Kevin Stenberg
Well-Known Member
I saw on Bullets.com. That they have some closeout Redding titanium pistol 3 die sets for around 45$ per set. And was wondering if the titanium was worth the extra bucks.
opinions on titanium loading dies
- Thread starter Kevin Stenberg
- Start date
Yes and no.
For things like 9mm and 45 ACP they are awesome. No lube required.
For revolver cartridges they are a mixed blessing. Steel dies can have a taper, the carbide/titanium dies do not. This means the case can be oversized towards the base. Not good for case life if you have a gun with a large chmaber- the kind Ruger and Marlin like for 45 Colt in particular.
That said, I use them exclusively. I just adjust the die so only upper portion of the case is sized. I size just below where the base of the bullet will sit. Makes for some odd shaped cases at time but it works well.
Like anything else, some love me, some hate em. I'm happy with mine and I like the no lube required part. I just had to find a way to maximize their benefits while mitigating the potential downside.
For things like 9mm and 45 ACP they are awesome. No lube required.
For revolver cartridges they are a mixed blessing. Steel dies can have a taper, the carbide/titanium dies do not. This means the case can be oversized towards the base. Not good for case life if you have a gun with a large chmaber- the kind Ruger and Marlin like for 45 Colt in particular.
That said, I use them exclusively. I just adjust the die so only upper portion of the case is sized. I size just below where the base of the bullet will sit. Makes for some odd shaped cases at time but it works well.
Like anything else, some love me, some hate em. I'm happy with mine and I like the no lube required part. I just had to find a way to maximize their benefits while mitigating the potential downside.
Ian
Notorious member
Bob, it's not beyond the reach of a normal person to have a steel die, or multiple steel sizing dies, TiN coated.
Just look at this: https://www.google.com/search?q=tit...0hNvaAhUJ74MKHbhFDp8QiR4IkQI&biw=1536&bih=759
Just look at this: https://www.google.com/search?q=tit...0hNvaAhUJ74MKHbhFDp8QiR4IkQI&biw=1536&bih=759
Ian
Notorious member
Here's a place that even does it: https://middlebranchmachine.com/pro...g-1911-m-p-19-17-26-34-23?variant=47325942855
fiver
Well-Known Member
the nitride coating does add about .001 to the inside of the die.
I have a couple of swage dies with the nitride coating and they are super nice.
is a T.I.N. coated 40$ size die better than a LEE 15$ carbide size die?
I would say yes for stuff like the 45 colt 44 mag etc. that are tapered cases.
you still need to lube your cases with the TIN coating just like a steel die, so your probably going to change up your routine some.
but the amount and viscosity of the lube you do use will go down substantially.
I have a couple of swage dies with the nitride coating and they are super nice.
is a T.I.N. coated 40$ size die better than a LEE 15$ carbide size die?
I would say yes for stuff like the 45 colt 44 mag etc. that are tapered cases.
you still need to lube your cases with the TIN coating just like a steel die, so your probably going to change up your routine some.
but the amount and viscosity of the lube you do use will go down substantially.
Dillon makes carbide rifle dies in a few calibers but they do still need lubrication. Reduced wear is good I suppose.
To memthe bighest advantage of the carbide, and similar dies, is the lack of need for lubrication.
I even use mine for 45 Colt. My Marlin has a typically fat chamber and yes, the die over works the brass. I still get a good 10 loads per case or more before a lengthwise crack develops. I'm happy enough with it and partial sizing seems to work well for me.
To memthe bighest advantage of the carbide, and similar dies, is the lack of need for lubrication.
I even use mine for 45 Colt. My Marlin has a typically fat chamber and yes, the die over works the brass. I still get a good 10 loads per case or more before a lengthwise crack develops. I'm happy enough with it and partial sizing seems to work well for me.
Cherokee
Medina, Ohio
I have 45 Colt cases that I have loaded 24 times, not with high end loads, using a carbide sizing die, I've lost a few along the way but the vast majority are still with me, They are shot in Ruger OM SA's and Uberti LA rifle with fat chambers. YMMV. All my pistol sizers are carbide and have no problem with their use.
fiver
Well-Known Member
I think all of mine are carbide sizers now too, at least the ones I shoot a lot.
I get around it by buying bulk brass from starline and just keeping a few thousand cases on hand I figure by the time it wears out the guns are probably gonna be well on their way to needing some attention too.
I get around it by buying bulk brass from starline and just keeping a few thousand cases on hand I figure by the time it wears out the guns are probably gonna be well on their way to needing some attention too.