Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set Review

Unboxing & First Thoughts on the Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set

For any reloader, a reliable set of dies is the bedrock of consistent and accurate ammunition. After a frustrating experience with a previous set that yielded inconsistent results for my .28 Nosler handloads, I found myself in the market for a replacement. My goal was to find a set that offered precision, ease of use, and the kind of robust build quality expected from a reputable manufacturer. The Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set caught my eye due to its specific caliber designation and the generally positive reputation of Lyman products, despite my previous frustrations with a different caliber. I considered RCBS and Redding as alternatives, but the immediate availability and the promise of a straightforward solution led me to this particular Lyman offering. Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of functional utility; the dies felt substantial and well-machined, offering a sense of quiet optimism for the tasks ahead.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place on my dedicated reloading bench, a controlled environment where I could meticulously assess each step of the process. I focused on sizing once-fired brass and seating bullets, critical operations for case preparation and final cartridge assembly. The initial runs involved processing about 50 cases of .28 Nosler brass, aiming for consistent shoulder setbacks and smooth bullet seating. I intentionally mixed in a few cases that had been fired in different rifles to gauge the sizing die’s ability to reform slightly varied dimensions.

From the outset, the bullet seating die proved to be a pleasure to use. The thumbscrew adjustment system is intuitive and provides a tactile feel for precise depth control, a significant improvement over some other designs. However, the experience with the sizing die was immediately concerning. Almost immediately after sizing the first dozen cases, I noticed a disturbing phenomenon: faint, donut-shaped rings of brass appearing on the shoulder of the sized cases. This indicated the die was shaving brass, a critical flaw that compromises case integrity and safety.

Extended Use & Reliability

The issues with the sizing die quickly escalated from a minor annoyance to a significant problem. After attempting to size more cases, the die began to cause noticeable brass shavings on the neck and shoulder area. This forced me to stop and re-evaluate the entire process. The concern was not just about wasted brass but the potential for dangerously weakened cases.

Lyman’s customer service was responsive, and they promptly sent a replacement die body. This was a relief, and I eagerly installed the new component, hoping the initial problem was an isolated defect. Unfortunately, the replacement die proved to be even more problematic. It was significantly undersized, leading to two instances of stuck cases before the primer was even ejected, indicating an extreme sizing issue unrelated to lubrication. This experience was incredibly disheartening, as it cost me valuable, expensive brass and eroded my confidence in the set’s overall reliability for this specific caliber.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set

Specifications

This Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set is designed for the .28 Nosler caliber and includes two essential rifle dies. The manufacturer is Lyman, a well-established name in the reloading industry. These dies come in a standard silver finish, a common aesthetic for many reloading tools.

• Manufacturer: Lyman
• Caliber: .28 Nosler
• Quantity: 2 dies
• Color: Silver
• Gun Type: Rifle

The inclusion of only two dies is typical for standard rifle die sets, usually comprising a sizing die and a seating die. The sizing die is crucial for reforming fired brass to its original dimensions, preparing it for resizing. The bullet seating die is responsible for precisely placing the bullet into the case mouth to the desired overall cartridge length.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of a reloading die set is to reliably resize brass and seat bullets accurately. In this regard, the Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set presented a stark dichotomy. The bullet seating die performed exceptionally well. Its thumbscrew adjustment allowed for fine-tuning of bullet seating depth, leading to consistent cartridge lengths, which is vital for optimal chambering and accuracy.

However, the sizing die was a significant failure. Its tendency to shave brass off the shoulder and neck of the cases was unacceptable. This defect not only created a mess but also compromised the integrity of the brass, rendering it potentially unsafe for further use. The replacement die, while fitting the description, was equally flawed due to being undersized, leading to stuck cases. This severe lack of functionality in the sizing component renders the set largely unusable for its primary purpose for this caliber.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design perspective, the dies possess a classic look and feel. The silver finish is utilitarian, and the overall machining appears to be of reasonable quality at first glance. The bullet seating die incorporates a user-friendly thumbscrew adjustment, which offers a satisfying tactile feedback for making minute seating depth adjustments. This feature is well-executed and contributes positively to the reloading process for bullet seating.

The sizing die, despite its functional flaws, also has a standard design. Its dimensions and threading are typical of rifle dies, allowing for easy installation into most reloading presses. However, the underlying issue of brass shaving and the subsequent undersized replacement die suggest that the precision required for the .28 Nosler, a high-pressure, powerful cartridge, may not have been adequately addressed in the manufacturing or quality control for this specific set.

Durability & Maintenance

When a die shaves brass, it can lead to brass particles accumulating within the die itself, requiring more frequent cleaning. The Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set, particularly the sizing die, quickly demonstrated a potential durability issue due to its propensity to create excess brass shavings. This accumulation could, over time, potentially lead to increased friction and further compromise the die’s performance.

Maintaining clean dies is crucial for smooth operation. However, the fundamental problem here wasn’t routine maintenance but a manufacturing defect in the sizing die. The brass shavings would require meticulous cleaning to prevent further damage or performance degradation. The undersized replacement die was a clear indication of a quality control or manufacturing error, not a maintenance issue.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular offering is a straightforward two-die set. It includes the essential sizing die and bullet seating die, without any additional accessories. There are no integrated shell holders or other enhancements.

The primary customization comes from the adjustable nature of the bullet seating die. The thumbscrew adjustment allows users to precisely dial in their desired bullet seating depth. This is the extent of customization offered within this specific set; further modifications or enhancements would typically involve purchasing aftermarket components or different die types.

Pros and Cons of Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set

Who Should Buy Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set?

This Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set is, unfortunately, difficult to recommend for anyone seeking reliable reloading tools for the .28 Nosler caliber, based on my direct experience. The critical flaw in the sizing die makes it a gamble at best. Those who primarily need a functional bullet seating die might find this set acceptable if they already have a reliable sizing die from another manufacturer or are willing to risk the sizing die’s performance.

However, if you are a new reloader or someone who relies on consistent, high-quality results for powerful cartridges like the .28 Nosler, I would strongly advise looking at alternatives. Brands like RCBS or Redding often provide more consistent performance and robust quality control for magnum calibers. If you do choose this set, be prepared for the possibility of encountering similar issues with the sizing die and ensure you have a backup sizing die on hand.

Conclusion on Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set

My experience with the Lyman 28 Nosler Rifle Rifle 2 Die Set was, regrettably, overwhelmingly negative, primarily due to the severe and repeated failures of the sizing die. While the bullet seating die performed admirably, its excellence could not compensate for the fundamental issues plaguing its companion. The price of $66.99 for a two-die set is competitive, but the value proposition plummets when one of the dies is functionally useless and potentially dangerous.

Given the significant problems encountered with both the original and replacement sizing dies, I cannot personally recommend this set. The loss of expensive .28 Nosler brass due to manufacturing defects is simply unacceptable. Reloaders seeking reliable components for this caliber would be better served by investing in die sets from manufacturers with a more proven track record of quality control for high-pressure cartridges. While Lyman is a respected brand, this particular set for the .28 Nosler did not live up to expectations, and I ultimately moved on to a different brand for my reloading needs.