Quick question re: dies

762mm

762mm

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Hey all,

I just received my first .38 spl die kit (made by Lee) from someone in the EE forums, but have learned that the kit does not have everything and that I still need something called a case holder. I have a vague idea of what it is (holds the case to the bottom rod of the press), but I thought that the bottom rod on my "Lee 50th anniversary single stage press" was such a case holder itself... as it looks similar to the pics I've seen of actual case holders. I was wondering where to get one of these things, preferably Lee brand...

Here's what I believe I'm looking for.. Lists new at $22 USD in the States. Any ideas on where to get it up here? (I want to reload 9mm & .38spl for now, but I'm keeping my options open for larger stuff in the future)

LEE90197.jpg



Also, my die kit came with one of the three dies marked "sizer", but it's completely hollow inside (basically, there's no screw-in attachment like in the other two: the "crimp seater" die & the "No. 3" die). Is that normal?


P.S. I know, I know... First and foremost I need a reloading manual and lots of reading. I am getting one (or two) soon, but I want to have all the equipment ready before I start reading up on it, so that I can practice as I learn... without powder, at first! :p
 
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These kits of shell holders are available fron cabela's (SIR)....Part # 742210....I suggest also that if you are using a hand primer, you pick up the kit of auto prime holders also.....part # 742212. They contain literally all the holders you may require for reloading most calibers.
 
Anyone that buys the complete Lee Reloading kit has that package of shell holders, and the priming tool equivalent. You should be able to buy them individually, or the packages, from Higginsons.
 
Also, my die kit came with one of the three dies marked "sizer", but it's completely hollow inside (basically, there's no screw-in attachment like in the other two: the "crimp seater" die & the "No. 3" die). Is that normal?
Click to expand...

The sizing die is used to reduce the size of the fired case back to specs so that it can be reloaded. Another step that has to occur is that the old primer is removed with a decapping pin that protrudes from the bottom of the die. It goes into the case & pushes out the old primer.

Some dies decap on the first die & some decap on the second. As long as you have one or the other, that's ok.
Hopefully you have carbide dies otherwise you will have to lube each case before you resize it.

Buy at least one good reloading manual. Read it well before reloading your first round.

Good Luck.
 
Your Lee sizer die(if it's carbide, you'll see a separate ring inside the bottom of the die and should be stamped carbide around top, means no lubrication required), and should be taper threaded at top to accept a collet and decapping rod(check leeprecision catalogue website for pictures). Read FIRST, buy and use second. good luck
 
Thanks guys, your input is much appreciated!

My Lee kit did not come with shell holders, despite being advertised as having everything needed. It does have two plastic "auto-prime" plastic disks with attachments though. I'll start reading first before trying to figure it all out though... Thanks!
 
One is for large primers and one is for small primers. Buy Lee's reloading manual first as it will explain all the equipment you have best.
 
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