I'm a big fan of neck-only sizing, and a lube-less experience is an attractive proposition. I've tried a set of collet dies in 22-250, and they seem to work well; however, I've heard stories of the dies failing after a few hundred loads. Specifically, the collet loses spring, and stops opening up. Does anyone here regularly use collet dies and have any experiences to share?
Lee collet dies
- Thread starter prosper
- Start date
A long thread on them showed up at AR,about only two hints came out of it,one was clean/polish and the other was you may need to screw them in more than the instuctions say. I goofed and didn't get one of the cases all the way in the shellholder,I guess, and stripped the threas on the aluninum cap.Higginson sells them,with the next order I got one.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Use them lots and love them. They are very durable and can be used to adapt to size wildcats.
great dies.
Jerry
great dies.
Jerry
If the collet is not oppening up the collet slip surface is probably galled this can be prevented by lubricating said suface, wich is easily done by unscewing the cap & taking out the mandrel then the next piece (dont know what it's calledprosper said:
) but that will expose the slip surface do not overlube or you will be wiping it off the next few cases. also if the collet does not open you will know it right away ase the next casing will crumple when run throught the die. The tip about screwing in the die further than the instructions recommend is a good one, if you have a press that cams over and you can get it to cam over screw it in until it wont this save wear on the die. Also the top of the shell holder is what functions the collet so bottoming out is gradual you should not need more than about 30-40lb on the press lever. And with all this in mind collet dies are my preffered die where appropriate, it sure beats lubing and it makes accurate ammo.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Never used the Lee collet dies. I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer...
If you buy new brass, do you need to F/L size them before using these dies? Also, will they be ok to use in a single shot rifle? Not the camming action of a bolt.
If you buy new brass, do you need to F/L size them before using these dies? Also, will they be ok to use in a single shot rifle? Not the camming action of a bolt.
The way you get new brass,the answer is yes. Brass has only so much spring in it,it comes a time even for bolt actions where the brass has to go through a resizing,the necks don't hold.This will vary with brands,a lot with Winchester,a few with Norma. I use a Lee's factory crimp,so my neck tension remains fairly constant.
shotgunjoe
CGN Regular
- Location
- winnipeg mb
I've been using collet dies since they were first available in canada.After 1000 rounds through the .308 die I finally had a problem( two days before a match) I disassembled , filed lightly where a bulge showed on the outside of the forcing cone,polished reassembled and it works fine now.I also have other calibers no problems.
Keep 'em clean you'll love 'em. I had a #1 in 7 remmag and no problem chambering fireformed collet sized rounds. Buy the deluxe collet set that also has the FL die as you will have to full length size your brass once it gets tight.
- Location
- New Brunswick
I've been using them foe years in my .223, .22-250, 270, .303, and .308 without a problem. I highly recommend them for any bolt action rifle.
- Location
- New Brunswick
I've been using them foe years in my .223, .22-250, 270, .303, and .308 without a problem. I highly recommend them for any bolt action rifle.
The collet closing system does have to be kept clean and lubricated. You will feel the difference as this becomes necessary. As a convenience, I use a dab of sizing lube when necessary. In my experience, a Lee collet die can be used to produce very accurate ammunition, and it is convenient not to have to use case lube when sizing.
:beerchug: I am another fan of the Lee CD. I have them for .223, .243, 6.5X55, 7 BR, 7-08, and .308. I have loaded probably 15,000 of the 7 BRs, .223, and 308s and are still going strong. The only thing, once in a while, the springs stick in the wedge, and have to be cleaned and re-lubed. I use 'Bullet Slick' for that.
Another tip is get an undersized decapping rod, then you can size with less pressure on the press.
Another tip is get an undersized decapping rod, then you can size with less pressure on the press.
