Steel or Carbide

[Tc343]

I just recently started to get into reloading. Within the last few weeks still buying tools exc. I have been depriming and resizing some brass though. I have a 4 piece .45 acp die i got from an auction. Its made by lee and came in a red container. I need to know if its carbide so i know if i have to oil them. I have a .30 carbine set that is also the 4 piece lee set in a red case. Same ??? applies.

Thanks

 

[BGDave]

Look at the end of the die with the de-capping pin. If it looks like a sleeve in the end of the die, it is most likely carbide. As to the .30 carbine set, same thing. It was an extra $10 to get carbide in .30 carbine. So I would really look it over carefully.
By the way. Welcome to INGO.

 

[charley59]

In the past, the Lee Carbine dies came in the red box, steel dies in a green box, but that was many years ago. Lee dies are all I have ever used, and I haven't wore one out yet, but I still keep trying!

 

[sangamospecial23j]

Doesn't Lee sell all their dies with Carbide sleeves in them?

 

[davedolli]

I have a set of new 7.62 x 25 Lee dies that has a steel sizing die, I also have new 38 super Lee die carbide sizing die, both are in red boxes. Like the other poster said look close at the end of the die and you can see the carbide sizing ring.

Dave

 

[UNCLE HARLEY]

Put a magnet to it? The carbide will have slightly less pull than steel.