Richard Lee was never an idiot. R Lee was never in the business to produce a 'less-than' product. Those who truly have their masters in casting alloys and metal gradings, Richard Lee is one of the best the shooting community ever witnessed. Like you, I've spent alot of money and time with different tool and die makers, and in the end, it all summed up to me reaching for Richard Lee's designs for any and all of my needs. Indeed, the collet design allows alot of competition shooters to adjust the neck tension to any level they so desire...with alot of benchers preferring to have as little tension as possible to hold the bullet center to the bore axis. Many thanks for your upload- so many snobs in our hobby that have not the first clue about casting or machining, geometries and tolerances. For our hobby, the most rewarding business is one who makes the reamer and dies and sold as a set. Appreciate your channel- AlltheBest..Eddy
As an avid Lee collet die fan, I’ve a few tips to add: 1.) You can get a custom turned mandrel for their collet die to make the neck tension exactly what you want. 2.)To set it up for consistency, start loose and keep going until it bottoms out on the bottom of the stroke. (On my Forster, it doesn’t cam over much) If you crush the shoulder, back it off until it doesn’t. The reason I like it that tight is because it actually uniforms the neck thickness this way (find a funky casing, check for yourself) 3.) Take the die apart. Get a Work Sharp knife sharpener. Rotate it around while buffing off the machine ridges on the mandrel shoulder. This will make sense when you take it apart. Work your way through the belt grits until you polish it with Flitz on a used 6000 belt or on a leather stropping belt. Use a dab of moly grease. You will not believe how slick it works after this and how consistent the feel is! 4.) Rotating for a double working is really helpful to uniform the neck, plus, it will push out any thick spots. Again, almost as good as neck turning. 5.) You can make awesome precision semi-auto ammo with the Lee Collet die. I sent my .308 Forster die back to Forster with three used casings. I asked them to make it so that it bumped back the shoulder three thou and had them take the neck away until it didn’t touch the neck. You full length size the brass, then use the .308 Lee Collet die to set the neck. A bit more work for sure, but worth the effort and works the brass a LOT less than any other way! 6.) I really like the Lee. Other dies monkey with the brass so badly. Think about it; other dies squish the hell out if the neck on the down stroke. To see just how bad, take the sizing ball out, press one and measure the poor crushed misshapen neck. Then, after you have this done, the ball gets dragged unsupported in any uniform way back through the neck to stretch it back out! The brass springs and stretches any old way it decides to compared to the uniform crush of the Lee against the mandrel! The proof is in the runout. Worst thing of all, regular dies work the brass far far more than a Lee Collet die. I get a lot more firings from brass with the Lee. I propose that the hardening is as much done by the extra working done by the ball sizing dies than the firing. But I could mistaken.
you are right on about the body only die Redding body die) then neck sizing. I had zero case size increase using this method, as well as very little runnout.
Thanks for all the info on the Lee reloading equipment, I went and purchased a kit with the Lee dies for my Tikka super varmint 308. I shot my first ladder test yesterday with the one load taking my grouping at 100 meters to sub half minute. Thanks for saving me a lot of money.
I have noticed that when I use the Lee collet die I run the Case into the die, lower the ram, turn the Case 90 degrees and run it in to the die again. This really produces zero run out and no Case neck trimming. Good video.
Just saw this mid 2020.I have found the same particularly for my custom .223.Regular full length size RCBS were not doing the job,too much runout .002"-.005" .Next got Redding neck die,which are not cheep and still getting .002"+. Lee collet die gives virtually zero.I am really happy with Lee gear,it works well and is well priced.Good stuff on your channel.PS I use a Rockchucker press.
give RCBS a call, and I'd bet they fix your die or send you a new one. Lee hit a home run with their collet neck size dies as well as their factory crimp dies as well.
Vaughn Precision tools wear out over time and sometimes are out of spec from the get go it seems. i like my Lee collet neck sizer in 30-06, but the seat die i had to replace as it consistently was VERY inconsistent with runout and seating variation. overall had great luck with all the brands as well as their Customer Service when needed.
Time after time Lee brings out exceptionally well engineered products. You can't hold a workpiece more centrally than in a collet, so again Lee Precision brings its manufacturing experience into its products. These are the best on the market at any price. A gift
Been using the Lee Collet Die now for over a year and am very happy with them. So happy I bought two more used ones on GunPost for future neck sizing. One more step but I've never has a loose fitting bullet since.
Typical issue with all these normal neck dies. INDUCED RUNOUT BY THE DIE. Problem comes from tapered cases moving off center when pulling out of die across the expander ball. The lee collet die cures this issue. I've gotten rid of all my expensive Redding dies because of this exact issue. Great video showing the problem that the so called premium dies cause. And, I'll call em by name. Hornady, rcbs, and yea, Redding too. You want concentric necks, buy the Lee collet dies. Good work Vaughn!!!
Mr. Vaughn Nice video on the Lee Collet Die. I have several of them and they really work well. There are two things to remember: don't raise the ram without a case in the shellholder or the collet may stick closed and collapse the next case, and don't use them too many times in back-to-back fashion or you might stick a round in the chamber. Been there, done that, bought that tee shirt.About the RCBS die. I've learned a few things from reading Mic McPherson's book, "METALLIC CARTRIDGE HANDLOADING Pursuit of the Perfect Cartridge". First thing to do is take out the decapping stem and size a case. Check neck runout. If it's zero or close to it, the die is fine and the decapping stem may be bent. Try putting the stem on the Sizemaster to check it for wobble. If everything is ok, put a rubber o-ring under the small nut that secures the stem. This will allow it to find center. However, the tip that has always resulted in improvement for me is to run a case up into the die and hold it there. Now raise (unscrew) the decapping stem all the way up until you feel the button hit the bottom of the neck. Now screw it back down one turn. So adjusted, the case is being supported by the die while the neck is being pulled over the button. Rather than most of the case being out of the die and free to wiggle around when the button is at the bottom. Forster does the same thing basically with its raised expander ball.Or you could just use the Sinclair Expander die to true up all your crooked necks! You have earned yourself a new subscriber. Keep up the good work! BTW, you still sound like Seth Rogen.
Excellent video! My guess is that most people hit the Like button at about 7:20 when you have to pause to pull the bullet out. Keep up the great videos.
I use Lee collet dies for all of my bolt guns. There is no good reason to use a full length die. Not only does it put extra stress on the case, you additionally have to lube them. IMO the Lee Collet dies are the absolute best dies for sizing if you are using bolt guns.
I have a collet die for my 22-250 and it gave me the final edge of repeatable accuracy. I needed. I am getting one of these for all of my calibers now and I do without hesitation recommend them. And they very affordable to boot!
I have one in 308 and using the Lee instructions I induce a flyer to in the tapered piece the collet petals slide up into. had to sand it back down several thousandths after driving it out with a drift. I have since gone to using the instructions of FortuneCookie45LC and adjust by feel to just close the collet on the mandrel. Also if you turn the brass about a 1/3 of a turn and redo it you can virtually eliminate the vertical ribs left by the collet in the neck. I will be replacing mine soon. With the mandrel you only squish the neck down so far. Yes I even kept mine lubed. I only run mine maybe 1/4 turn past touching and now just an easy camover on the press. I also found when I used the Lee instructions it would cause the case to collapse a bit and no longer fit a go no go gage when used after resizing. on my first barrel which had an extremely tight chamber ( sticky bolt lift - like bang it open tight) would seat in go no go gage for brass under very light pressure. However the non sticky brass once collet resized or the full length resized brass run in the collet using Lee instructions was a tight close and no longer fit. You might check your brass in the regard. Have not duplicated test in new Shilen barrel in my Savage but the light camover method by FortuneCookie45LC fits great. And no further damage to my die.
Thomas Ewers I've found that I've had to play around with the adjustments, especially to keep the ribs off the neck. I keep the Collet die lubed as well, no wear issues yet after several years of use.
cool design i need to get one, run out in case necks are usually created by expander balls most designs from most manufacturers typically induce run out. competition shooters usually find a way to get away from the normal expander ball. when you have a new die sometimes you get lucky and they make somewhat straight cases for a short while but something gets a little weird and that set up starts making crooked cases. even a good one will go south. looks like lee gives you a way to throw straight cases without the high expense you will typically incur with other non expander ball setups. with all my full length sizing dies i can usually get straight cases with expander assembly removed
I have been using LEE products for years and I am a strong believer that spending more for equipment doesn’t mean your going to get a better product. LEE products cost a heck of a-lot less but the job done.
This comment is in response to this video and the video specific to press runout. What is the OD measurement of the neck sizing shaft in the .308 collet die, if you have one? I am currently annealing brass after each firing. I am using a Redding FL Sizing die with stem removed. Sizing die set to bump shoulders back .002 from fired case on bolt gun. This can be tricky with a FL die. May need to send to Redding for modification or order one thats a tad long. Neck sizing is accomplished with a 21st Century mandrel .002 less than case neck ID as measured on fired brass (.306 on .308 chamber) .Seating with a Forster micrometer seating die, I check neck sizing, neck concentricity, and shoulder bump after sizing. I check concentriciy and COAL (base to ogive) after seating. Check base to tip if rifle requires a magazine. This yields approximately .001 runout. I measure concentricity with the 21st Century Concentricity gauge. I measure COAL and shoulder bump with Hornady or Sinclair comparators on a Mitutyo caliper. Looking at Southern Customs Comparator Kit for future upgrade. A good set of precision pin gauges would be the best way to check neck ID. PS" I use a 21st century Neck Lathe on cases that have more than a thousandth of runout after this process. This corrects most outliers. The neck walls can be meaured with a Mitutyo tube wall micrometer. Warning... they are expensive. Take care. Good video. You may want to try the Wilson Combat extreme lube on that collet.
I have been doing similar testing and have determined that my RCBS dies were also inducing +.004 runout. I just ordered a few sets of these dies for .22-250 and 6.5 CM to test out. THANKS!
When adjusting the Lee Collet Dies, I try to get the exact tension at the point where the press actually "toggles up"past the top. It is critical but, once done, you'll never have again to muscle the lever and estimate the pressure you're applying. You simply put the brass in and go full cycle. Very constant and fast.
Thanks for the video. In Australia Lee has such a bad reputation I will use this video to convince people otherwise. The Lee die set is $80au for the full deluxe set, I spent $120au on just one Redding neck die for my 6.8spc. I did have problems with the lock ring eliminator I ended up cutting of the ring and using as a normal bush. Thanks again 🇦🇺👍
Great video man, like the others of your channel! I’ve experienced a similar run-out problems with my Redding Type S Neck Die. Then a friend tells me where the problem should be. I made a wrong setup of the press and die, because the shell holder touched too much the die base. I resolve screwing up a quarter of inch the die, and then, boom, problem solved. Did you have check that the press and RCBS die was properly setted up? Greetings from Italy
Good old Lee collet die: it'll get you from point A to point B and will keep the lunch money in your pocket. It is finicky, I can attest. But once you know how to maintain it and run it? It has cranked out beautiful match-grade ammo for many guys. I use them often and I like many Lee products! Good video sir!
Hey bud, I have done some experimenting with the collet die and have discovered that I can run the cartridge up into the die, lower the ram a little, turn the cartridge about 30 degrees and run it in again and turn the cartridge one more time. Forty eight out of fifty will have zero run out and the rest will have less than.001 run out. Give it a try and Good Reloading To You.
John Smith I’ve actually started doing this. In fact I even thought about showing it in the next couple videos on Creedmoor reloading. It does work to.! I had a bad case and just for the heck of it I spun the case like you had mentioned and I was able to get about .0005 runout when originally it was about .003
I was also getting a lot of runout using a RCBS die, FL size though. When I removed the mandrel the runout was down to less than 1\1000" So it was the mandrel that pulled the neck out. Also earlier read that the mandrel often causes the runout. So now when I need to FL size, I just FL size them without the mandrel and use the Lee Collet die to size the neck. I`m now getting a Redding FL body die that does not touch the neck.
The Hornady LNL AP has a massive drive shaft. Yes it is progressive. Get them new, disassemble them and clean them out thoroughly, just like a new die. Remove the drive hub and inspect and grease it. shaft Internals are greased by pouring some Liquid Purple Gear Lube down the shaft. Add some Lucas Oil Additive to make it sticky. Inspect the polishing level of the the shaft. If not as desired polish it up. Next grease the ram shaft, cranking linkage, etc... with a moly EP grease. Its thick and the moly is low friction on metal to metal surfaces. I have had a couple of presses for a decade now. They still have no play. I put a dab of moly or Wilson Combat Extreme grease on the shell plate bearings and mating surface as well. I use Hornady One Shot dry lube on all top surfaces to avoid dust attraction, powder or tumbler media stickage. You will fill the difference if you use thick Moly Extreme Pressure grease.
Fricken hilarious when you stick your face in front of the camera, let's pause this. Very informative. Will be getting a Lee Collett for for my 6.5 Creedmoor.
I am pretty new to reloading but I can attest to the fact that the neck expander on the full length resizer really distorts things. I just checked some I had full length resized with the RCBS die and the neck wall thickness varied as much as .005" I neck sized with the Lee collet on another to compare. The Lee was off 1/10th as much, 0005". I really like the Lee stuff. They have some unique ideas and products and are affordable. I wish I had started with Lee in the first place. It is a shame that you have to full length resize but after about 5 firings on the 243 you have to do it or you can't close the bolt without quite a bit of effort. Other cartridges aren't this bad, the 223 cartridges I have have been fired 5 times without anything but neck sizing and they have grown very little in the shoulder.
I tried a Lee collette die on my 300 wsm, but the neck sized case would not fit in my winchester xpr rifle. I need to order a full length sizer die so my bolt will close easily.
You ran the cartridge twice into the Lee die but only once into the RCBS die. What would the result be if you ran the shell into the RCBS die twice, turning the shell 180 degrees between insertions, as directed in the Lee instructions?
Does Lee not know that certain surfaces need to be polished? I've grown to hate modifying brand new equipment because the manufacturer failed to do so. Otherwise, this seems like a great die! Simple, effective, and solid!
Been re-watching a lot of your video since you haven't put much out lately obviously that's the reason with your accident. I also own the LIE call it sizing and also the LIE call it crimping. I have all lead eyes for my basic calibers which don't shoot precision and I have the reading micrometer adjustable dies for my 308 and my 338 Lapua. I use the Lee collet crimping die for the 338 Lapua and I get excellent results with that.
I love the Lee Collet Sizing Die...now! Many years ago when I first tried it I was popping the cap off of the top because of the way Lee instructs you to use it. After finding instructions from more experienced reloaders that had success with the die I now love it. The trick is to set it up to allow the press to cam over during the stroke if your press does that, like a Rock Chucker, or to accomplish the sizing at the end of the stroke if the press doesn't. It doesn't take very much pressure to achieve the little sizing that happens because the mandrel is what sets the inside diameter. A little more time to set the adjustment just right yields very consistent results with very little effort. Check out this information...if you are pressing very hard you are probably pressing too much...if you pop the top off of the die like I did several times in the beginning you are definitely pressing too hard. J. Valentine benchrest.com/showthread.php?49899-Lee-Collet-Die-Adjustment Shooters forum... www.shootersforum.com/handloading-equipment/94330-lee-collet-die-setup.html
When setting up a collet die I use my calipers to,measure inside neck diameter. 270 should read .275 inside neck diameter. If you cam over on your press stroke you will distort the shoulder leave ugly marks on your necks and the round will not chamber. Lee collet die is the best out there when set up properly. People get into trouble because they will not read instructions and are not paying attention to details.
hands down Lee Collet Die is the best other than custom dies. Long controversy of setting up the die. The recess in the aluminum cap needs to be deeper. The mandrel will bind on the case web and prevent the collet from completely sizing the neck. Sizing like Lee says may work but not consistently as long as the mandrel and die cap recess are dimensionally correct . Feeling the bullet in the neck or guessing how much pressure on the press handle is really not the right way to do it. A slight cam over to a sweet spot checking OD of the case neck for what ever tension you want weather it's .003 to .001 is up to you.
Nice run down on this die, but the Lee collet die is OK but not consistent enough for me. I doubt there's anything wrong with the RCBS die, it just needs setting up properly. Setting up the RCBS neck sizing or full length sizing die to align the case neck with case body is done by loosening the decap rod, drive the case into the die and when you feel the expander ball enter the case neck as you withdraw the case, hold it there & keep the tension on. While doing this, tighten the decap rod lock nut. The case is then centred correctly. Any run out then found, is down to variations of brass thickness at the case neck. Personally I F/L resize every time now, but pay closer attention to die set up. Just my opinion.
size the case with the expander ball removed from the RCBS die. then check your run out. on all sizing dies it is the expander ball that is the culprit. it does not matter what brand. that is why then came up with bushing sizer die. also check your run out with a bullet seated and that will give you the correct run out of your round. before the bushing us old timers would size with out the expander ball and then expand the neck with the sinclair neck expander die with the proper size mandrel which is also used to expand your necks before neck turning. i still do it this way and using a co-ax press get 1/2 thou. or less run out. i have lee collet dies for my milsurp calibers rifles and theyhave worked well for me.
Great Video, I'm pretty sure I'll be getting a collet, However I am more curious about the ID of the case. In short, should cases be neck turned so they are uniform going into the collet die?
Thanks for the show and tell, I've just started looking into LCD''s now that I'm reloading 3rd shot brass. I have Lee for my 6.5 CM and started ordering for my other calibers that are RCBS dies and going to start checking my brass concentricity, My bullet concentricity has been really good on first and 2nd fired brass and I think part of that is from the Lee crimp die which I ordered for my 223 and 308 after my 6.5CM looked so good. Glad I found you and thanks again.
Thank for the video I agree I load 9 different rifle calibers and I cannot justify spending lot of money on really expensive die sets for a each caliber. Lee dies are awesome value for the money but in Australia lee products have a bad reputation and I don't know why.
That’s GREAT info! Love your channel. Question for you, I accidentally bought a Lee “rifle” crimping die for my 357 mag pistol but I didn’t realize there was a difference between the rifle and revolver crimp die. I have a few hundred rounds loaded up and crimped with this rifle die. Are they “safe” to shoot? (All other variables assumed safe..). What is the difference between these two other than one is a collet die and the revolver one is a roll crimp if I am correct? How does using the “wrong” crimp die effect the completed rounds? Just wondering how badly I screwed up. Thanks so much !
I use this die and have made great custom loads which have put me on the winners podium a few times only stumbled on to them as it was all i could afford but can buy better now but cant see no reason to change have all the set screw locking rings i do use a RCBS bullet setting die but i do use a full length lee die to bump the shoulders back as required .
Rem 700 ADL 1 in 10 twist .243 win. Please recommend a bullet and powder to reload? Thanks What is a for-sure load that ought to shoot good and If it doesn't it's the rifle. Thanks
Great vid I was using Redding full length dies for my 308 but really didn’t like the feel of the expander/ sizer pulling up through the neck so I’ve bought these dies. Question do you still neck turn your cases before using the lee dies?
Hi Vaughn I set my lee neck die up so the press cams over in theory to always get even pressure on the press handle. I was thinking if any change in pressure on the handle would affect neck tension. Any thoughts on that? Thanks
Longshot the theory would hold true about varying pressure on the press handle. That's the only thing I don't like about the Lee press is it's not a cam-over design. That being said, once you get a feel for it, I've been able to get consistent results with MV, SD and ES that tells me the necks are all about the same. If you are using a cam over press, it will make the process easier and potentially more consistent
Reloading 222 remington. Is it normal that with Lee recommandations, my collets aren't enought tightened (bulled comes easily trough it) ? With additionnal screwing the die to the press, my collet is tightened, but not the top, and a flange is formed
Could you drill out the neck portion of a std full length sizing die and use the collet die for you neck sizing? To avoid overworking the brass. I realize you can get a body die and the collet die but things the way they are availability is an issue.
@@vaughnprecision ok thank the lord I didnt want to deal with the hassle of sending back. Plus I wanted to reload some 223 this weekend for the first time. I usually reload 9 and 40.
Just started using a 7 mm Mauser Lee Precision collet die. I'm getting lines in my neck from where they call it has openings to expand and to contract during sizing. I've tried it from one turn in from the call it touching the shell holder, all the way to 1 and 1/2 turns in from touching the collet to the shell holder. I'm getting a very rough neck with 4 lines going vertical, looks like a mess. Have you encountered anything like this?
Todd Carl, that's exactly what I've started doing. I've been testing some different methods to see what approach results in consistent and minimum run-out. Using the Redding body die, and then the collet die works really well. I've also grown fond of the Wilson neck die when I turn the necks. But for no-turn necks, the Collet die is unmatched.
Great video. I have my first set of Lee Ultimate Dies on the way now. Do you have any other recommendations for lubing the collet? I typically disassemble my dies and clean them with bore cleaning solution then ballistol. Would that work to prevent the wearing of the groove?
So I’ve seen so many videos of people saying to stop neck sizing and only full length size. Would neck sizing be an extra step after full length sizing? I’m barely getting into learning about reloading and just trying to understand sizing right now.
No just full length or neck size . What I would do it I was you just full length resize until you get more confident, then try different methods. Stay safe .
Is this the same Lee press that you determined in 12/09/2018 that it was worn-out and the shaft had a lot of play? In the video, you mentioned that it likely caused casings to be "banana'ed" because of the worn-out condition of the press. Just wondering if the RCBS die now works better in your new(er) MEC press, and does the Lee Collet die work just as well as in the Lee press. Thanks. ua-cam.com/video/N1TqUA9Hl98/v-deo.html
I cannot get my Rem 700 ADL .243 to group. What do you recommend? Is it wrong twist? All my other reloads in other calibers group great. Thanks for your help.
I can't get these things figured out, the neck sizer. I just started reloading but started with Redding S Type set with the competition bullet seating die (for .308) and picked it up quickly, easy to set up by following instructions. The Lee neck sizer (6.5) I can't set correctly if I follow the instructions and screw it down until it touches the shell holder then turn it one more turn, it screws up the hornady brass I'm using. It sizes it all wrong and I can't close the bolt on it, I had to turn it about a 1/4 turn to get it right so that the bolt closes on the sized neck but there's no setting to go by or the same feel as Redding. This stuff is mostly by feel and I can't get the proper feel with the Lee die. As soon as the Redding is available for 6.5, I'm picking it up.
Brother your problem on the other neck dies is you need to lose the expander ball pin so when you pull up it sentre itself and it does not banana your nect to one side .Remember you have play on your shoe lots off butt when your expander is tight and you pull up ,the brass has no where to go and pulls,but if it is also loose it wedge itself naturally to the senter ,lube inside neck dry lube or spray and cook.Try and test.
I have the RCBS Rock-Chucker press. I don't know why, but using the Lee collet neck die on my Norma .308 brass, the die won't down-size the necks enough before the press gets tight and I end up popping the threads off the Lee collet die. This is ver frustrating. Any ideas for what I need to do differently to get this to work properly?
Vaughn Precision That'd be great! Thanks! I have some things going on this morning, but I'll knock in your door if I see your truck in your driveway. Have a great time at the range!
This video is pretty old now, what kind of accuracy were you getting with this "rifle specific" neck sizing? Now, in 2022, from what I've seen here on the UA-cams, apparently, the precision rifle community has shifted away from neck sizing and gone almost exclusively to full length sizing.
Got a Press question, I got a Lee turret press for my first press cause I initially was just going to reload for pistol. Do I need to purchase another press. The reason being is the movement in the top turret when you reach the bottom of the stroke. I will be reload for my savage 12 lrp in 6.5 creedmoor.
@@vaughnprecision my intentions are to reload for precision but time will tell I guess. I have dropped enough cash in the last 12 months on most of my gear. I might just get accustomed to reloading for the caliber, get used to using my scope (since I have never used one before) then look to really looking for precision...one step at a time , Even though I WANT TO RUN..lol
I just ordered one to test out, shockingly inexpensive for Redding..! If this works I'll be so happy. I've always wanted to de-prime, Then Bump, then Neck the cases in 3 different steps to see how I could minimally effect the overall consistency of the case. I'll have it here Monday so that will give me a little time to play around with it. I'll do a video on this if it works well, I'm sure there are a ton of people who have never heard of Redding Body Dies (I'm one of those). Thanks for the tip on this!
Awesome. If you use something like the hornady comparator tool, you can take measurements before and after sizing. Then you can control how much you set the shoulder back by screwing the die in or out. I bump mine back between 1 and 2 thousandths.
I am in the process of completely eliminating my RCBS dies. I have had more problems with them then any other. Lee collet die supplements my Hornady die sets. I have over 35 sets of dies and I'm only keeping the RCBS sets that I can't replace easily with that combination, or Redding dies.
What might help with the RCBS die for less run out is setting it up, you run a case up into the die and size the neck. Before you lower the ram, you loosen the large spindle nut. Lower the ram until the expander button is in the middle of the neck. Stop there and then tighten the spindle nut, centering the whole spindle assembly with the button in the neck. This will center the button better and may reduce run out. You do this also with your regular F/L dies when setting them up. I'm also a fan of the Lee collet die with a Redding body die for shoulder bumping when necessary.
Richard Lee was never an idiot. R Lee was never in the business to produce a 'less-than' product. Those who truly have their masters in casting alloys and metal gradings, Richard Lee is one of the best the shooting community ever witnessed. Like you, I've spent alot of money and time with different tool and die makers, and in the end, it all summed up to me reaching for Richard Lee's designs for any and all of my needs. Indeed, the collet design allows alot of competition shooters to adjust the neck tension to any level they so desire...with alot of benchers preferring to have as little tension as possible to hold the bullet center to the bore axis. Many thanks for your upload- so many snobs in our hobby that have not the first clue about casting or machining, geometries and tolerances. For our hobby, the most rewarding business is one who makes the reamer and dies and sold as a set. Appreciate your channel- AlltheBest..Eddy
As an avid Lee collet die fan, I’ve a few tips to add:
1.) You can get a custom turned mandrel for their collet die to make the neck tension exactly what you want.
2.)To set it up for consistency, start loose and keep going until it bottoms out on the bottom of the stroke. (On my Forster, it doesn’t cam over much) If you crush the shoulder, back it off until it doesn’t. The reason I like it that tight is because it actually uniforms the neck thickness this way (find a funky casing, check for yourself)
3.) Take the die apart. Get a Work Sharp knife sharpener. Rotate it around while buffing off the machine ridges on the mandrel shoulder. This will make sense when you take it apart. Work your way through the belt grits until you polish it with Flitz on a used 6000 belt or on a leather stropping belt. Use a dab of moly grease. You will not believe how slick it works after this and how consistent the feel is!
4.) Rotating for a double working is really helpful to uniform the neck, plus, it will push out any thick spots. Again, almost as good as neck turning.
5.) You can make awesome precision semi-auto ammo with the Lee Collet die. I sent my .308 Forster die back to Forster with three used casings. I asked them to make it so that it bumped back the shoulder three thou and had them take the neck away until it didn’t touch the neck. You full length size the brass, then use the .308 Lee Collet die to set the neck. A bit more work for sure, but worth the effort and works the brass a LOT less than any other way!
6.) I really like the Lee. Other dies monkey with the brass so badly. Think about it; other dies squish the hell out if the neck on the down stroke. To see just how bad, take the sizing ball out, press one and measure the poor crushed misshapen neck. Then, after you have this done, the ball gets dragged unsupported in any uniform way back through the neck to stretch it back out! The brass springs and stretches any old way it decides to compared to the uniform crush of the Lee against the mandrel! The proof is in the runout. Worst thing of all, regular dies work the brass far far more than a Lee Collet die. I get a lot more firings from brass with the Lee. I propose that the hardening is as much done by the extra working done by the ball sizing dies than the firing. But I could mistaken.
Ich you Coupe make a Video of #2 and #3, that would be awesome. Greetings
Can I fls on one ie and then use the LCD to uniform my necks?
you are right on about the body only die Redding body die) then neck sizing. I had zero case size increase using this method, as well as very little runnout.
@ Propelled Excellent information , Thanks man. Cheers 🍻
I wish the mandrels could be changed out.
Good presentation. Own all the big the name stuff but I always go back to Lee products. Simplicity is often the best.
Totally agree mate ... great video. For the price lee charge, all equipment, including dies, presses etc etc, are second to none. In my opinion.
Thanks for all the info on the Lee reloading equipment, I went and purchased a kit with the Lee dies for my Tikka super varmint 308. I shot my first ladder test yesterday with the one load taking my grouping at 100 meters to sub half minute. Thanks for saving me a lot of money.
I have noticed that when I use the Lee collet die I run the Case into the die, lower the ram, turn the Case 90 degrees and run it in to the die again. This really produces zero run out and no Case neck trimming. Good video.
John Smith thanks.! Your right, I often spin my cases in the press and it really does take away the runout
Yes that is my understanding, says so on the LEE Collet Neck sizing instruction.
David Australia.
Just saw this mid 2020.I have found the same particularly for my custom .223.Regular full length size RCBS were not doing the job,too much runout .002"-.005" .Next got Redding neck die,which are not cheep and still getting .002"+. Lee collet die gives virtually zero.I am really happy with Lee gear,it works well and is well priced.Good stuff on your channel.PS I use a Rockchucker press.
give RCBS a call, and I'd bet they fix your die or send you a new one. Lee hit a home run with their collet neck size dies as well as their factory crimp dies as well.
Neil Harris I'll be contacting them. I've have super good luck with them over the years so I was shocked to find the RCBS die was the issue.
Vaughn Precision tools wear out over time and sometimes are out of spec from the get go it seems. i like my Lee collet neck sizer in 30-06, but the seat die i had to replace as it consistently was VERY inconsistent with runout and seating variation. overall had great luck with all the brands as well as their Customer Service when needed.
David, very convincing, to the point. Reality is we think there is always something better which means more dollars. Crazy. Thanks so much. Australia.
Time after time Lee brings out exceptionally well engineered products. You can't hold a workpiece more centrally than in a collet, so again Lee Precision brings its manufacturing experience into its products. These are the best on the market at any price. A gift
I have Redding, RCBS, Hornady and Dillon Dies. My Lee dies are my favorite for reloading, but I really like my Dillon dies for my CL650.
Been using the Lee Collet Die now for over a year and am very happy with them.
So happy I bought two more used ones on GunPost for future neck sizing.
One more step but I've never has a loose fitting bullet since.
Typical issue with all these normal neck dies. INDUCED RUNOUT BY THE DIE. Problem comes from tapered cases moving off center when pulling out of die across the expander ball. The lee collet die cures this issue. I've gotten rid of all my expensive Redding dies because of this exact issue. Great video showing the problem that the so called premium dies cause. And, I'll call em by name. Hornady, rcbs, and yea, Redding too. You want concentric necks, buy the Lee collet dies. Good work Vaughn!!!
Mr. Vaughn Nice video on the Lee Collet Die. I have several of them and they really work well. There are two things to remember: don't raise the ram without a case in the shellholder or the collet may stick closed and collapse the next case, and don't use them too many times in back-to-back fashion or you might stick a round in the chamber. Been there, done that, bought that tee shirt.About the RCBS die. I've learned a few things from reading Mic McPherson's book, "METALLIC CARTRIDGE HANDLOADING Pursuit of the Perfect Cartridge". First thing to do is take out the decapping stem and size a case. Check neck runout. If it's zero or close to it, the die is fine and the decapping stem may be bent. Try putting the stem on the Sizemaster to check it for wobble. If everything is ok, put a rubber o-ring under the small nut that secures the stem. This will allow it to find center. However, the tip that has always resulted in improvement for me is to run a case up into the die and hold it there. Now raise (unscrew) the decapping stem all the way up until you feel the button hit the bottom of the neck. Now screw it back down one turn. So adjusted, the case is being supported by the die while the neck is being pulled over the button. Rather than most of the case being out of the die and free to wiggle around when the button is at the bottom. Forster does the same thing basically with its raised expander ball.Or you could just use the Sinclair Expander die to true up all your crooked necks! You have earned yourself a new subscriber. Keep up the good work! BTW, you still sound like Seth Rogen.
I guess I need to listen to my video and then Seth Rogen. I've heard that so many times now! Thanks again!
Mr Vaughn has intelligence and doesnt sound baked ☠
@@ValcoBayrunner what does baked mean?
Excellent video! My guess is that most people hit the Like button at about 7:20 when you have to pause to pull the bullet out. Keep up the great videos.
Lee Collet die will be tried, thanks to your video. The price does allow for rifle specific die configurations. Take care.
I use Lee collet dies for all of my bolt guns. There is no good reason to use a full length die. Not only does it put extra stress on the case, you additionally have to lube them. IMO the Lee Collet dies are the absolute best dies for sizing if you are using bolt guns.
I have a collet die for my 22-250 and it gave me the final edge of repeatable accuracy. I needed. I am getting one of these for all of my calibers now and I do without hesitation recommend them. And they very affordable to boot!
I have one in 308 and using the Lee instructions I induce a flyer to
in the tapered piece the collet petals slide up into. had to sand it back down several thousandths after driving it out with a drift.
I have since gone to using the instructions of FortuneCookie45LC and adjust by feel to just close the collet on the mandrel. Also if you turn the brass about a 1/3 of a turn and redo it you can virtually eliminate the vertical ribs left by the collet in the neck.
I will be replacing mine soon. With the mandrel you only squish the neck down so far. Yes I even kept mine lubed. I only run mine maybe 1/4 turn past touching and now just an easy camover on the press.
I also found when I used the Lee instructions it would cause the case to collapse a bit and no longer fit a go no go gage when used after resizing. on my first barrel which had an extremely tight chamber ( sticky bolt lift - like bang it open tight) would seat in go no go gage for brass under very light pressure. However the non sticky brass once collet resized or the full length resized brass run in the collet using Lee instructions was a tight close and no longer fit. You might check your brass in the regard.
Have not duplicated test in new Shilen barrel in my Savage but the light camover method by FortuneCookie45LC fits great. And no further damage to my die.
Thomas Ewers I've found that I've had to play around with the adjustments, especially to keep the ribs off the neck. I keep the Collet die lubed as well, no wear issues yet after several years of use.
cool design i need to get one, run out in case necks are usually created by expander balls most designs from most manufacturers typically induce run out. competition shooters usually find a way to get away from the normal expander ball. when you have a new die sometimes you get lucky and they make somewhat straight cases for a short while but something gets a little weird and that set up starts making crooked cases. even a good one will go south. looks like lee gives you a way to throw straight cases without the high expense you will typically incur with other non expander ball setups. with all my full length sizing dies i can usually get straight cases with expander assembly removed
I have been using LEE products for years and I am a strong believer that spending more for equipment doesn’t mean your going to get a better product. LEE products cost a heck of a-lot less but the job done.
This comment is in response to this video and the video specific to press runout. What is the OD measurement of the neck sizing shaft in the .308 collet die, if you have one? I am currently annealing brass after each firing. I am using a Redding FL Sizing die with stem removed. Sizing die set to bump shoulders back .002 from fired case on bolt gun. This can be tricky with a FL die. May need to send to Redding for modification or order one thats a tad long. Neck sizing is accomplished with a 21st Century mandrel .002 less than case neck ID as measured on fired brass (.306 on .308 chamber) .Seating with a Forster micrometer seating die, I check neck sizing, neck concentricity, and shoulder bump after sizing. I check concentriciy and COAL (base to ogive) after seating. Check base to tip if rifle requires a magazine. This yields approximately .001 runout. I measure concentricity with the 21st Century Concentricity gauge. I measure COAL and shoulder bump with Hornady or Sinclair comparators on a Mitutyo caliper. Looking at Southern Customs Comparator Kit for future upgrade. A good set of precision pin gauges would be the best way to check neck ID. PS" I use a 21st century Neck Lathe on cases that have more than a thousandth of runout after this process. This corrects most outliers. The neck walls can be meaured with a Mitutyo tube wall micrometer. Warning... they are expensive. Take care. Good video. You may want to try the Wilson Combat extreme lube on that collet.
Thanks I’m just now getting ready to start reloading and I need all help I can get thanks any other videos would help
I have been doing similar testing and have determined that my RCBS dies were also inducing +.004 runout. I just ordered a few sets of these dies for .22-250 and 6.5 CM to test out. THANKS!
Did you get your crimping correct?
Lee also will make you a custom size mandrel for these dies for a few bucks. Thanks for the video
When adjusting the Lee Collet Dies, I try to get the exact tension at the point where the press actually "toggles up"past the top.
It is critical but, once done, you'll never have again to muscle the lever and estimate the pressure you're applying.
You simply put the brass in and go full cycle. Very constant and fast.
I have the Lee dies for 5 pistol rounds and RCBS for 6 rifle rounds, they all work great on my Hornady single press. Love reloading, have fun guys.
I have been using Lee Precision products pretty much exclusively for decades! Great stuff.
Great video sir, thank you!
Just ordered a Lee collet die for the 204 Ruger. Already shoots decent groups. Hoping I can tighten up even more 👍🏻
I've shot sheep, moose, grizzly, caribou, wolf, wolverine, and elk with Lee handloads. Very accurate and affordable. Why pay more?
Say good man, if you need some good help putting some of that good game down with their own reloaded ammo, be more than happy to help. LOL..... :)
Thanks mate, the info really helped me get my die working properly.
Thanks for the video. In Australia Lee has such a bad reputation I will use this video to convince people otherwise. The Lee die set is $80au for the full deluxe set, I spent $120au on just one Redding neck die for my 6.8spc. I did have problems with the lock ring eliminator I ended up cutting of the ring and using as a normal bush. Thanks again 🇦🇺👍
Great video man, like the others of your channel!
I’ve experienced a similar run-out problems with my Redding Type S Neck Die. Then a friend tells me where the problem should be.
I made a wrong setup of the press and die, because the shell holder touched too much the die base. I resolve screwing up a quarter of inch the die, and then, boom, problem solved. Did you have check that the press and RCBS die was properly setted up? Greetings from Italy
Good old Lee collet die: it'll get you from point A to point B and will keep the lunch money in your pocket. It is finicky, I can attest. But once you know how to maintain it and run it? It has cranked out beautiful match-grade ammo for many guys. I use them often and I like many Lee products! Good video sir!
Hey bud, I have done some experimenting with the collet die and have discovered that I can run the cartridge up into the die, lower the ram a little, turn the cartridge about 30 degrees and run it in again and turn the cartridge one more time. Forty eight out of fifty will have zero run out and the rest will have less than.001 run out. Give it a try and Good Reloading To You.
John Smith I’ve actually started doing this. In fact I even thought about showing it in the next couple videos on Creedmoor reloading. It does work to.! I had a bad case and just for the heck of it I spun the case like you had mentioned and I was able to get about .0005 runout when originally it was about .003
FortuneCookie45LC has a video showing this, he rotates the brass 6 times and he ends up with minimal run out.
I was also getting a lot of runout using a RCBS die, FL size though. When I removed the mandrel the runout was down to less than 1\1000" So it was the mandrel that pulled the neck out. Also earlier read that the mandrel often causes the runout. So now when I need to FL size, I just FL size them without the mandrel and use the Lee Collet die to size the neck. I`m now getting a Redding FL body die that does not touch the neck.
you won't have to trim nearly as much or at all with this. Brass lasts longer by far.
How are the lee seating dies. Do they give you a lot if run out?
You did a great job sir. I have now subscribed.
The Hornady LNL AP has a massive drive shaft. Yes it is progressive. Get them new, disassemble them and clean them out thoroughly, just like a new die. Remove the drive hub and inspect and grease it. shaft Internals are greased by pouring some Liquid Purple Gear Lube down the shaft. Add some Lucas Oil Additive to make it sticky. Inspect the polishing level of the the shaft. If not as desired polish it up. Next grease the ram shaft, cranking linkage, etc... with a moly EP grease. Its thick and the moly is low friction on metal to metal surfaces. I have had a couple of presses for a decade now. They still have no play. I put a dab of moly or Wilson Combat Extreme grease on the shell plate bearings and mating surface as well. I use Hornady One Shot dry lube on all top surfaces to avoid dust attraction, powder or tumbler media stickage. You will fill the difference if you use thick Moly Extreme Pressure grease.
Fricken hilarious when you stick your face in front of the camera, let's pause this.
Very informative. Will be getting a Lee Collett for for my 6.5 Creedmoor.
Great information, just ordered 1.
I am pretty new to reloading but I can attest to the fact that the neck expander on the full length resizer really distorts things. I just checked some I had full length resized with the RCBS die and the neck wall thickness varied as much as .005" I neck sized with the Lee collet on another to compare. The Lee was off 1/10th as much, 0005". I really like the Lee stuff. They have some unique ideas and products and are affordable. I wish I had started with Lee in the first place. It is a shame that you have to full length resize but after about 5 firings on the 243 you have to do it or you can't close the bolt without quite a bit of effort. Other cartridges aren't this bad, the 223 cartridges I have have been fired 5 times without anything but neck sizing and they have grown very little in the shoulder.
I tried a Lee collette die on my 300 wsm, but the neck sized case would not fit in my winchester xpr rifle.
I need to order a full length sizer die so my bolt will close easily.
I am wondering what rifle your shooting it in, as I am starting to reload this case
You ran the cartridge twice into the Lee die but only once into the RCBS die. What would the result be if you ran the shell into the RCBS die twice, turning the shell 180 degrees between insertions, as directed in the Lee instructions?
Does Lee not know that certain surfaces need to be polished?
I've grown to hate modifying brand new equipment because the manufacturer failed to do so.
Otherwise, this seems like a great die! Simple, effective, and solid!
Been re-watching a lot of your video since you haven't put much out lately obviously that's the reason with your accident. I also own the LIE call it sizing and also the LIE call it crimping. I have all lead eyes for my basic calibers which don't shoot precision and I have the reading micrometer adjustable dies for my 308 and my 338 Lapua. I use the Lee collet crimping die for the 338 Lapua and I get excellent results with that.
I love the Lee Collet Sizing Die...now! Many years ago when I first tried it I was popping the cap off of the top because of the way Lee instructs you to use it. After finding instructions from more experienced reloaders that had success with the die I now love it. The trick is to set it up to allow the press to cam over during the stroke if your press does that, like a Rock Chucker, or to accomplish the sizing at the end of the stroke if the press doesn't. It doesn't take very much pressure to achieve the little sizing that happens because the mandrel is what sets the inside diameter. A little more time to set the adjustment just right yields very consistent results with very little effort. Check out this information...if you are pressing very hard you are probably pressing too much...if you pop the top off of the die like I did several times in the beginning you are definitely pressing too hard.
J. Valentine benchrest.com/showthread.php?49899-Lee-Collet-Die-Adjustment
Shooters forum... www.shootersforum.com/handloading-equipment/94330-lee-collet-die-setup.html
TH Excellent information brother , thanks .
When setting up a collet die I use my calipers to,measure inside neck diameter. 270 should read .275 inside neck diameter. If you cam over on your press stroke you will distort the shoulder leave ugly marks on your necks and the round will not chamber. Lee collet die is the best out there when set up properly. People get into trouble because they will not read instructions and are not paying attention to details.
hands down Lee Collet Die is the best other than custom dies. Long controversy of setting up the die. The recess in the aluminum cap needs to be deeper. The mandrel will bind on the case web and prevent the collet from completely sizing the neck. Sizing like Lee says may work but not consistently as long as the mandrel and die cap recess are dimensionally correct . Feeling the bullet in the neck or guessing how much pressure on the press handle is really not the right way to do it. A slight cam over to a sweet spot checking OD of the case neck for what ever tension you want weather it's .003 to .001 is up to you.
Thanks. I just ordered on.
Nice run down on this die, but the Lee collet die is OK but not consistent enough for me.
I doubt there's anything wrong with the RCBS die, it just needs setting up properly.
Setting up the RCBS neck sizing or full length sizing die to align the case neck with case body is done by loosening the decap rod, drive the case into the die and when you feel the expander ball enter the case neck as you withdraw the case, hold it there & keep the tension on. While doing this, tighten the decap rod lock nut.
The case is then centred correctly.
Any run out then found, is down to variations of brass thickness at the case neck.
Personally I F/L resize every time now, but pay closer attention to die set up.
Just my opinion.
size the case with the expander ball removed from the RCBS die. then check your run out. on all sizing dies it is the expander ball that is the culprit. it does not matter what brand. that is why then came up with bushing sizer die. also check your run out with a bullet seated and that will give you the correct run out of your round. before the bushing us old timers would size with out the expander ball and then expand the neck with the sinclair neck expander die with the proper size mandrel which is also used to expand your necks before neck turning. i still do it this way and using a co-ax press get 1/2 thou. or less run out. i have lee collet dies for my milsurp calibers rifles and theyhave worked well for me.
Great Video, I'm pretty sure I'll be getting a collet, However I am more curious about the ID of the case. In short, should cases be neck turned so they are uniform going into the collet die?
Thanks for the show and tell, I've just started looking into LCD''s now that I'm reloading 3rd shot brass. I have Lee for my 6.5 CM and started ordering for my other calibers that are RCBS dies and going to start checking my brass concentricity, My bullet concentricity has been really good on first and 2nd fired brass and I think part of that is from the Lee crimp die which I ordered for my 223 and 308 after my 6.5CM looked so good. Glad I found you and thanks again.
Thank for the video I agree I load 9 different rifle calibers and I cannot justify spending lot of money on really expensive die sets for a each caliber. Lee dies are awesome value for the money but in Australia lee products have a bad reputation and I don't know why.
Bad reputation in Canada too. Cheap junk
Have used Lee collet dies for years .
This was an extremely good video sir, well done.
Question?
Do you like to only neck size your brass or do you full length size each time. Thanks.
It’s a mix, I do both.
Does the Lee collet die, also FL sizes the brass? Or is that a 2nd step? Thanks.
No it does not F L resize, that is a different die.
You should put the press hard up against the die and secure the lock ring to ensure they are concentric before processing any cases.
That’s GREAT info! Love your channel. Question for you, I accidentally bought a Lee “rifle” crimping die for my 357 mag pistol but I didn’t realize there was a difference between the rifle and revolver crimp die. I have a few hundred rounds loaded up and crimped with this rifle die. Are they “safe” to shoot? (All other variables assumed safe..). What is the difference between these two other than one is a collet die and the revolver one is a roll crimp if I am correct? How does using the “wrong” crimp die effect the completed rounds? Just wondering how badly I screwed up. Thanks so much !
Tetra gun grease is amazing stuff
I do like the grease.! Use it all the time on my bolt actions
Nicely done. Thank you
I like what you said about you about spending money needlessly. Also how does one get started in bench shooting?
I use this die and have made great custom loads which have put me on the winners podium a few times only stumbled on to them as it was all i could afford but can buy better now but cant see no reason to change have all the set screw locking rings i do use a RCBS bullet setting die but i do use a full length lee die to bump the shoulders back as required .
Rem 700 ADL 1 in 10 twist .243 win. Please recommend a bullet and powder to reload? Thanks
What is a for-sure load that ought to shoot good and If it doesn't it's the rifle. Thanks
Great vid I was using Redding full length dies for my 308 but really didn’t like the feel of the expander/ sizer pulling up through the neck so I’ve bought these dies. Question do you still neck turn your cases before using the lee dies?
Hi Vaughn I set my lee neck die up so the press cams over in theory to always get even pressure on the press handle. I was thinking if any change in pressure on the handle would affect neck tension. Any thoughts on that? Thanks
Longshot the theory would hold true about varying pressure on the press handle. That's the only thing I don't like about the Lee press is it's not a cam-over design. That being said, once you get a feel for it, I've been able to get consistent results with MV, SD and ES that tells me the necks are all about the same. If you are using a cam over press, it will make the process easier and potentially more consistent
Reloading 222 remington. Is it normal that with Lee recommandations, my collets aren't enought tightened (bulled comes easily trough it) ?
With additionnal screwing the die to the press, my collet is tightened, but not the top, and a flange is formed
Could you drill out the neck portion of a std full length sizing die and use the collet die for you neck sizing? To avoid overworking the brass. I realize you can get a body die and the collet die but things the way they are availability is an issue.
Does the lee decapper rod wiggle a little big? I just got a set and mine does, just wondering if it was normal?
Tom Stevens it does have a little wiggle to it. This allows it to guide through the flash hole without breaking the pin
@@vaughnprecision ok thank the lord I didnt want to deal with the hassle of sending back. Plus I wanted to reload some 223 this weekend for the first time. I usually reload 9 and 40.
Just started using a 7 mm Mauser Lee Precision collet die. I'm getting lines in my neck from where they call it has openings to expand and to contract during sizing. I've tried it from one turn in from the call it touching the shell holder, all the way to 1 and 1/2 turns in from touching the collet to the shell holder. I'm getting a very rough neck with 4 lines going vertical, looks like a mess. Have you encountered anything like this?
great vid just setting my press up and it was very helpful as it was second hand and didnt come with any instructions.
I've been debating going to a Redding body die and the Lee collet die. Is it just a matter of one extra step in the sizing process?
Todd Carl basically its an added step. But it give you a little more control and works the brass less.
Todd Carl, that's exactly what I've started doing. I've been testing some different methods to see what approach results in consistent and minimum run-out. Using the Redding body die, and then the collet die works really well. I've also grown fond of the Wilson neck die when I turn the necks. But for no-turn necks, the Collet die is unmatched.
Great video. I have my first set of Lee Ultimate Dies on the way now. Do you have any other recommendations for lubing the collet? I typically disassemble my dies and clean them with bore cleaning solution then ballistol. Would that work to prevent the wearing of the groove?
Nice job....really
So I’ve seen so many videos of people saying to stop neck sizing and only full length size. Would neck sizing be an extra step after full length sizing? I’m barely getting into learning about reloading and just trying to understand sizing right now.
No just full length or neck size .
What I would do it I was you just full length resize until you get more confident, then try different methods.
Stay safe .
Can you recommend a good runout gauge? Do your other RCBS dies have
the same issue. Did you discover the problem with the die?
What do you do to compensate for brass thickness using the the lee collet die Brass thickness can vary in the same batch of brass.
Could you use the Lee die to reload for semi auto even though Lee suggest not ?
I wouldn’t recommend it, you’ll have feeding/chambering issues and it won’t be reliable.
Thanks
Maybe that Lee bushing, when used with the RCBS die, causes the problem. Just a thought.
Might help if you secured the lock ring on the RCBS, the die moves a bit until secured with the lock ring.
Very interesting. I will test this and see how it turns out.
Is this the same Lee press that you determined in 12/09/2018 that it was worn-out and the shaft had a lot of play? In the video, you mentioned that it likely caused casings to be "banana'ed" because of the worn-out condition of the press. Just wondering if the RCBS die now works better in your new(er) MEC press, and does the Lee Collet die work just as well as in the Lee press. Thanks.
ua-cam.com/video/N1TqUA9Hl98/v-deo.html
I cannot get my Rem 700 ADL .243 to group. What do you recommend? Is it wrong twist? All my other reloads in other calibers group great. Thanks for your help.
Jose Canisales that’s an impossible question. I don’t know what the twist rate is or what your shooting and how fast..?
Not enough lubricant on the inside of your case neck is causing the brass to pull of center on the return stroke it took me a while to figure out too
I can't get these things figured out, the neck sizer. I just started reloading but started with Redding S Type set with the competition bullet seating die (for .308) and picked it up quickly, easy to set up by following instructions. The Lee neck sizer (6.5) I can't set correctly if I follow the instructions and screw it down until it touches the shell holder then turn it one more turn, it screws up the hornady brass I'm using. It sizes it all wrong and I can't close the bolt on it, I had to turn it about a 1/4 turn to get it right so that the bolt closes on the sized neck but there's no setting to go by or the same feel as Redding. This stuff is mostly by feel and I can't get the proper feel with the Lee die. As soon as the Redding is available for 6.5, I'm picking it up.
Can you tell me what’s the mounting plate setup you use to get your press on the bench Thanks
I found the RCBS neck sizing die poor too, groups are way better with a Hornady or Lee die for me.
Pointofimpact TV I've been very happy with Lee
what powder works best in your 243 and bullet?
Brother your problem on the other neck dies is you need to lose the expander ball pin so when you pull up it sentre itself and it does not banana your nect to one side .Remember you have play on your shoe lots off butt when your expander is tight and you pull up ,the brass has no where to go and pulls,but if it is also loose it wedge itself naturally to the senter ,lube inside neck dry lube or spray and cook.Try and test.
I have the RCBS Rock-Chucker press. I don't know why, but using the Lee collet neck die on my Norma .308 brass, the die won't down-size the necks enough before the press gets tight and I end up popping the threads off the Lee collet die. This is ver frustrating. Any ideas for what I need to do differently to get this to work properly?
Hans Shaffer I'll come take a look when I get back from the range if you'll be around.?
Vaughn Precision That'd be great! Thanks! I have some things going on this morning, but I'll knock in your door if I see your truck in your driveway. Have a great time at the range!
Is there anyway to bump a shoulder back a little with the lee 4 set dies
This video is pretty old now, what kind of accuracy were you getting with this "rifle specific" neck sizing? Now, in 2022, from what I've seen here on the UA-cams, apparently, the precision rifle community has shifted away from neck sizing and gone almost exclusively to full length sizing.
Depends on what type of shooting I’m doing, but I still neck size
Got a Press question, I got a Lee turret press for my first press cause I initially was just going to reload for pistol. Do I need to purchase another press. The reason being is the movement in the top turret when you reach the bottom of the stroke.
I will be reload for my savage 12 lrp in 6.5 creedmoor.
larry k webb it depends. If you really want to reload Precision ammo I would recommend a MEC Marksman.
@@vaughnprecision my intentions are to reload for precision but time will tell I guess. I have dropped enough cash in the last 12 months on most of my gear. I might just get accustomed to reloading for the caliber, get used to using my scope (since I have never used one before) then look to really looking for precision...one step at a time , Even though I WANT TO RUN..lol
Great dies. I use them with my 260 and 243. I use a redding body die (~$35) to bump the shoulders back when needed.
I'll be looking in to another brand of dies for shoulder bumping, perhaps a Redding would be an option.
It's a surprisingly cheap option. The die doesn't touch the neck at all, just bumps the shoulder back making it a perfect match for the LCD.
I just ordered one to test out, shockingly inexpensive for Redding..! If this works I'll be so happy. I've always wanted to de-prime, Then Bump, then Neck the cases in 3 different steps to see how I could minimally effect the overall consistency of the case. I'll have it here Monday so that will give me a little time to play around with it. I'll do a video on this if it works well, I'm sure there are a ton of people who have never heard of Redding Body Dies (I'm one of those). Thanks for the tip on this!
Awesome. If you use something like the hornady comparator tool, you can take measurements before and after sizing. Then you can control how much you set the shoulder back by screwing the die in or out. I bump mine back between 1 and 2 thousandths.
Good stuff 🇺🇸
Is this .243 lee collect die, a neck sizer only
I am in the process of completely eliminating my RCBS dies. I have had more problems with them then any other. Lee collet die supplements my Hornady die sets. I have over 35 sets of dies and I'm only keeping the RCBS sets that I can't replace easily with that combination, or Redding dies.
Shipster40 I've got so many brands of dies, but I seem to get the best performance out of the cheaper Lee than any other dies I own.
What might help with the RCBS die for less run out is setting it up, you run a case up into the die and size the neck. Before you lower the ram, you loosen the large spindle nut. Lower the ram until the expander button is in the middle of the neck. Stop there and then tighten the spindle nut, centering the whole spindle assembly with the button in the neck. This will center the button better and may reduce run out. You do this also with your regular F/L dies when setting them up.
I'm also a fan of the Lee collet die with a Redding body die for shoulder bumping when necessary.