RCBS carbide vs Hornady nitride

pinne65 · Dec 10, 2015

Pondering reloading 9mm. I've always used RCBS carbide dies for pistol cases.

I like the look of the seating depth dial on the HDY dies. Seems like it would be easier to adjust in small increments.

However, I've read some mixed opinions of them nitrides. Especially claims that the coating wears off easily. And now I can't make up my mind....

Certaindeaf · Dec 10, 2015

Lee makes carbide dies.

Greenbug · Dec 10, 2015

I tried some of the Hornady new dimension nitride dies in 9mm a while back. I was not impressed in the least. The sizing die seemed to drag on the cases and left some galling marks on most of them. These were clean cases (tumbled) too. I returned the Hornady and got RCBS instead. Much smoother, no galling.

Steve M · Dec 10, 2015

No issues with my Hornady 9mm dies, I don't know how you RCBS people can stand fishing out a screwdriver every time you need to adjust the seating depth.

noylj · Dec 11, 2015

Well, I have been using Hornady New Dimension dies for as long as they have been out.
Compared to my RCBS sizing dies, Hornady dies take less effort. You can't wear out the coating any faster than you can wear out the same amount of carbide (and maybe even slower).
Lee and Hornady sizing dies go down a little further on the case than other brands.
ALL my sizing dies for 9x19 will have "problems" at times that are solved with a little case lube.
I have no idea how turing one type of screw can be any easier than turning another type of screw by hand, and have never seen any reason for the "micrometer" seating dies when I simply save an inert round if I ever have to reset a seating die.

fxdc · Dec 11, 2015

Tens of thousands of rds since 89 on 1 set of RCBS Carbide dies and still going to this day.

fxdc · Dec 11, 2015

pinne65 said:
Pondering reloading 9mm. I've always used RCBS carbide dies for pistol cases.

I like the look of the seating depth dial on the HDY dies. Seems like it would be easier to adjust in small increments.

However, I've read some mixed opinions of them nitrides. Especially claims that the coating wears off easily. And now I can't make up my mind....

Maybe I should try a set for my 9mm Sniper rds.... LOL