RCBS Dies for Reloading 32-20 Winchester

[whaler]

I'm pretty new to reloading, and brand new to 32-20 Winchester. I've become a fan of RCBS, so went looking for a die set.
They list two: their "32-20 Win Cowboy Dies - 3-Die Roll Crimp Set 32-20 Win" (model 18151), and their "3-Die Roll Crimp Set - Group E - Straight Walled Cartridges" (model 18105). Confused, I called RCBS, who reiterated that the 18105 was for straight-walled cartridges. I thought all 32 WCF brass had a slight neck and were not straight-walled.

Any advice is greatly appreciated, and maybe I should be looking beyond RCBS for dies. Thanks....

[1894cfan]

Check out MidwayUSA and look for 32/20 WCF dies. Found several listed available. HTH and good luck in your search.

[6pt-sika]

FWIW , when I was loading 25-20 and 32-20 I had two sets of dies for both cartridges the regular set and the three die Cowboy set . You’ll find even though you don’t have to have the neck expander die when loading jacketed it makes it a lot easier . The necks on both cartridges are easy to crush if you’re new to these cases .

[AJMD429]

.
Necks are notoriously fragile in 32-20's.

However, despite that, I've actually had good luck with the Lee 'Factory Crimp' dies. You can adjust them for a super-tough crimp-through-jacketed-bullets-even-without-a-cannelure crimp for things like 454 Casull, where the bullets tend to jump, but you can ALSO adjust them for a gentle but effective crimp that works for the 32-20.

Where the necks get damaged is mostly during bullet seating, so be careful with that step.

I don't have any 'taper crimp' dies for 32-20, but it always seemed like those would be the ideal ones to avoid 'overworking' the brass.

[2ndovc]

You'll be fine with the RCBS Cowboy dies.

Expect some ruined cases, it happens easily if you're not paying attention.

Have fun!

jb

[Tycer]

The Cowboy dies are designed for cast bullets and will help you keep from crushing the neck. Get some Starline brass. If you can’t find any I might be talked out of some.