Factory crimp or collet die set for .303?

[Paatz]

Lee has the Pacesetter dies with the adjustable factory crimp die, and the Deluxe set with the collet die.
Not sure which set to get. They'll be making ammo for my ERA P14.
Which would you buy and why?

 

[hk33ka1]

I usually end up with ALL the dies for the calibres I like the most. You will likely find more use for a neck sizing die (collet) than a crimp die for your 303 British, but others may feel different. I don't think the crimp will really be needed, but neck sizing will likely have a good effect on brass life with the typical Enfield chamber/headspace.

 

[Paatz]

Would it make any difference whether using cast or jacketed bullets?

 

[RossArms]

if its a budget issue grab the collet die, .303s are VERY hard on brass if you FL size all the time

 

[hk33ka1]

If I was to crimp my cast boolits I might use a FCD or a normal seating dies roll crimp. The neck sizing die can be used with either, but you will likely find you need an expanding or flaring die to get the cast boolit started into the case with shaving lead off it.

 

[Paatz]

I probably won't be doing any casting for a while.
I'll probably use Hornady bullets which have the cannelure, so I guess I'll go with the Pacesetter set for now, then get the collet die later.

 

[LUTNIT]

Lee does make a very functional and cheap universal case neck expanding die. It comes with two mandrels to expand I believe .22 to .35 and .35 to .50 case necks. I can't imagine loading cast bullets without it now and it's a one time purchase for nearly all calibres.

Unfortunately I find it difficult to use a roll crimp once flared like this so a factory crimp die is the best bet. If the flare is even a hairs breadth past a certain point the roll crimp will just crush the shoulder. With a factory crimp die it is far less picky. Personally I would get both neck sizer and factory crimp dies if loading cast bullets. If loading jacketed bullets the factory crimp die isn't totally necessary but is still nice.

 

[SKScanuck]

You can buy the Collett die set and then the crimp die separately...

The Collett die is easier on the brass and better for accuracy.

 

[CaptainW]

x 2

 

[Paatz]

Ok then, the collet set it will be, thanks!

 

[enefgee]

Yup, get the collet die set first, you get pretty good neck tension without crimping, I don't have any issues loading from the magazine with any of my Enfields. Remember, with bolt guns, crimp if necessary but, not necessarily crimp.