Old vs. New?

[VooDooMagic]

I've got a question for you "experienced" reloaders with lots of old knowledge. How do you think the older RCBS dies compare with the new ones? I can get some .243 dies in great shape made some time ago (they are in the old box with the T shaped tab closure) from a friend or buy new ones, but I'm not sure which are better made (materials, machined, internal finish/polished). What do you guys think? Thanks

 

[necchi]

Subjective question my freind,

There's always a question with any used die. There's alot of dead animals and won matches from useing the old dies. For the 35 it costs for new standard dies I guess I'd consider how long RCBS stands behind the old dies in question.
If their in great shape, ask to try'm for awhile before ya buy'm.

 

[fdshuster]

For the cost of new, that's the way I'd go, but if wanting to buy the used, I'd first run an old, but unmarked brass case into the sizer, well lubricated of course, and would not want to see any scratch marks on the case. Unless a lot of care is taken to keep them clean, I've seen a lot of "old" dies that are in poor shape, with internal scratches and rust.

 

[VooDooMagic]

Fair enough, but what if they were both new in the box? Now what about materials used, machining methods/accuracy, and final polish of die interior?

 

[acloco]

I like the older RCBS dies.

On the top of the die, there is a two digit number that provides the date of manufacture of the individual dies.

 

[VooDooMagic]

Well that explains it, these have "71" on them. And to me, they appear to be made from a larger chunk of metal to begin with, and much brighter polish/finish on the die interior.