Thread: New to reloading problem

try seating one into what you think is a sized case and one into a newly fired case in the press. you should feel the difference. that will tell if you are sizing. also read the die makers set up instructions carefully again and follow them. and with the collet die you can often see little marks on the outside where the collet closed on the brass.

read the die makers set up instructions carefully again and follow them

+1

a good thing to do with the collet die is to take it apart. take out the collet part - looks like a cone with 4 petals. get some 1000 or 2000 grit wet-and-dry and lightly rub the outside of the cone part where the petals are. then put a dab of lithium grease on your finger and smear it on the area you just polished. this helps the collet from sticking. about the only way to get too much neck tension with the lee die is to sand or turn the mandrel down so that it is undersized. if in doubt use a micrometer to measure the diameter of the mandrel.