Lyman has just recently released an all-new lineup of reloading dies aimed at high-volume progressive reloading: Lyman Pro Dies. These dies are meant for serious reloading, and are available in both pistol sets, and rifle sets. In this video and article, we’ll take a close look at the pistol Pro Dies!
What’s Included: Pistol Pro Dies
Lyman Pro Dies for pistol calibers come with everything pictured above:
- Deluxe case with window front cover, precision-cut foam interior
- Instruction Booklet
- Sizer die
- Expander die
- Micrometer seater die (with extra seating rod/plug)
- Micrometer crimp die
Next, let’s take a look at each of the dies!
Lyman Stainless Pro Carbide Sizing Die (9mm)
From the Lyman Product page:
Tungsten carbide sizing dies were pioneered by Lyman, now we have made them even better. Our new Pro Carbide die bodies are made of stainless steel which is noted for its toughness and anti-corrosion qualities. No more rusted dies! Our sizing dies are equipped with highly polished carbide rings for the ultimate in wear resistance and reduced sizing force. The carbide rings have a generous radius on the mouth to allow cases to easily align on progressive presses. In addition, the sizing dies are equipped with a spring-loaded decapping rod system to ensure that the primer is force- fully ejected from the primer pocket every time.
Here’s what this die looks like disassembled:
From left to right: Cap, spring, decapping rod, die body with 7/8″ – 14 die lock ring.
Lyman Stainless Pro Expander Die (9mm)
From the Lyman Product page:
Our case flare dies are especially designed for use with progressive and automated reloading presses. The long tapered expanding plug allows you to adjust for just the right amount of case flair to properly position a bullet for seating. Our Case Flare Die is also made of corrosion resistant stainless steel which protects it from rust and keeps it looking like new for a lifetime of use.
Here’s what this die looks like disassembled:
From left to right: Retention nut, stainless die body with 7/8″ – 14 die lock ring, Expander plug
Lyman Stainless Pro Micrometer Bullet Seater Die (9mm)
From the Lyman Product page:
Our Micrometer Seating Die gives you exact bullet seating length and minimal run-out. The seating die has a micrometer adjustable seating head for precision bullet seating length. If you want to change your bullet seating depth a few thousandths of an inch, simply turn the micrometer head to the required setting. Its floating bullet seating punch centers the bullet on the case and eliminates excessive run-out. Our Micrometer Seating die is also made of corrosion resistant stainless steel which protects it from rust and keeps it looking like new for a lifetime of use.
Here’s what this die looks like disassembled:
From left to right: Cap, spring, seating plug/rod, micrometer thimble, stainless die body with 7/8″ – 14 die lock ring.
Lyman Stainless Pro Micrometer Taper Crimp Die (9mm)
From the Lyman Product page:
Our Micrometer Taper Crimp Die gives you exact the amount of crimp that you want. The Taper Crimp Die has a micrometer adjustable head for precise positioning of the floating crimp sleeve. If you want to change your bullet crimp a few thousandths of an inch, simply turn the micrometer head to the required setting. The floating crimp sleeve centers the cartridge and applies a perfect taper crimp. Our Micrometer Taper Crimp Die is also made of corrosion resistant stainless steel which protects it from rust and keeps it looking like new for a lifetime of use.
Here’s what this die looks like disassembled:
From left to right: Cap, micrometer thimble, floating crimp sleeve, stainless die body with 7/8″ – 14 die lock ring.
Lyman Pro Die Setup on the Mark 7 Evolution (9mm)
The Mark 7 Evolution is an ideal progressive press to try out the Lyman Pro Dies on! These dies will work on just about any progressive reloading press, but I thought I’d try them with my Mark 7 Evolution! Here’s the die station utilization overview.
Die Stations for Mark 7 Evolution (Pistol):
- Case feed
- Sizer De-Primer
- Hold-Down (swaging)
- Hold-Down (priming)
- Expander
- Powder Measure
- [Reserved] Powder Check
- [Reserved] Bullet Feed
- Bullet Seat
- Crimp
Loading 9mm With the Pro Dies
Setting up and loading 9mm with the Lyman Pro Dies on the Mark 7 Evolution was a very smooth operation!
Here are some highlights from my experience contrasting these dies with other dies that I’ve used:
- The spring loaded decapping rod is a great feature!
- Stainless die bodies and parts will help reduce corrosion (I have had corrosion issues with other die parts)
- The two-step expander works GREAT
- The Micrometer on the bullet seater is a must-have feature, the process for swapping seating plugs/rods is easiest I’ve tried yet
- The Micrometer taper crimp die is a VERY nice improvement over other crimp dies I’ve used
- Each die is very easy to take apart, great for serviceability
Overall I’m VERY happy with these Lyman Pro Dies – as I’ve stated, I can’t wait to try the rifle sets.
Components and Load for This Loading Session
For this loading session, I used the following:
- Berry’s 124 grain Hollow Base Round Nose bullets (plated)
- Federal #100 small pistol primers
- Vihtavuori N340 powder (4.9 grains)
- 1.140″ COL
Use load data at your own risk. Ultimate Reloader is not responsible for errors in load data on this website. Always cross-reference load data with manufacturer’s published data.
I switched from CFE-Pistol (used in t
Get Yours
Midsouth Shooters Supply stocks Lyman Pro Dies, and you can click on the image below to see what they have! (if they are out of stock, click on the notification option!)
Do you have experience with Lyman Pro Dies? Please leave a comment!
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Thanks,
Gavin
