Anyone ever have issues with the Lee bullet seating die?

S

sure as shootin

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The last few times I've loaded rounds for my .308 either with TTSX (hunting rounds) or my practice ammo I can't get consistent seating depth. When I adjust the die to where I want it, the next six bullets I might seat could all have different depths. Several times I have had to partially pull the bullet because they were seated too deep. It's a PITA to keep adjusting the die to get consistency. Is it likely there's something wrong with the die because I didn't seem to have this issue with it when I first started using it. Just wondering if it's a problem that the Lee seating die may have?

My 7-08 Lee seating die has been fine.
 
very simple, lee seater dies dont have lock nut on seating stem adjustment. so it moves as you work.

the lee collet dies are great neck dies but for the rest, in my opinion : anything but lee

once you have adjusted your COL, mark and tape in place. it will help.
 
If this is indeed the problem you can get a new oring for the seating die that will be snug. Lee would likely ship it too you for free.

I just got a bullet comparator and was recently checking my Lee Bullet seating die consistency and was amazed how accurate mine were with Sierra bullets. They were all within 1 thou and mostly the exact same. OAL always varries much more just due to the little varriences in bullet tips.
 
MuthaFunk said:
If this is indeed the problem you can get a new oring for the seating die that will be snug. Lee would likely ship it too you for free.

I just got a bullet comparator and was recently checking my Lee Bullet seating die consistency and was amazed how accurate mine were with Sierra bullets. They were all within 1 thou and mostly the exact same. OAL always varries much more just due to the little varriences in bullet tips.
Click to expand...

:agree: Always measure OAL from the ogive. Hornady offers an excellent comparator at a reasonable price.
 
Lee dies are excellent but I've never been a fan of the o-ring nut. I've swapped out to nuts with a jam screw and have been happy since.
I also agree with the others; get a comparator and measure from the ogive.
 
wasrupzuk said:
Lee dies are excellent but I've never been a fan of the o-ring nut. I've swapped out to nuts with a jam screw and have been happy since.
I also agree with the others; get a comparator and measure from the ogive.
Click to expand...

I have one,,,,I'll test a half a dozen rounds that were all done at the same time without changing the seating dsepth on the die once I set the seating die for the first round and see how they compare. I have checked the TTSX bullets with the comparator before and they all seemed pretty darn consistant at the ogive.
 
OAL will vary with just about any seating die, they seat on the ogive, not on the tip. By re-adjusting your die to get the same OAL, you are affecting the bullet distance to the lands, and seating the bullets deeper/shallower each time, so no consistency with your loads.
Only thing OAL is good for is to make sure the loaded cartridge fits in your mag...
 
Sure as shootin, are you reloading Federal brass by chance?

I had problems with seating depth/amount of force inconsistencies as well. The problem was neck thickness variation of the Federal brass. The problem went away with neck turning and as an extra measure dry lube because I ultrasonic clean. I use the lee seating die as well and now the process is repeatable EVERY time. Variation is less than .001. I had up to .015 variation before. To be honest I am actually quite surprised at how repeatable the seating process is now. I don't know neck turning is a consideration for you situation. Better brass with more consistent neck thickness is likely another solution, knowing what I know now.

+1 on the hornady comparator system. Can't imagine reloading without it.

Of note
- I am sophomore reloader for myself and my son
- reloading for hunting application, no benchrest stuff...yet.
- results of more work with the brass is paying off at the range for us. Yesterday for the second time, we were at .5 moa at 200 yards and we are very proud of this accomplishment

Regards
Ron
 
I actually put a lock nut on my Lee seating die. I realized that the o-ring nut may not give you an exact set on the press when you screw it on every time. I haven't any issues with it at all using a lock nut.
 
Never had a problem with a Lee seater. I have never had a problem with a Forster or Redding Seater either come to think of it.

Keep them clean and use a comparator to measure at the ogive.
I also always seat a bullet, give the case a quarter turn and give another bump with the seater. No idea if I am achieving anything with that last bit but I cannot help myself. lol.
 
Ah, all my Lee seaters have been used with a breech lock bushing and lock nut. I can't imagine using them without a lock nut.
 
Do you have the regular or Dead length seating did? Many presses have so much slop that it would
Be a Miracle if the COLs were consistent. The dead length doesn't crimp
And is adjusted to hit the shell holder plus a quarter turn. Since it bottoms hard, it will take out the slack
So You only have to fight with the bullets and die , notthe press as well.
 
I simply put a dab of "locktite" on the die so that it can't change its position when I am screwing it in. Never had a problem.

Obviously won't work if you have to change the length constantly.
 
If you're going to use the o-ring nut, I recommend putting an index mark using a permanent marker where the ring meets the die as I found the die and ring will shift position every time you screw and unscrew the die into the press. This is why the lock nut is best.
 
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