lee collet die wear

[thelaw]

can't figure out how to post a picture so i'll try to explain. i have some .270 lee collet dies. i've noticed that on about the first 3/4 of the mandrel, going from the bottom to the top, is worn. it is worn so much that when using my calipers the lower 3/4 of the mandrel reads .002-.003" less in diameter than the top 1/4 section that is untouched. bullets still seem to load fine, with a little bit more pressure being required to seat the bullet than my other collet dies. there is no noticable copper being raked off the bullets as their seated either. the only difference in all my loading as far as method, components, etc. is that i load rem. nickel brass in my .270.

[pop up]

I been using the collet dies in several calibers, including 270, for many years.  I do not use nickel coated brass and won't, because it will scratch dies.  I recommend that you stop using nickel coated brass for this reason and that it is much thicker than uncoated and also that it is much more brittle and will not last as long.  If the wear on the mandrel is causing no safety of accuracy issues, why worry about it.

[Catfish]

I`ve been loading since 1965 and over the years have used alot of Lee equipment. I have been dissapointed with all of it!!!!!! I recomand that you stop useing anything made by Lee!!!!

[bgjohn]

I love Lee collett dies. I have several. If your mandrel is worn order another to replace it. It should be cheap.
JM :grin: