I picked up a lee reloader kit to load hunting loads for my k31 turns out the local shop cant seem to get the dies for it. Looking online to order some but now im lost as to what i need 3 die set, 2 die? lee collet dies? Sorry if its a dumb question just getting into reloading and kinda overwhelmed
Help a beginner out
- Thread starter websterp
- Start date
Get yourself a 3 die set.
#1- full length size and decapping
This die is to (when set correctly) reshape the brass to factory dimensions, and pop the spent primer out.
#2- crimping die. Crimps the case neck to the bullet.
* crimping is optional.
#3- seating die. It pushes, or seats the new bullet, in to the brass.
Where to find; I can't help. Try the sponsors.
This is a brief run down, refer to your loading manual for more in-depth info.
Good luck.
#1- full length size and decapping
This die is to (when set correctly) reshape the brass to factory dimensions, and pop the spent primer out.
#2- crimping die. Crimps the case neck to the bullet.
* crimping is optional.
#3- seating die. It pushes, or seats the new bullet, in to the brass.
Where to find; I can't help. Try the sponsors.
This is a brief run down, refer to your loading manual for more in-depth info.
Good luck.
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Trade ex canada ..one of the sponsors has em.
your welcome...
also they have brass too
I bought the Lee Deluxe 4-piece die set, which includes everything 9x19p stated in post #5 as well as the collet die. The difference is (to my interpretation) that the full length sizing die sizes the whole case whereas the collet (or neck sizing) die only resizes the neck and bumps the shoulder, the rest of the case remains fire formed to your chamber. The advantage of this is you work the brass much less, which prevents it from work hardening and becoming brittle. This extends the life of the brass, and if you anneal the neck properly you can get even more life from each case.
the reloading vets can correct me if I've explained this wrong
FF
the reloading vets can correct me if I've explained this wrong
FF
Hi. Read your manual from cover to cover. Explains a lot. There are no dumb questions.
Your local shop isn't trying hard enough. 7.5 x 55 isn't exactly common but it is moreso than it used to be. Epp's will likely have dies and they'll ship.
Assuming your Lee kit isn't a Classic(that's the hammer powered one), any make/brand die set will work, but I suggest you make sure it has a Full Length resizer. I think straight pulls need FL resizing. It's not a big deal. The set will likely come with it.
You also need to know that the 7.5mm uses a .308" bullet(.308" doesn't mathematically convert to 7.62mm either). I'd use a 165 grain hunting bullet. Which brand doesn't matter much. A 165 will kill any game you care you hunt without having excessive felt recoil. Military ammo used a 175 grain bullet. Berdan primed, so you can't easily reload it.
Your local shop isn't trying hard enough. 7.5 x 55 isn't exactly common but it is moreso than it used to be. Epp's will likely have dies and they'll ship.
Assuming your Lee kit isn't a Classic(that's the hammer powered one), any make/brand die set will work, but I suggest you make sure it has a Full Length resizer. I think straight pulls need FL resizing. It's not a big deal. The set will likely come with it.
You also need to know that the 7.5mm uses a .308" bullet(.308" doesn't mathematically convert to 7.62mm either). I'd use a 165 grain hunting bullet. Which brand doesn't matter much. A 165 will kill any game you care you hunt without having excessive felt recoil. Military ammo used a 175 grain bullet. Berdan primed, so you can't easily reload it.
I bought the Lee Deluxe 4-piece die set, which includes everything 9x19p stated in post #5 as well as the collet die. The difference is (to my interpretation) that the full length sizing die sizes the whole case whereas the collet (or neck sizing) die only resizes the neck and bumps the shoulder, the rest of the case remains fire formed to your chamber. The advantage of this is you work the brass much less, which prevents it from work hardening and becoming brittle. This extends the life of the brass, and if you anneal the neck properly you can get even more life from each case.
the reloading vets can correct me if I've explained this wrong
FF
The collet dies only necksize, no bumping of the shoulder. I am planning to start reloading 303 brit soon, and planned to only get the two-die set - collet and bullet seater. I was told I should also get the FL sizing die because after a few uses the shoulders will need to be bumped back as they will start to get hard to chamber/close the bolt on.
Being that you are using it in a bolt-action rifle, you probably dont need to factory crimp die, The neck tension should hold the bullet fine. If you were using a lever, pump, or semi then the crimp die would be of use.
If you've got the money, might as well buy the 4 die set (FL sizing, Collet (neck sizes only), Bullet seating die and crimp die) because having the crimp die certainly wont hurt, but if you are trying to save a bit of money then getting the 3-die set (no crimp die) would be another good option.
If you are hard up for cash, you could get away with a collet 2-die set (collet and seating die) now and get a FL die down the road, after you've used your brass a few times. Or skip the FL die and toss the brass if it gets to the point you can't chamber it anymore.
edit - I know nothing of the specifics of reloading for a k31, can anyone who knows verify whether FL sizing is needed for straight pull rifles?
