When reloading firearms, it’s important to ensure that you’re using the correct type of primer and feedstock to get the best performance from your ammunition. One issue that can arise is if the primer and feedstock don’t match perfectly. This can lead to premature clogging or damage to the primer, which can ultimately affect the reliability of your firearm.
(How To Tell If Your Reloading Dies Are Carbide)
There are several signs that your reloading dies may be carbide, even though they look like stainless steel. Here are some things to look for:
1. Consistency: Check the consistency of the primer and feedstock you’re using. If the dies appear to be made of different materials, it’s possible that one of them is not carbide. Look for consistent markings and overall appearance on both dies.
2. Wear and tear: Over time, reloading dies will experience wear and tear due to friction between the diehead and primer ring. If the dies seem to be wearing out more quickly than expected, it could be a sign that one of them is not carbide.
3. Reheat resistance: Carbide reloading dies have a high heat-resistant property, which means that they should withstand high temperatures without breaking down. If the dies continue to deform after being fired or heated to high temperatures, it could indicate that they are not carbide.
4. Signatures: Some carbide reloading dies leave visible signatures on the primer, such as marks or scratches. These signatures can help you identify the dies you’re using.
If you suspect that your reloading dies may be carbide, there are a few steps you can take to determine the exact material. You can try testing the primers and feedsstocks yourself by loading a small amount of each into the dies and firing them at a range of distances. You can also use specialized equipment, such as a primer tester, to determine the composition of the primer and feedstock.
(How To Tell If Your Reloading Dies Are Carbide)
It’s worth noting that while it’s possible that carbide reloading dies can be misleading, this is not necessarily true in all cases. The key is to always be mindful of the compatibility of the dies you’re using and to follow proper reloading procedures to ensure optimal performance.