RCBS Gold Medal seating die- Caliber change?

[skeet_man]

Have one for 223 and I love it, wondering if it's possible/feasible to change it over to load 308 with as well. I know I'd need a new guide body and seating stem, but it looks like most of the parts should be universal. I'm not a high volume shooter, so it would not be a big deal to change back and forth if possible, and would make more sense than spending a c-note for another die if I can buy the necessary parts to change it for 20 bucks.

 

[mac86951]

Good question for RCBS, I think the internal parts are offered and may be purchased from them.

 

[Iowa Fox]

Been wondering the same thing.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Just checked and the Gold Medal die looks the same as the older Compitition Seater. That's what I've been using "for years" for just about every caliber I load for. Pick them up used if I can find them, call RCBS and get the guts in the caliber I'am working on. Only problem with RCBS Customer Service? They may not let you pay for the parts you need. Been asked numerious times,"You changing calibers"? Parts are on the way, No Charge. Some of the best customer service out there.
Change the slider sleeve to fit the caliber you're working with, maybe swap out the seater stem to fit different bullets and you're good to go. Don't forget a different size extended shell holder to fit the .308 case. One of the "better" seater dies out there.

 

[ranger3]

My RCBS competition die has all the caliber in sides from 20 caliber 223 22-250, 243 6.5 Creedmoor and 260. Use the same die for all of these.

 

[skeet_man]

Just shot an message off to RCBS to confirm it was possible and get a price for the parts if there's a charge. They took care of me on some parts for the RCBS Grand shotshell loader a couple months ago.

 

[skeet_man]

RCBS responded that the dies can't be converted, so now I'm not sure what to think. I don't really load enough to press the issue, so I guess I'll just keep my eyes open for one in 308

 

[fguffey]

I'll just keep my eyes open for one in 308

I have the 30/06 seating die, all that is required to go to 308 W is the shell holder extension. Call RCBS and ask for their new catalog and while they are on the phone ask for the newest Special Order Catalog.

To get the good deal you will have to go back to the old days, Herter sold a die body with a box of bullet guides. And back then you could purchases a universal seating die and then add guides.

F. Guffey

 

[RDA72927]

RCBS responded that the dies can't be converted, so now I'm not sure what to think. I don't really load enough to press the issue, so I guess I'll just keep my eyes open for one in 308

You can still purchase the RCBS Competition Seating and all the different inserts. I haven't seen the RCBS Gold Medal, but I wouldn't do without my Competition model. I'm helping a guy get into F-Class and that's what I'm having him buy. Not listed names, but I know one major Reloading seller carries the Competition Die and the additional sleeves and seating plugs. the Die is running about 65.00.

 

[Murray Brook]

Don't know much about the Gold Medal seater, but I have a 22/250 Comp seater die and with the proper inserts I load for 22/250 all the way up to my 30/378 Weatherby mag. Some of the caliber may require an extended slell holder.

 

[Prose]

Don't know much about the Gold Medal seater, but I have a 22/250 Comp seater die and with the proper inserts I load for 22/250 all the way up to my 30/378 Weatherby mag. Some of the caliber may require an extended slell holder.

I've looked into interchangeability quite a bit and the only one that is commercially available is the RCBS competition seater. RCBS doesn't sell the guts of the gold metal line to change calibers, but it certainly looks possible. Whidden is another system that would work if they made the parts available. If you are only looking for one set of parts you can probably convince any maker to help you out. The problem is for the folks that have 10 or 20 calibers and are looking to interchange because that can be a big investment.