Thread: 6.5x55 Lee die issue

I have had a new set of Lee dies and finally decided to do some loading with them.
This is where the fun begins,

Set up the die as per usual, shell holder touches die +1/4 turn
Lube case and then attempt to size, it becomes very tight so i stop
When i try to extract, the decaping pin is pulled out and caught inside the case (loose) as the neck has closed up but is still round
Cut the case in 1/2 to retrieve pin
Check the die, yes 6.5x55!
Reset pin and try again with new case, same thing
Cut the case in 1/2 to retrieve pin
Measure the pin @ 6.7mm and compare with Creedmoor pin which measures the same
Install Creedmoor pin and try with new case with lots of lube inside neck, same thing
Cut the case in 1/2 to retrieve pin
Try new case without pin, gets tight and still about 3-4mm travel for shell holder to touch the die. The neck looks to be where the bottom of the decaping pin locking nut thread stops
Remove case and a nice formed neck but smaller than 6.5mm
Install a 243 pin and try again, gets tight and still about 3-4mm travel for shell holder to touch the die but case extracts and pin stays in die
Hmmmm
Get 243 case, size with 6.5x55 die and 243 pin, a bit firm to press, extracts well, pin in die and a nicely formed neck Butttttt

I have ended up with a 243 case and shoulder that looks like 243 but the case has a taper that is possibly the same as 6.5x55 taper

What have I actually formed with this wrongly marked die?
I have measured the body length of the die and it is 67mm the same as the 243 and Creedmoor dies. I would have expected the 243 and Creedmoor to be the same (parent case) but would have expected the 6.5x55 to be longer. Can somebody measure theirs and let me know!

Any reloading manual should give you the specs. Also compare your 6.5 brass to your creedmore or 243 brass. Measure the inside diameter of the resized stuufed brass and compare.

Hi Woody,
The spec's of what?
It appears that the die is 3-4mm to short to size 6.5x55 as it is marked.
A 243 case fits length wise and has a perfectly formed neck with the 243 decaping pin installed but the case has a very visible taper whereas a 243 does not.
The outside neck diameter of one of the 6.5 cases is approx 7.57mm and the die is resizing to approx 7.02mm

Outside neck 7.53mm
Base to top of shoulder 47.14mm
Base to bottom of shoulder 43.49mm
Diam at shoulder 11.04mm
Case length 54.99mm max.
Hope this helps.

Oh I've now got what your on about but I'm not after factory 6.5x55 specs.
I was wondering what this "odd ball" die has created.

Basically a 243 Swiss tapered case

Sorry I cant help you further.

@Woody
Cheers