Reloading in an apartment, few questions

[Irving]

So either way, dirty brass is hard on dies right?

[DFBrews]

So either way, dirty brass is hard on dies right?

that is an affirmative. i usually tumble for 3-4 hrs without depriming, then size deprime and throw back in for an hour and a half to clean the primer pockets.

[Irving]

I was just thinking that I could probably set up the tumbler in my crawl space and it wouldn't bother anyone at all.

I was planning on picking up some RCBS carbide dies to go with the RCBS turret press I picked up. I just found some .40 S&W Lee carbide dies on Craigslist for only $20 (ad states near new). I've heard guys like Hoser comment on here about brand specific dies, but I don't remember what he said. It was in a thread about a die catching up on brass because a ridge needed to be sanded out some where. I don't remember the brand mentioned.

So is a set of Lee Carbide dies at $20, really half as quality as a set of RCBS Carbide dies for $48?

[DFBrews]

I was just thinking that I could probably set up the tumbler in my crawl space and it wouldn't bother anyone at all.

I was planning on picking up some RCBS carbide dies to go with the RCBS turret press I picked up. I just found some .40 S&W Lee carbide dies on Craigslist for only $20 (ad states near new). I've heard guys like Hoser comment on here about brand specific dies, but I don't remember what he said. It was in a thread about a die catching up on brass because a ridge needed to be sanded out some where. I don't remember the brand mentioned.

So is a set of Lee Carbide dies at $20, really half as quality as a set of RCBS Carbide dies for $48?

IMHO dies are alot like AR's everyone has their favorite brand and touts why it is the best ever. Lee make decent quality products some of the stuff you need to go hi end like powder throwers and scales for safety sake. I have not had any problems with my Lee equipment including the carbide dies. I also really like the factory crimp die option. $20 is not a bad deal at all. I chose to go the cheaper all Lee route because I did not know whether it would be something i would stick with. I am also looking at getting the lee turret press as soon as i get a new place. Hope this helps.

[Irving]

Everyone's input is always very helpful, thank you. I think this is only the 3 die set and doesn't have that factory crimp die. Maybe I'll contact that guy tomorrow.

[Marlin]

What SA said about lead and kids.. As far as making it a little quieter, build a 18"X18" base out of 2X4's. Top it with a piece of plywood and a piece of carpet. Then screw or bolt the tumbler to that. Stable enough it won't tip over, and fairly portable enough to move around.

I know I have some carpet, and I might have the rest also, let me take a look.

I could throw it together in about 45 minutes also, if you are interested.

[SA Friday]

I use a varity of dies from various manufacturers. My criteria is if they get the job done. 9mm ammo id a very different type of loading compared to 308 Win long distance ammo. Any basic die set will work. You get specific on brand and make when you start to specialize. Reloading half a million rounds over 10 years; buy the sherman tank of dies. Reloading a thousand a year, die doesn't really matter. Nothing wrong with either lee or rcbs dies.

I've said I many times though, the lee FCD is a solution looking for a problem and can cause more problems than fixes. I han an old thread in the reloading section about bullet setback you need to read on the issue. I talk about some of the dies. It should help a little on selection.

[SideShow Bob]

I was just thinking that I could probably set up the tumbler in my crawl space and it wouldn't bother anyone at all.

Just hold your breath while you are down there so you won't be breathing in any of the RADON that is down there.

[earplug]

Only in the past twenty-thirty were brass cleaners popular. If you look at old reloading books there is no mention of tumbling of brass. With carbide sizer dies any dirt is gone when you size at the first station with the exception of dirt on the rim.
Double stack pistols rounds have to roll or slide against each other in the magazine.
Old single stack magazines are much more tolerant of a bit of dirt.
Revolvers are happy.
You can always toss muddy brass in the sink or dish washer. Dry them on a cookie sheet.
I have never owned or used a tumbler.

[Irving]

Marlin: Thank you very much for the offer. I'll hit you up when I actually have a tumbler.

SAFriday: If I remember correctly, that thread about bullet set back was started as a result of something I said. I read it, but will read it again. It's been a while since you've had one of your longer posts like that.