Bought my stuff!!!!!

[Adam3006]

I went today and bought my stuff to start reloading. I bought the following:

Lee Challenger breech lock kit
Lyman 1200 tumbler and media
RCBS case lube kit
Calipers
Lee Pacesetter dies in 30-06 and 308 win
loading block
primers, powder, and bullets
I've already got brass
I've also got several manuals


I have been doing a ton of reading on the net and in the books. I think I have hit information overload. I know it's alot to ask and I sound like a dummy but can someone tell me what each of those pacesetter dies is actually doing to the case? Are these dies full length sizing or just neck sizing? I will only be loading bottleneck casings for bolt guns, so do I need all 3 dies or can I just use the sizing and seating die and not worry about the factory crimp die? I am not looking to shoot 1000 yards, just normal hunting ranges(50-300 yards). Besides a bullet puller, can anyone think of anything else I need?

Thanks again,

Adam3006

 

[dmazur]

From a Midway ad -

"Each Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set includes the exclusive Lee Factory Crimp Die, Full Length Sizer Die and Bullet Seater Die."

There are several threads that discuss the merits of the Factory Crimp Die, which is a different design for pistol vs. bottleneck rifle cases. If you read about this die, I'd make sure you're reading about the one for rifle.

The full length sizer die is fairly standard, I understand. If you use it as the instructions say, it will full-length resize. This type of die can be used to partial-full length resize, or even neck size, depending on how it is adjusted. However, it is not a true neck sizing die which uses bushings. Basically, the purpose of the full-length resizing die is to restore fired brass to factory dimensions. First the expander button expands the case neck as it passes, then the die resizes the body of the case and the neck. The neck is resized to a consistent OD, but the ID may vary depending on case wall thickness at the neck. So, the expander button expands the neck to the correct ID (required for bullet seating) on its way out. This is independent of case wall thickness.

The bullet seating die just seats a bullet at a repeatable depth in the case, if the seating stem is adjusted low enough to keep the die's crimp shoulder clear of the case mouth. For most bolt-action reloading, there is sufficient neck tension that further crimping is not necessary.

The reloading manuals explain this in much more detail, but I believe the above to be a summary of what the resizing / seating die do.

 

[cemjr]

I did't see scale or is it part of kit?

 

[rfwobbly]

Adam -
In a bolt action, once the brass has been fired in your gun, you can use a collet die to save a lot of wear on your brass. Most rifle die sets are 2 dies. Lee ships the collet die with some 3 die sets. You might want to investigate which 3rd die you have.

 

[Puddin99]

length trimmer
de-burrer/champfer
primer pocket cleaner

 

[ROCKFISH]

Pacesetter dies

The set consists of 3 dies. The full length sizer, will remove the primer and restore the shell to factory specs, suitable for any rifle. The bullet seating die will seat your bullet, and can if you like install a crimp if there is a crimp groove.
The factory crimp die will install a factory crimp in any bullet and is recommended for auto-loaders, pumps, levers and any hunting ammo.
The collet neck sizer die, will provide greater accuracy and prolong case life, but is not recommended for hunting ammo.

Disclaimer: although I am new to reloading, I have recently completed reading "Modern Reloading" 2nd edition by Richard Lee. I believe I have correctly understood this information. If I am mistaken please correct me, but be gentle.

 

[ROCKFISH]

You will also need a caliber specific case trimmer. About 6 bucks from cabelas.

 

[hvychev77]

lots of good info. on here rockfish. a good beam scale is an absolute necessity. i would suggest getting the rcbs 505. I had the lee scale and it didn't work out so well for me. you'll need some good calipers as mentioned before, as well as some small case prep tools. I got a ton of mine from amazon.com and my scale from ebay at a really good price. the modern reloading manual is full of good info. and will give you help you need to understand what each die does. i have loaded for 300 win mag with the lee dies, and have used the collet neck sizing die. i'm to the point now that i'm going to have to full length size some brass. that in itself is a discussion on how it effects accuracy, the benefit of neck sizing is the life of your brass, which ain't cheap. anyways, post your questions on the forum here. i've gotten tons, and i mean tons of good help. plus these folks will tell you the equipment that's good and what to stay away from. let us know when you pull the trigger the first time!!! that's when the fun really gets hot!!! cheers, hvychev77

 

[BYJO4]

Hope you enjoy your new hobby. Take your time while learning.