Loading .223 w/ Lee Delux die set?

[Branden967]

Hello,
Im new to reloading and Im trying to load .223 on my Hornady LNL press. I bought the Lee deluxe rifle die set because Im fed up with Hornady's set.:banghead: But Im confused about the collet next sizer. If I put the full length sizer in position 1 and the collet sizer in position # 2 the decapper pin hits the bottom of the Ram / press. Was this die set really meant for a single stage press, and do I just have to do either 1 or the other at a time?

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate all the info you guys provide.

Branden-

 

[243winxb]

You should not be using both a full length sizing die & collet neck sizing die at the same time.

 

[Branden967]

You should not be using both a full length sizing die & collet neck sizing die at the same time.

Yea I figured that out. But why wouldnt Hornady drill 1 extra hole under the shell plate carrier on the second station OR why does the collet neck sizing die have a decapping pin if you dont need one to accommodate for this?

Have any of you guys modified either of these?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

No reloading press company is going to make a press where you can mount 2 different decapping dies at the same time. You should mount one or the other depending if you are full length or only neck sizing.

 

[cfullgraf]

As ArchAngleCD said.

Decapping on the Hornady L-N-L is done in station one. If, for what ever reason, you want a sizing die in any other station, you need to remove the decapping assembly. But, you should only need one resizing die, whether a full length sizing die or a neck sizing die. There is no reason to install two of them on your progressive press.

You did not say what you were reloading for but if you are reloading for an AR-15 or other semi-auto rifle, you will need to full length resize the cases. The neck sizer die is unnecessary and not appropriate for the semi auto rifle.

 

[Branden967]

As ArchAngleCD said.

Decapping on the Hornady L-N-L is done in station one. If, for what ever reason, you want a sizing die in any other station, you need to remove the decapping assembly. But, you should only need one resizing die, whether a full length sizing die or a neck sizing die. There is no reason to install two of them on your progressive press.

You did not say what you were reloading for but if you are reloading for an AR-15 or other semi-auto rifle, you will need to full length resize the cases. The neck sizer die is unnecessary and not appropriate for the semi auto rifle.

Thanks for the info. Why are neck sizers unnecessary for semi auto rifles?

 

[243winxb]

Basic Rule- Full Length Resize for Autos, Levers, Pumps.

Why are neck sizers unnecessary for semi auto rifles?

If the ammo is only neck sized for an auto, the action may not fully close, but the firearme will fire. This may do damage to the gun or you as the brass comes apart. A bolt action can appy more force to get a neck sized round into the chamber. New brass, fired in your firearm & neck sized will chamber and fire, but soon or later it will get to fat and need full length resizing. Does not matter what type of action.

 

[kingmt]

When you full length size you are sizing the neck also. When you resize for bolt guns some loaders only size the neck & not the body. This doesn't work in autos(so I'm told).

 

[Branden967]

If the ammo is only neck sized for an auto, the action may not fully close, but the firearme will fire. This may do damage to the gun or you as the brass comes apart. A bolt action can appy more force to get a neck sized round into the chamber. New brass, fired in your firearm & neck sized will chamber and fire, but soon or later it will get to fat and need full length resizing. Does not matter what type of action.

I see now, it makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Branden967,
Remember, you should not use both resizing dies together. You will either full length resize or neck size only.