Is anybody using RCBS 44 Cal "Cowboy" dies?

by anachronism, Sunday, November 10, 2013, 18:17 (3974 days ago)

I have a small problem. I have a S&W with .434 throats. I had a custom mold made for it, and a custom Star sizing die, but all my case crimping dies swage the blasted front driving band on my cast bullets down. All three dies have crimping shoulders smaller in diameter than the bullet, which is a solid .434. RCBS claims their Cowboy dies are a bit larger in some dimensions, but I can't find out if that includes the crimping die. Midway has crimping dies in stock, but they have never been a fountain of knowledge in cases like this.

Is anybody using RCBS 44 Cal "Cowboy" dies?

by SIXGUNNER @, Sunday, November 10, 2013, 19:11 (3974 days ago) @ anachronism

"Can't find out"? Have you actually called RCBS and/or LEE to discuss the problem?

Is anybody using RCBS 44 Cal "Cowboy" dies?

by anachronism, Sunday, November 10, 2013, 21:15 (3974 days ago) @ SIXGUNNER

That will likely be tomorrows program. I've tried Hornady, RCBS, and Lee. I simply can't be the only one who's had this issue. Thanks!

Is anybody using RCBS 44 Cal "Cowboy" dies?

by SIXGUNNER, Monday, November 11, 2013, 06:26 (3974 days ago) @ anachronism

HAVE YOU TRIED CRIMPING OVER THE FRONT SHOULDER?

Is anybody using RCBS 44 Cal "Cowboy" dies?

by anachronism, Monday, November 11, 2013, 09:16 (3973 days ago) @ SIXGUNNER

That appears to be all that's left with my current equipment. I shoot a 255 gr bullet in an early S&W "Mountain Revolver" over 8 gr of 231, and I can lower that load safely if needed. If the gun weren't so purty, I'd just sell it and buy something that doesn't need to be spoon fed.

I'm dense...

by anachronism, Friday, November 15, 2013, 15:36 (3969 days ago) @ anachronism

My bullet seating punch was tilting the bullet. The scuff on the front band was only on one half of the bullet. I didn't stop to think it out properly.

Worse yet...

by anachronism, Saturday, November 16, 2013, 14:51 (3968 days ago) @ anachronism

I tried a different bullet I have on hand, a Keith hollowbase from the 20s or 30s that also cast at .434. It works perfectly with all dies, doesn't tilt, and crimps perfectly. I guess I'll send it to Erick and have a flat base stem made. Hell, the original Keith is probably a better all around bullet anyway.

RSS Feed of thread

powered by my little forum