Making custom dies

[degreen]

I am wanting to do an improved version of a couple of rifles that I have, but found out today that RCBS does not do custom dies anymore. So just wondering if custom dies can be made from my standard dies?

 

[MagnumManiac]

Unlikely, as the dies are cut, honed and heat treated to a very hard finish.

There are custom die makers, CH4D, Whidden & Redding.

I think Lee will also make them.

Cheers.

 

[Hawk in WY]

Forster used to make custom dies fit to your fired cases.

Not sure they still do.

 

[Timnterra]

I am wanting to do an improved version of a couple of rifles that I have, but found out today that RCBS does not do custom dies anymore. So just wondering if custom dies can be made from my standard dies?

I think most dies are case hardened leaving a very hard outer surface and a milder inner metal hardness. I don’t think they would be very easy to work with.

 

[The Oregonian]

Forster used to make custom dies fit to your fired cases.

Not sure they still do.

Whidden does them and I have been very happy with them.

 

[M16]

They are expensive but nothing that money can't fix.

 

[Bbear]

CH4D will do them. Lee will if you can supply them with fired cases ! Cost for the Lee's is around $150 I think.

 

[degreen]

Thanks for the responses. I have checked into a couple die makers, and looks like I will be looking at north of $100 to have them made. Not sure if it is worth the cost.

 

[newmexkid]

My problem with custom dies has always been...What happens when your present barrel needs replacement? If you don't have the reamer for another barrel, I think the dies would be paper weights.