RCBS Dies?

[Model70Man]

How long are dies supposed to last or should last? Kimberman and I have been reloading for the 270 WSM and maybe deprimed and full length sized approx 400 brass if that many. Last night I was depriming and full length sizing some brass and all of a sudden it got harder and harder to work the press and then it wouldn't work. I took the die apart and noticed the depriming rod and the shaft were bent all out of shape. I would think that the die should have lasted longer than that.

 

[cdw338]

I have been using some RCBS dies for 37 years and they are still
in good shape.

You may have got a case with an off center flash hole or the
die may have gotten out of alignment.

Just order a new shaft and some depriming pins and replace them.

 

[Cull Buck Hunter]

The dies material is way harder than brass cases, in theory they should last almost forever, especially the carbide dies used for most pistol dies.

Clean the dies and make sure to use lube with non-carbide dies, the nickel plated brass can flake off and build up in the dies too.

 

[Whelen Man]

I've bent them before trying to deprime crimped brass. It's next to impossible to straighten one. It could happen by adjustment being too long also. Since the press slowly got harder and harder to work I suspect either the depriming rod or it's head was slowly changing adjustment until press pressure caused the rod to fail. The type with the depriming pins that have a larger end could do that. Also the die may have been slowly working loose in the press. Also make sure that you have lube on the inside of the case necks to keep the pressure on the rod in control. On the downstroke the rod expands the neck and is unsupported laterally. Likely it's user error...been there...done that. Just buy a new depriming rod or two...they're cheap and get some extra pins like people said. You'll need them eventually and won't have them when you need them badly otherwise. It's fun but sometimes a pain.

 

[Tiny]

The deprimeing rod likely got a little loose or worked its way loose. Call RCBS and they will likely send you a replacement.