Collet Neck Sizing Dies have left the bench.
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 12:56
They have indeed left the bench sadly. In 2019 Lee made a decision to shorten the collet leaving part of the neck un sized. For 85% of the users they will not notice a difference. It was a gut punch for the remaining 15%.
I found that if you used the original die coupled with a Redding body die used each time it produced the finest reloaded rounds for precision shooting possible out performing dies at any cost. One of the biggest problems is the instructions packaged with the die is not correct for set up and use. 25 foot pounds of pressure on the press lever is way to much. This is why Lee received so many complaints about blowing the aluminum cap out. I also think most folks don't have a feel for 25 pounds often exceeding this by a lot. With the collet and collet sleeve properly lubed I found 13-15 pounds does a very fine job for me.
Another attribute of the collet die is used with good brass you could eliminate neck skim turning and at my age I hate neck turning if I don't have to even though all the stuff is setting here to do it.
I tried to get Lee to make me a original length collet and pay whatever they wanted but no luck. They would consider making one a a custom die but wanted 2 fired cases and bullets. By the time I got the barrel screwed on the action to come up with 2 fired cases they quit taking custom orders so skunked again.
I thought maybe I could find one by posting a want to buy ad on the forms but no luck. All I want is a old style collet or die in 6mm Creedmoor. Ranchdog you had a good post with excellent pictures of the collet die.
I found that if you used the original die coupled with a Redding body die used each time it produced the finest reloaded rounds for precision shooting possible out performing dies at any cost. One of the biggest problems is the instructions packaged with the die is not correct for set up and use. 25 foot pounds of pressure on the press lever is way to much. This is why Lee received so many complaints about blowing the aluminum cap out. I also think most folks don't have a feel for 25 pounds often exceeding this by a lot. With the collet and collet sleeve properly lubed I found 13-15 pounds does a very fine job for me.
Another attribute of the collet die is used with good brass you could eliminate neck skim turning and at my age I hate neck turning if I don't have to even though all the stuff is setting here to do it.
I tried to get Lee to make me a original length collet and pay whatever they wanted but no luck. They would consider making one a a custom die but wanted 2 fired cases and bullets. By the time I got the barrel screwed on the action to come up with 2 fired cases they quit taking custom orders so skunked again.
I thought maybe I could find one by posting a want to buy ad on the forms but no luck. All I want is a old style collet or die in 6mm Creedmoor. Ranchdog you had a good post with excellent pictures of the collet die.