DIE SELECTION FOR RELOADING FOR MY M1 CARBINE.....HELP NEEDED

[Wineman]

Even with Lee carbide dies, I use a touch of case lube. My very first reloading was a Lee Loader in 30 Carbine (mid 70's). I wore out three plastic mallets and a real nice piece of maple whacking in the short case that needed to be full length sized. I eventually got a set of steel RCBS dies and a Jr press, which worked great but they got lost in a move years ago. It has been a love hate project: for such a short case, it takes so much force to size them. Be sure you ALWAYS trim to the recommended length. Too long is asking for trouble. When you get a M1 Carbine that shoots accurately, hand-loads definitely help.

Dave

[USGI]

For such a short case, it takes so much force to size them.

Boy, I'll sure second that - enough force that a lot of my loads show an imprint of the shell holder on the case heads. There's so much difference between some commercial brass and between different lots of military, that it's helpful to sort by maker, and the military by dates, before sizing. - Bob

[browningautorifle]

I never had that trouble that I can remember, almost all my carbines were military cast off too. Again, I lubed as I used the older pattern dies.

[Pshooter]

Redding die set from Dillon. Very good.