Editing Handloading (section)

=== Dies ===
[[File:Dies 7.5mm Swiss.jpg|thumb|right|Reloading dies and shell holders for 7.5mm Swiss]] [[Die (manufacturing)|Dies]] are generally sold in sets of two, three or four units, depending on the type and shape of the case.  A three-die set is needed for straight cases, while a two-die set is used for bottlenecked cases. The first die of either set performs the sizing and decapping operation, except in some cases in the 3-die set, where decapping may be done by the second die. The middle die in a three-die set is used to flare the case mouth as well as allows powder to be added to the case (and decap in the case where this is not done by the first die), while in a two-die set the entire neck is expanded as the case is extracted from the first die. The second or third die in the set seats the bullet and may apply a crimp. A fourth die is often used to apply crimps after the bullet is seated.<ref name=nonte_2 /> Sometimes an additional "die" is used to mount powder measures which makes dispensing powder into the case a part of the process. This die usually flares the case mouth to allow easier bullet insertion.

Standard dies are made from [[hardened steel]], and require that the case be lubricated for the resizing operation, which requires a large amount of force. Bottleneck and longer straight cartridges require lubrication of every case, due to the large amount of force required, while shorter straight wall cartridges (9mm or .45ACP for example) can get away with alternating lubricated and unlubricated cases.  Carbide dies have a ring of [[tungsten carbide]], which is far harder and slicker than tool steel, carbide straight wall dies do not require lubrication, however bottle neck dies do.<ref name=nonte_2 />

Modern reloading dies are generally standardized with 7/8-14 (or, for the case of [[.50 BMG]] dies, with 1-1/4×12) threads and are interchangeable with all common brands of presses, although older dies may use other threads and be press-specific.