Lee collet dies

[armycar01]

I have a set of Lee collet dies for 8mm Mauser, and I am new to reloading. I have my press and sizing die set up, but I have a question. It says in the instructions to pull the handle, and after it deprimes, it will come to a complete stop. You then apply 25 lbs to finish the sizing, and it says you will feel the collet close. I can't feel anything. I think the case is resized, but I simply don't feel the collet close.

 What's going on?
 Thanks

[ajj]

I'm not sure how much I "feel the collet close" either. Before sizing, see whether you can slip a bullet into the case mouth. Most likely, you can. If the case grips the bullet well after sizing, continue to march and don't worry about the feel. If the cae doesn't hold the bullet, screw the die in a quarter turn or so at a time and stop when the case is gripping the bullet well. When you start crumpling case shoulders, back it out. All my collet dies work well although some needed disassembly, cleaning and collet lube. I run .260 and 6.5x55 through by the hundereds for silhouette competition. If I had to lube and de-lube cases I might switch sports.

[MnMike]

I don't feel anything either. I just pull hard on the handle and then turn the case about 1/3 to 1/2turn and do it again. This is supposed to improve accuracy. I don't know, but am happy with the results.

mike

[Badnews Bob]

Sometimes if you've run the ram up without a round in it the collect will stick closed, Then you have to give it a lite tap to shake it loose, Take it out and shake it if you suspect it to be sticking, It should rattle.