Lee Collet Die Help?

[rifleman]

I've used RCBS Neck dies exclusively so far, but have been intrigued by the talk about the Lee Collet Dies. So I got one for my 243 Win and attempted to use it tonight.

I set it up as stated in the Instructions. I've got an RCBS Rockchucker Press, so I screwed the die in until it contacted the raised Ram. Lowered the ram, and screwed the die in 2 full turns. Put a fired shell in the holder and raised the ram. The primer was punched out, and then the ram stopped and I cannot get anywhere with it. There is no give and the neck is not sizing. Anyone with any ideas what I'm doing wrong? I assume that the Die Cap needs to be all the way screwed in?

TIA
Dave

[Hairtrigger]

Lee presses do not cam over at the top of the stroke like RCBS presses ( and most others) do.
I was thinking the instructions noted this.
Bottom line is I believe you will find the die is screwed down too far.

[billy_56081]

You may not be applying enough pressure. The only downfall I have found with my Lee collet dies is that you need to apply alot of pressure. I usually push down twice on one side then turn the case and press down once more. Also I polish my mandril as instructed with the dies for a tighter fit.

[rifleman]

Thanks for the replies.

I've tried it as the instructions say and with the die turned out of the press a bit. Seemed somewhat better with it screwed out some. Still not getting any visible sign of any sizing going on. Could it be I'm expecting something that isn't going to happen? The RCBS Neck dies give you more "feedback" that something is going on. You can also definitely see visible signs of sizing on the outside of the neck. The collar sticking out of the bottom of the die seems to be going in a bit when I apply force.

By the way, if I need to apply more force my bench might break.

Thanks again
Dave

[billy_56081]

If you are applying that much pressure you are sizing them about right. Have you tried seating bullets ans did you get a press fit on them? Try taking your die apart and you will see how it works. The fingers of the collet are angled and just mash the case down around the mandrel. There is not much of a "feel" to these dies but you will learn to trust the pressure applired to your press after you use them awhile. The collar goes in and the fingers on the collet are mashed inward against the mandrel. Turn it lower you can't screw these dies in to far to your press. as the action of the case being mashed between the collet fingers and the mandrel stops the press ram.

[rifleman]

I've "sized" all the fired cases that I have now. The necks before and after seem little different by trying a bullet in the neck by hand. I'll reload what I've sized tonite, and go from there. Maybe I'll even give Lee a call, who knows? I've never called a reloading manufacturer. Everything I've heard says that they are generally very responsive to end users.

Thanks again

I'm kind of getting the notion that the RCBS Neck dies, and the Lee Collet dies are totally different in how they accomplish the end result. The Lee seems more like stationary squeezing and the RCBS is more like steamrolling while in motion?

[billy_56081]

By your last statement i think you have the dies action figured out. If you screw off the top cover and dump out your insides of your collet die you will see exactly how they work. I like mine very much but they did have some getting used to. Good luck and enjoy.