Oldbloke wrote:My requirements are basic. All I need is a set of 223 7/8" dies to re-load for fun, to save a dollar or two and hopefully improve the accuracy in the process. I'm not trying to be the local bench rest champ (I'm not that good any way) So any brand will do.
Warrigul wrote:Lee dies are perfectly fine and I even prefer them.
Oldbloke wrote:I Finally got out to try a few test hand loads in my 223 last weekend. Lee dies have been fine. I tried 55g Hornady SP with AR2208 ( worth a try as I also use it for my 3006) from 23 to 26 grains in .5 grain increments to start off.
The best load was 23.5 g achieving just under an inch (see pic) at 100 yards ( read long paces) off a plastic picnic table. Although this should be fine for foxes I will next try .2 of a grain above and below when I get a chance. I have since sized and cleaned the cases and found that there is a lot of variation in weight. Half weigh about 102 grains and the other half weight about 104 grains so I have sorted them, should help. That's what happens when you buy cheap ammo I spose.
Oldbloke wrote:Fairly happy with that for a 4 shot group & not bad for a cheap sporter. It already shoots better than I can in the field.
I just hope to squeeze a tad more out of it.
JimTom wrote:Anyone have any recent experiences or opinions on Lee dies. I have a couple of sets and they seem to be fine however I am not sure I like the idea of the collet neck sizer. I have no logical reason for this other than there is a possibility of varying neck tension from one batch of reloads to another if the die isn’t set in the exact same place.
bladeracer wrote:JimTom wrote:Anyone have any recent experiences or opinions on Lee dies. I have a couple of sets and they seem to be fine however I am not sure I like the idea of the collet neck sizer. I have no logical reason for this other than there is a possibility of varying neck tension from one batch of reloads to another if the die isn’t set in the exact same place.
I use the collect neck dies in every caliber I can, brilliant design.
Why would your die not be set up the same every time?
JimTom wrote:bladeracer wrote:JimTom wrote:Anyone have any recent experiences or opinions on Lee dies. I have a couple of sets and they seem to be fine however I am not sure I like the idea of the collet neck sizer. I have no logical reason for this other than there is a possibility of varying neck tension from one batch of reloads to another if the die isn’t set in the exact same place.
I use the collect neck dies in every caliber I can, brilliant design.
Why would your die not be set up the same every time?
The Lee dies I have don’t have a grub screw to lock off the collar in the same position as RCBS and Redding dies I’ve used do. Basically I am resetting my does every time I reload.
In saying that, I run the ram up, screw the die down, drop the ram then give the die another 1/2 a turn then screw down the collar so I guess the difference is negligible anyway.
sungazer wrote:Is your press a breech lock as the breech lock devices are very quick to change and lock up tight. But in setting the collet die I dont think it really matters how you set it the die just pushes the neck up against a mandrel. Reading back over the pages I think the dies may have better quality now as I havent heard of anybody doing much work to them.
JimTom wrote:I nearly purchased the lockable bushings today as well however think that I shall refrain after reading the input into this thread today.
Blade racer I have found that if I don't turn the neck sizer another 1/2 turn then there isn't sufficient neck tension.
Cooper wrote:You can buy lock rings for the dies. I have a Lee press with the breech lock system. So I pretty much have a breech lock on every die I own. Although it should be pretty easy to set the neck sizing die up the same every time? Simply screw in until it contact shell holder then turn 2 full turns for a Lee press. Think it is one full turn for other presses.
If your not getting consistent neck tension. I'd try cleaning and lubing the top of the collet. I had to polish the mandrel in my 223 collet neck die as it wasn't providing enough tension. Also after sizing case I usually spin case in shell holder and size it again. Effectively sizing it twice. seems to work for me.
Cooper wrote:You can buy lock rings for the dies. I have a Lee press with the breech lock system. So I pretty much have a breech lock on every die I own.
JimTom wrote:Mate I am just using a single sage simplex press. In all honesty the Lee dies seem to be fine for my purposes, however I still have much to learn and I guess that has contributed to me allowing the seed of doubt to be seen by others who don't seem to like Lee dies.