HB-9 updated text (PDF) - Corbin Bullet Swaging

Dies Classified by Press Type
We’ve talked about the basic design of bullet swage dies, in regard to
their function. There is another category for classification of swage dies,
and that is by the kind of press used to operate them. Swaging dies can be
designed to operate in a reloading press (with severe limitations on pressure
and precision), or in a number of different models of bullet swaging
presses, both hand and hydraulic-electric powered.
Years ago, we worked out a system of making standard parts for dies
that would cover a wide range of calibers, and thus cut the cost of swaging
through efficient use of what I call “semi-custom production”. We designed
presses and die sets so that we could build similar punch and die
blanks for certain ranges of calibers and bullet lengths, and then choose
among perhaps three die body lengths for every caliber from .12 to .458
in the hand presses, or from .224 to .998-in the dies for our big hydraulic
presses.
We didn’t have to design and build each die from scratch, because we
built a standardized system for determining the minimum requirements
of strength, die length, stroke length, punch geometry and strength, steels
and heat treatment. We could run hundreds of blanks for each of the
various presses, then hand-finish the cavities and hone the rough-finished
punch blanks to a perfect fit during the custom phase of each order. It
combined the economy of mass production with the flexibility and precision
of custom tooling.
Corbin swaging dies are up to ten times less costly than competitive
dies without any sacrifice in precision because of this semi-custom production
technique, and the fact that we design and build several different
presses to take full advantage of the kind of operations you might want to
undertake.
The classification by press type also defines the die thread and diameter.
The last letter in the catalog number identifies this classification.
Dies with a catalog number ending in -R (such as the PRO-1-R) fit a
standard 7/8-14 thread reloading press with an RCBS-type button shell
holder ram. The die screws into the press head like a reloading die. The
external punch slips into the T-slot of the ram. You do not also use a shell
holder, since the punch base is made to simulate one.
Dies with a catalog number ending in -M fit either the discontinued
Silver Press, or the current S-Press. They are being phased out of stocking
status in favor of the -S dies, which are larger and stronger, and fit the
current S-Press or its predecessor, the Series II press (discontinued). However,
we will continue to make them on special order, just not as a stock
item. The -M dies have a 3/4-inch diameter main body, a thrust-adsorbing
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