Lee trimmer doesn't fit after full length resize...

Use some sandpaper to polish the case length gauge down until it slides easily into the case neck. Start with a coarse piece of emory cloth and finish with 400 grit.
 
First check you trimmer gauge. Mine in 8x57 was to thick by a lot. I got another one and if fits fine.

For the price look at getting a second trimmer in the same size. The store should allow you to check the gauge for thickness before you buy.
 
I got out my "trusty" Canadian Tire calipers and measured some of my .308 cases.

One neck sized case mouth is .304

One full length sized case mouth is .298

One fired case is .309

The shaft on the case trimmer is .303

Does this mean that my full length sizing die is too small?

:confused:
 
I'm sure that your sizing die is fine, provided you don't have any trouble seating bullets. You want the neck on a sized case to be smaller than bullet diameter so that it holds the bullet with adequate neck tension.
 
tbrwlf said:
.298 sounds way too small. Have you tried resizing it again?
Click to expand...

I opened up the die and the diameter at the largest part of the shaft is small. I measured a shaft from a .30-06 die and it was .304. The neck sizing die was also .304.

Maybe I got wrong expander in my die set. :(

I think I was able to seat bullets before I started trimming because the brass would stretch when the bullet was seated. Maybe I'll use it as an excuse for my poor shooting. :)
 
Was it a new die set? If not, the previous owner may have ground the expander down to increase neck tension?

.298 is WAY too small for sure... The good part is that you can usually get a new decapping pin/expander ball on the relative cheap down at the local shoot-n-load.

-M
 
Doc M said:
Was it a new die set? If not, the previous owner may have ground the expander down to increase neck tension?

.298 is WAY too small for sure... The good part is that you can usually get a new decapping pin/expander ball on the relative cheap down at the local shoot-n-load.

-M
Click to expand...

Bought it new a couple of years ago. After I started using the trimmer, I found that I would have to use the neck size die in order for the trimmer to fit. Figured it was some mistake I was making somewhere and would figure it out later. Finally had some time to look at it, and here I am...

Does Lee have a place for warranty returns in Canada?
 
Bruiseleee said:
Bought it new a couple of years ago. After I started using the trimmer, I found that I would have to use the neck size die in order for the trimmer to fit. Figured it was some mistake I was making somewhere and would figure it out later. Finally had some time to look at it, and here I am...

Does Lee have a place for warranty returns in Canada?
Click to expand...

I'd bet if you send them a photo of your stem with the calipers on it, and if it's not in beat-up shape, they'll send you a new one for free.

Write to them at the email listed on the Lee Precision web page, and see what they say. I had a defect with my Loadmaster way back when, whereby the package shipped without the expanding insert for the powder die - I machined one up on the lathe, but I wrote them anyway... even though it was shipped from a distributor in the US (i.e. the original kit didn't come direct from Lee, and it could have been the distributor's mistake) they sent me a new one free of charge.

Couldn't hurt to ask 'em nicely what they think should be done about the out-of-spec part? :)

-M
 
Bruiseleee said:
True, but...

me = cheap

:redface:
Click to expand...

Cheap?? sandpaper or emery cloth too expensive for ya lol I am sure you have some laying around somewhere. If you need it now or soon, I think sanding it is the way to go. If you do not need it for a few weeks, my bet is Lee will send you a new one.

Just for fun I am going to email Lee, and see what they say. I use a lath trimmer now, so I do not use my Lee one, but it will be interesting to see how Lee handles little problems like this.
 
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