Is it worth it to get the Lee Deluxe dies? Its my understanding that they allow you to either full length size or neck size only with a crimp. Have I got that right? Something else I should know? I will need to full length size some of my brass as it was shot in another rifle, but other brass that comes from my bolt action rifle I am hoping I can neck size only. Will these dies be what I want?
Lee Deluxe dies
- Thread starter Grizzlypeg
- Start date
The neck die doesn't mean you crimp with it. Lee's collet die is strictly a neck die, no crimping. The set does come with the full sizer, as well as a shell holder. If you want to neck size, and/or full size this set will do what you want.
Bruiseleee
CGN Regular
- Location
- Too paranoid to say
I think the two die set (rifle) has the sizer and a seating die. The three die set has the sizer, seater and a factory crimp.
I think the rifle deluxe set has the previous three plus the neck sizing die.
Pistol dies are slightly different.
I think the rifle deluxe set has the previous three plus the neck sizing die.
Pistol dies are slightly different.
lineofsight
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lower Mainland, BC
There are two different 3 die sets:
1. regular: bullet seater and roll crimper, full length sizer, factory crimp die.
2. deluxe: collet neck sizing die, full-length sizing die, bullet seating die.
1. regular: bullet seater and roll crimper, full length sizer, factory crimp die.
2. deluxe: collet neck sizing die, full-length sizing die, bullet seating die.
You should go with the set which includes the neck sizing collet die if you are going to fire the same brass in one rifle. This allows you to work the neck only and save your cases. Bullet fit should be firm after using the collet die and there is no crimp. I use a crimp die from a set of RCBS when I need it but seldom, if ever use it. Now, loading in a tubular magazine for hunting will definitely need to be crimped.
Lee deluxe
I have the deluxe die set. New or unknown brass gets full-length resized. Brass fired by me gets neck sized only. All reloads get factory-crimped with the die you have to buy separately. This works very nicely and easily. Full-length resizing I use Lee lube, but no lube for any other process. Occasionally, I find a neck has been opened too much, bullet wants to slide into the case. I can cure this with a light application of the factory crimp die, then seat the bullet, then full factory crimp. (as I have a single station Lee press, this does slow me down a tad).
I have the deluxe die set. New or unknown brass gets full-length resized. Brass fired by me gets neck sized only. All reloads get factory-crimped with the die you have to buy separately. This works very nicely and easily. Full-length resizing I use Lee lube, but no lube for any other process. Occasionally, I find a neck has been opened too much, bullet wants to slide into the case. I can cure this with a light application of the factory crimp die, then seat the bullet, then full factory crimp. (as I have a single station Lee press, this does slow me down a tad).
The collet neck-only sizer is a wonderful die. As mentioned, crimping is not called for unless there is something special going on.
A heavy bullet in a heavy recoiling rifle with a tublular magazine comes to mine - although I do not neck crimp my marlin 444 ammo and have had no problems.
But, if I take it hunting one day, I just might crimp, to make sure nothing goes wrong.
The Lee lube is good stuff. Water soluable, so it cleans off nicely with a paper towel. You need that when you full length size.
A heavy bullet in a heavy recoiling rifle with a tublular magazine comes to mine - although I do not neck crimp my marlin 444 ammo and have had no problems.
But, if I take it hunting one day, I just might crimp, to make sure nothing goes wrong.
The Lee lube is good stuff. Water soluable, so it cleans off nicely with a paper towel. You need that when you full length size.
- Location
- Alberta Free State
This is one of the most useful threads I've seen. I've learned more in 10 posts that I have from weeks of perusing reloading web sites and various manuals. I had the same question as Grizzleypeg, and now I have the answer. 
Thanks to all.
Thanks to all.
I recently bought the Lee dies and I really like them. They are easy to use and the collet die is a real nice piece. Not having to use any lube is a huge plus. I can't comment on Lee's accuracy claims though. I've not noticed a difference.
All loading manuals I have seen recomend full length sizing for hunting ammo ( more dependable chambering when in hunting situations)and neck sizing brass for one gun target rounds( longer case life).OAL of cases is very important.
The LEE Rifle Factory Crimp Die is supposed to insure more consistant round to round pressure in the case upon detonation leading to more consistant accuracy.There may be something to this as at times I notice some bullets seat easier than others during a loading session.
The LEE Rifle Factory Crimp Die is supposed to insure more consistant round to round pressure in the case upon detonation leading to more consistant accuracy.There may be something to this as at times I notice some bullets seat easier than others during a loading session.
