I only neck size for 30-06 and lately I have had a few feel tight in the die and crush the shoulder. Can the case or die be too dirty and then cause sticking allowing the pressure to crush the shoulder? I took the die apart and cleaned it but it didn't look mucked up. Or if it sticks and the shoulder crushes, does this mean the case is at the end of its case life? It only happened with some Starline cases reloaded 7 times.
Shoulder Crushing Using Lee Neck Sizing Die
- Thread starter Chief TC
- Start date
243winxb
Member
https://support.leeprecision.net/en/knowledgebaseCollet die? Search here
If you are using the Collet die in an RCBS Rockchucker press, or a similar design that toggles over center at the top of the (ram) stroke, this applies far greater force than is necessary to resize just the neck of the case, and can damage the die or collapse the case. To correct this situation, adjust the die two full turns into the press after the die contacts the shell holder with the ram at the top of its stroke, rather than one as in the instructions. This will stop the press before it gets to the toggle over point. With a press without having an over center feature, apply about 25 lbs. of pressure to the handle once it bottoms out to resize the case. On most presses, this translates to over 600 lbs of pressure on the ram.
The collet might be stuck in the closed position from closing the die without a case inside. Remove the cap from the top of the Collet die and push the mandrel, collet sleeve and collet out through the top of the die. Open the collet back up with a tapered punch or Phillips screwdriver.
If you are using the Collet die in an RCBS Rockchucker press, or a similar design that toggles over center at the top of the (ram) stroke, this applies far greater force than is necessary to resize just the neck of the case, and can damage the die or collapse the case. To correct this situation, adjust the die two full turns into the press after the die contacts the shell holder with the ram at the top of its stroke, rather than one as in the instructions. This will stop the press before it gets to the toggle over point. With a press without having an over center feature, apply about 25 lbs. of pressure to the handle once it bottoms out to resize the case. On most presses, this translates to over 600 lbs of pressure on the ram.
The collet might be stuck in the closed position from closing the die without a case inside. Remove the cap from the top of the Collet die and push the mandrel, collet sleeve and collet out through the top of the die. Open the collet back up with a tapered punch or Phillips screwdriver.
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Not sure what info you were trying to impart. I read the Lee instructions and support info and the only thing they mention is over-annealing and too much lube which neither applies in this situation.
stigfender
Member
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2020
- Messages
- 33
How hot are your reloads? Do you anneal?
It could be work hardening of the brass. As the brass gets harder, it looses some of its "spring back". It gets close and closer to the real dimensions of the bore. Maybe you have reached the point where you have to full lengt resize. After a full length resize you should be able to go back to neck sizing again for a couple of reloads. 7 reloads is not a whole lot..
It could be work hardening of the brass. As the brass gets harder, it looses some of its "spring back". It gets close and closer to the real dimensions of the bore. Maybe you have reached the point where you have to full lengt resize. After a full length resize you should be able to go back to neck sizing again for a couple of reloads. 7 reloads is not a whole lot..
Yes, I have read about FL resizing about every 4th load but just neck sizing, they always fit my chamber just fine. Not near maximum reloads and I do not anneal.
45 long
Member
I had the same problem with a Lee .308 Collet die. Crushing Lapua brass. Bought a Redding Collet die & problem disappeared.
Not knocking Lee, a lot of my equipment is Lee & work just fine.
Not knocking Lee, a lot of my equipment is Lee & work just fine.
Thanks - that might be the culprit - in the closed position.
FLIGHT762
Member
Take the die apart and GREASE the inside & outside of the collet. Set the die up according to the Lee instructions. It only takes 25 FT. #'s to size. Don't over do it.
I've been using the Lee Collet Die for years in two calibers. I tried the die to size at the cam over of the press, but I found it was just as easy toe set the die up according to Lee's instructions with NO cam over. The collet needs to be lubed and can seize up if not lubed.
Once you get the die properly adjusted, you can feel the collet squeezing the neck. Just a light to moderate pull on the ram will do it. Like I said, you can feel it size. don't muscle it.
I've been using the Lee Collet Die for years in two calibers. I tried the die to size at the cam over of the press, but I found it was just as easy toe set the die up according to Lee's instructions with NO cam over. The collet needs to be lubed and can seize up if not lubed.
Once you get the die properly adjusted, you can feel the collet squeezing the neck. Just a light to moderate pull on the ram will do it. Like I said, you can feel it size. don't muscle it.
Thanks. So you know how the instructions say to set it up for the first pass touching the shell holder and then 1 full turn and then another pass with another 1/2 turn for even more accuracy? So my question is, can we not just do 1 1/2 turns as the set up for a tighter neck the first pass rather than 2 separate actions?
243winxb
Member
I bought a Lee collet neck die to test abouf 2 years ago. Used Lee instructions for my RCBS press.
For my 243 win non-annealed brass it needed 35 lbs (measured) on the end of my lever to get the brass neck to hold a bullet. Not only is this over working my press, but this 78 year old also.
Sorry to hear your still having problems. Try just putting enough force on the lever, so brass will not let the bullet fall into the case. Neck tension should be around .001" +.
What press are you using?
For my 243 win non-annealed brass it needed 35 lbs (measured) on the end of my lever to get the brass neck to hold a bullet. Not only is this over working my press, but this 78 year old also.
Sorry to hear your still having problems. Try just putting enough force on the lever, so brass will not let the bullet fall into the case. Neck tension should be around .001" +.
What press are you using?
243winxb
Member
Will fired brass hold a bullets? Low pressure does not always expand the necks.
FLIGHT762
Member
See if this helps: https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2021/07/tips-for-using-lee-collet-dies-for-neck-sizing-brass/ I do know the greasing of the collet can help.
