Machining an existing die?

[Changeling]

I'm fairly sure the answer to this question will be no because of the hardened steel, but I'm not a machinist so I will ask.

Can an existing die (.243 full length for example) be machined to change the shoulder angle to 40 degrees with perfect alignment at a reasonable cost, or is it best to just buy a new die?

 

[R.Morehouse]

Best to get a new die. I have taken a bit off the bottom on hardened dies with out a problem but I think you are right with your thoughts on the subject..

 

[Changeling]

Thanks AT, I just had to ask. I'm never afraid to ask a question! Never could understand why some people are ???

 

[Dusty Stevens]

They are as hard as woodpecker lips. You can cut them with carbide tooling like boring the hole or taking some off the back but a reamer doesnt stand a chance

 

[Preacher]

A lot more than a new die cost, but a carbide reamer will do the job........

 

[butchlambert]

Not all dies are hard, but a new die is cheap.

 

[fguffey]

I'm fairly sure the answer to this question will be no because of the hardened steel, but I'm not a machinist so I will ask.

Can an existing die (.243 full length for example) be machined to change the shoulder angle to 40 degrees with perfect alignment at a reasonable cost, or is it best to just buy a new die?

Why would you change the shoulder angle only? Why not make a die from a blank?


F. Guffey