Decapping die?

[oldfart]

I've tried to read through al the ads from RCBS, Lee, Redding, etc., and they all tend to try to tell me that their dies will do anything better than anybody elses. Obviously, I can't trust them, so I'm asking for help.

Right now I'm using a turret press and regular full-length sizing dies for my .308. I want to neck-size only. So do I need to get a decapping die (that won't resize the case) and then something like the Lee collet neck-sizer or do I need something else too?

 

[Archie]

Universal decapping die.

Most everyone makes one, I like the Lee because they are simple and cheap.

Follow that with a Lee Collet Die and seat a bullet. (Okay, prime and charge powder in there somewhere.)

That's how I load for my .308 and .22-250, both precision rifles.

 

[swifter]

You don't need anything else. The Lee Collet neck die will also decap, as will most neck dies. Clean the primer junk off after a loading session, its abrasive.
The only advantage a bushing die has over a collet is that, to change neck tension, you simply change bushings. The advantage they share is that neither use an expander ball, which tends to jerk the neck out of alignment with the case body. The Lee also costs around $20, and is a bargain. I think you'll like it. Best die Lee makes.

Tom

 

[SASS#23149]

Swifter
the current price on lee collet dies is thirty five bucks,not twenty.
I was going to get one for my 30-30 stuff,but i shoot it so seldom I can't decide wheteher I need it that bad.Hmmmm. Maybe if it made reloading eaier I 'd shoot it more??
Guess I"d better get one!!

 

[SASS#23149]

oldfart,got a die for y a!!

just noticed your from my area.
I have a neck size die for .30 caliber,but have since found out that it isn't for 30-30.....the bullet fits too loose.
It's a Hornady die and has a decap pin.If you're anywhere near scappoose it's for your for ten bucks.If you want to bring a few brass and bullets and we can make a dummy round or three to check neck tension.I have a challenger press mounted on a bench.bring a shell holder too,i have tons of em but no idea what they fit.
Let me know and we'll set something up,ok?

 

[swifter]

SASS23149,

Dunno where you buy 'em for $35, but I looked up the cost the other day, & it was $20.50 @ Midway, I think...
Tom

 

[SASS#23149]

Swifter
I got my price from the Lee online site. There's look like they decap,where the online picture at midway looks like it doesn't decap.
Lee says not to use theirs for lever guns,which is what I have .I called and they said it may or may not feed properly,emphasized may not.weird.
Guess for my limited needs i'll full length size and lube the necks for the expander ball.

 

[swifter]

Yup,
Lever guns and neck sizing can get problematical. You're better off FL. Try polishing the expander ball: Put it in a drill, pinch 400-600 grit wet or dry sandpaper around it, finish with crocus cloth. Don't remove much metal, just clean up the tool marks and smooth. It really helps.

Tom

PS: $35 is probably Lee's "wildest dream" price... Nobody pays retail anymore!
T.

 

[Nero Steptoe]

I got my price from the Lee online site. There's look like they decap,where the online picture at midway looks like it doesn't decap.

Surely, you don't think the prices in the Lee catalog are "REAL" prices?? Go to ANY reloading supply vendor and you'll see REAL prices.

BTW, there's no difference in a Lee Collet Die set that Lee sells and a Lee Collet Die set that anbody else sells.

 

[Sunray]

What rifle? If it's a semi-auto, you have to full length resize. Or you'll have feeding problems. For a bolt action, just adjust the die so it neck sizes only and screw the de-capper in more. No further expense required. And a die is a die. I personally like RCBS/Redding. I just wish they'd figure out how to have carbide sizing dies for bottle necked rifle cases.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I just wish they'd figure out how to have carbide sizing dies for bottle necked rifle cases.

I second that!

I went and jammed a .223 case cause I have been reloading pistol only for so long, I completely forgot about lube!

 

[CMcDermott]

Carbide rifle dies are possible - but would be incredibly expensive. The entire die body would have to be made of carbide - and machining that much carbide and putting threads on it as well as precision maching the taper on the case body would take lots of time and diamond tooling. You can send your current rifle sizing dies to CH4D and have them coated with Titanium Nitride. Not quite as good as a carbide ring, but the brass is much les likely to stick inside.