Thread: Lee collet die

To save me buying a new collet die for my 223 can I just use the one I am using for mates 223.
I'm not at home so can't shoot out to look to see if they are set up for each rifle. (I can't remember)

It would save me some money as all I need is a FL sizer then.

Cheers kyle

Yep, you can use the Lee Collet for multiple rifles, as you aren't setting up the die for headspace as you would with a F/L.
If you can, don't get the F/L, get the Redding Body die instead when you eventually need to bump the shoulder back, as that way you will keep the neck tension the same.

Oh yip, now that's a good idea. I will start looking for one. Mind you I won't need it for a while.
Thanks for answering the blatantly obvious @dogmatrix

I'll be doing a Brownells/Sinclairs order in the next month, so can add the Redding Body Die into the order for you.
Just let me know you want one.

The lee collet neck die + redding body die is my preferred way to load rounds. Much gentler on the brass and much less run out than using a normal die with an expander ball. Cheap as well. Add a redding competition seating die and some redding competition shell holders and you are gold.

Originally Posted by dogmatix

I'll be doing a Brownells/Sinclairs order in the next month, so can add the Redding Body Die into the order for you.
Just let me know you want one.

That could work.

OK Here's another question regarding the collet dies. Can you use them in a load master press?
Reason I ask is when sizing you need to push the case into the fire slowly to engage the collets... I am guessing but it maybe quite hard to feel it engage.

Is there anyone doing this?

If you use a big grunty press then set it up carefully. If you put too much pressure on it you will pop the top threadded cap. It's made out of soft allow so that it gives in these cases before the whole die is buggered. Go slowly on the first couple of cases. It's not give the handle a big strong heve like you do with a normal sizing die.

Yep, as Massive says, go easy. I have a Rockchucker press, so just use a few fingers on the handle to press down with the Lee Collet dies.
Found out the hard way, by popping the alloy cap. You can buy the caps as spares from Reloaders though.

Originally Posted by dogmatix

Yep, as Massive says, go easy. I have a Rockchucker press, so just use a few fingers on the handle to press down with the Lee Collet dies.
Found out the hard way, by popping the alloy cap. You can buy the caps as spares from Reloaders though.

I hated the way Lee has u set up the collet dies so went against their instructions and set my press to toggle over, a soft toggle. Now feel I am getting very consistent and adequate pressure instead of the guestimation by swinging on the press handle. I have yet to pop a cap and don't intend to
I see Reloaders are also advertising replacement stems now as well, but very few dies.

"Can you use them in a load master press? " short answer is no not really.

The longer answer is I had a bad experience with 308w and 303brit using this press and lee collet dies. The effort needed to reform large cases is enough to cause the head to move on the ram quite frequently, especially full sizing. Now for 223 its probably small enough a cartridge to be Ok but YMMV as they say.

My opinion of this Lee press is for pistol and small rifle cartridges is if you get a good one it seems to be successful. I think I got a bad one and coupled with trying to resize 30cal cartridges it was just a a pile of crap.

I swapped to a rockchuker and Ive never had an issue since with Lee collect dies or f/l.

if you want a progressive press buy a Dillion 550 or 650 is my 2 cents.

@steven i thought of your problems with it just after I asked the question.
The only reason I'm considering is the is one on trademe reasonably priced at the moment.
By the way, what the heck does YMMV mean?

YMMV, your mileage may vary.

this one for $700?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/hunt...-920609037.htm

No way, I got my one for <$300, for $750 take a good look at the Dillion 550,

Gunsmithing &Reloading Tools - Dillon RL550B Loader, Presses

or the Hornady AP for,

Gunsmithing &Reloading Tools - Hornady Lock N Load Auto Progressive (AP) Press, Presses

---edit-- ah found your bidding....good luck with it, I just wouldnt.

Hell no. Its $103 at present