "Boom!" Now I'm concerned about the concentricity of the carbide resizing ring in relation to the sizing die's body.

So I think I'm going to send them back and order some Dillon dies. I'm leaning towards Dillon dies this time (over RCBS or Redding) because I may one day invest in a Dillon progressive for pistol reloading.

But right now, all I have is a Lee Classic Turret Press. So I'd like to know how well the Dillon dies will work in the Lee press. I realize that most dies are universal in size and should work in any press, but Dillon does have some proprietary products. Plus they don't have a standard case mouth expander die; they instead have a "Powder Die" intended to work with their progressive press's automatic powder dispenser.

Insights, comments, & recommendations appreciated!

The 9mm is sad to hear about. I only made about 150 rounds on my 9mm die but the .45 acp has put out over 3000 and the 44 mag has put out over 4000 as well. All of my pistol dies (except the .357 mag/max/spl) are Lee but my 357 die set is a lyman. And yeah my rifle dies ARE RCBS because I do not want to have to crimp like I heard that Lee wants you to.

Lee usually makes good stuff and for what they ALSO give you with your dies, they are an excellent value. You buy a set of Lee dies and you need to buy nothing more. You buy other brands of dies and you still need shell holders. Plus you get a dipper and small set of strting load data. BUT, I can understand the need to want to try other brands.

[Spyguy]

BUT, I can understand the need to want to try other brands.

I'm not completely against Lee. I also bought their Universal Decapper and I think it's brilliant. I will be keeping that. Actually, I'm a bit disappointed to be sending back the die sets because I would have removed the decapping pins and collets from the resizing dies and then had two spares for my Universal Decapper. But then I don't really expect to bend the decapping pin on my decapper due to Lee's design.

[JMP]

In my defense, the reason I was willing to try the Lee pistol dies was because virtually everyone said that all pistol dies are the same and there was no advantage to spending more for other-than-Lee dies. Even the people who openly criticized Lee's rifle dies.

You wouldn't find me in "virtually everyone". Dillon dies vs. Lee dies are day and night for pistol. Keep it simple: Dillon for pistol, Redding Comp for rifle.

I'm not completely against Lee. I also bought their Universal Decapper and I think it's brilliant. I will be keeping that.

I don't know why everyone uses the Lee "Universal" Decapping die. It's superfluous as sizing dies have a decapper. The only reason to use the Lee "Universal" Decapping die is if your dies are to weak to pop a primer out of a case. And, it really isn't universal as large rifle cartridges do not fit in it.

[Spyguy]

You wouldn't find me in "virtually everyone".

That's why there was the "virtually" qualifier.

Keep it simple: Dillon for pistol, Redding Comp for rifle.

I've settled on Dillon for pistol and Forster Ultra + Redding taper crimp die for rifle.

I don't know why everyone uses the Lee "Universal" Decapping die. It's superfluous as sizing dies have a decapper. The only reason to use the Lee "Universal" Decapping die is if your dies are to weak to pop a primer out of a case.

From my research, there are a few advantages to Lee's Universal Decapping die. These are what motivated me to buy one:

1. It is very difficult (impossible?) to break or bend the pin due to the fact that it will slide out of the holding collet if the forces are too great.

2. It's a very strong design and better suited for decapping crimped primers.

3. It allows you to decap dirty brass without contaminating/scratching your sizing dies.

[Mot Mi]

Weird, I never had any problems with my lee pistol carbide 4 pc dies. Loaded well over 7k rds of 9mm and 45 still no problems. However, my redding 223 die just broke my decapping pin holder. Going to give redding a call to see if theyll send me one for free.

[JMP]

From my research, there are a few advantages to Lee's Universal Decapping die. These are what motivated me to buy one:

1. It is very difficult (impossible?) to break or bend the pin due to the fact that it will slide out of the holding collet if the forces are too great.

2. It's a very strong design and better suited for decapping crimped primers.

3. It allows you to decap dirty brass without contaminating/scratching your sizing dies.

That's reasonable. I have a LUD, but I don't use it since I find the Redding decapping pin stronger. The Redding pins can be taken out of the expander rod and replaced for $0.25. The Dillon decapper in the sizing die doesn't has issues pushing out pistol primers. The LUD certainly can't hurt, and it's dirt cheap, but I eventually deemed it unnecessary with better dies. If I were using Hornady dies, I would use the LUD as Hornady decappers are notoriously weak.

[Bigedski]

The one thing you never scrimp on is your dies, Im still using an old RCBS rock chucker I prefer RCBS Pistol dies and Dillon carbide rifle dies.
I would love to go to a Dillon Progressive but the cost keeps stopping me for all the calibers I reload.

[XDRoX]

I own all the brands and have never had a problem with any of them. I prefer Dillon's, but they all work.
The Dillon dies do not come with an expander/powder through die so if you do buy Dillon you'll still need to pick one up.