Lee collet neck die question
- Thread starter dfraser
- Start date
Munkey1973
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Regina, SK
I wouldn't advise it. I believe they work by compressing the collet on mandrel when the bottom of the collet comes into contact with the shell holder (or shell plate).
Since a 30-06 is clearly longer than a 308, the case's shoulder will come into contact with collet instead.
I've have never tried it, but I think it would have bad news written all over it.
Since a 30-06 is clearly longer than a 308, the case's shoulder will come into contact with collet instead.
I've have never tried it, but I think it would have bad news written all over it.
Last edited:
- Location
- Western Manitoba
I managed to get a 9.3 x 62 FCD apart into the two main pieces. I bought a holder that will accept a dremel tool into tool post holder on my lathe. I intend to shorten the outer case (does not appear as critical), then to shorten the inner crimping part to work with 9.3x57 - which are not offered by Lee. Was going pretty much in circles because I could not find dimensions for original 9.3x57 chamber or cartridge. I had set it aside for a while - about ready to try to come up with a dimension again. As mentioned - is a "one way street" - once cut, will not work with original case, again, unless you turn a spacer to take up what you cut off, plus the kerf. I do believe that the same sequence occurs with the Lee collet dies, that you are asking about. If you have to pay someone to do that figuring and that work, then likely MUCH cheaper to buy what you need. My impression was that the die body and / or the collet body is hardened spring steel - I did not think that it could be cut with a hack saw - let alone accurately cut that way. I do not know, but I would think a Lee collet sizing die for 308 Win has to be pretty much readily available?
I recall using the open end of a smaller combination wrench that worked. IIRC, I held the wrench on the shell holder, and it cleared the shell but mated with the bottom of the collet die to “increase” the length of the shell I wanted to size.
Go ahead and laugh.
Go ahead and laugh.
Burton Urnie
Regular
- Location
- Near Woodstock New Brunswick
You can Jimmy rig a 308win Lee collet die to neck size a longer case, but not shorter.
I use my 308w (7.62x51mm) to Lee collet die to neck size my 7.5x55mm. You need to use flat washers that just fit over the brass and lay, resting on top of the shell holder. The flat washers you use would need to be approximately 12 mm thick combined. (Which may be a stretch compared to the 55mm length I do) This will activate the collet sooner on a shorter case.
Since the 30-06 is 63mm vs the 308w at 51mm.
However, it's just easier to buy the proper gear.
I do this since Lee doesn't make a collet die for the 7.5x55mm.
I use my 308w (7.62x51mm) to Lee collet die to neck size my 7.5x55mm. You need to use flat washers that just fit over the brass and lay, resting on top of the shell holder. The flat washers you use would need to be approximately 12 mm thick combined. (Which may be a stretch compared to the 55mm length I do) This will activate the collet sooner on a shorter case.
Since the 30-06 is 63mm vs the 308w at 51mm.
However, it's just easier to buy the proper gear.
I do this since Lee doesn't make a collet die for the 7.5x55mm.
Last edited:
- Location
- Western Manitoba
kjohn - What you did was what I meant about making a spacer after cutting it shorter. Can run into issue if there is a lot of difference in neck length between original and "new" case - for sure with the Factory Crimp Die - I presume same thing would happen with the Collet Neck Sizing Die?
