[_N4Z_]

Anybody here use a collet die for neck sizing of 7.62x54r brass?

I've been reloading this caliber for my M39's and recently discovered that many benchresters recommend collet dies, over the types that use expander balls.

Supposedly they make brass last longer, and are better in concern with improving accuracy of handloads.

None of the big names in reloading dies seem to have any x54 collet dies on the shelf. Looks like Lee can possibly "make" me one if I jump thru the right hoops.

:confused:Anybody here have any additional information:confused:

[SCPigpen]

I use the neck sizer for .303 on my 54R brass. Works good so far.

[10 Spot Terminator]

I use the Lee neck sizer die on most of the calibres that I load for . The unique thing that nobody seems to talk about on the Lee die vs. other neck sizing dies is that you have the ability to adjust the neck tension on the bullets . This is wonderful for benchrest and target rifles as tou can set the tension on the lighter side ( if desired ) and set the bullets a couple of thousandths long and actually let the closing of the bolt seat the bullet touching the lands . This is not a hunting rifle trick and should not be used at all in hunting applications as recoil could allow the bullets in the cartridges stored in the magazine to shift lengths . As for accuracy I have seen definite advantages in testing my loads before and after neck sizing . All of my loads show a more consistant grouping and virtually eliminates "flyers" and overall accuracy has improved between 10 to appx 25 percent overall . This is with standard production rifles of course . Hard to improve on a benchrest rifle that shoot 1/4 in. or smaller groups. The case life will be extended vastly but should note after every 3 or 4 sizings you should anneal the necks on your cases to keep them from becoming brittle and splitting . This is done by taking a good size roaster pan, standing your brass upright in the pan and placing enough cool water to come 2/3 of the way up the side of the case and then take a small propane torch and heat the necks of the cases for several seconds and use something to immeadiately knock them over into the cool water . This may leave a blueish tint on the case necks but that is fine . Boxer primed brass for the Russian is to hard to come by and your money will be well spent by getting the collet die . If you shoot the Russian much the die will pay for itself in no time . Good shooting . ( I have a pre war Model 30/91 and is very accurate ) 10 SPOT

[fireflyfather]

Lee also sells the Lee Classic Loader for this caliber. It neck sizes only. It isn't as fancy as the collet die (no neck tension adjustment), and it's slow as hell, but if you combine it with a set of their standard full length dies, it's perfectly a perfect solution, provided you don't want to do thousands of rounds at a time. (Deprime & size with the plastic mallet and classic loader, then do everything else with the standard dies).

[gandog56]

RCBS makes one, but it's expensive.

[mallc]

wouldn't help my M39s.

Scott

[gandog56]

Why not? They are supposed to be best with bolt action rifles.