Lee collet die or Redding s neck sizer

[Fotheringill]

Dan-

I would make ten rounds using each method and measure each of those ten rounds and record the runout on each of the total of 20 rounds used with the two dies or 30 if you are using three different dies.

 

[DngBat7]

Dan-

I would make ten rounds using each method and measure each of those ten rounds and record the runout on each of the total of 20 rounds used with the two dies or 30 if you are using three different dies.

JimSC is gonna do that. I do not have the Redding’s to do the test. I am trying to see what’s a better route to go. I do not want to bese it in money. Just what is the most accurate result

 

[dgeesaman]

Dan-

I would make ten rounds using each method and measure each of those ten rounds and record the runout on each of the total of 20 rounds used with the two dies or 30 if you are using three different dies.

I may be able to throw my hat in this ring when I get my Harrell’s 6PPC-USA FL die and compare to against my Redding S Neck sizing die and Lee Collet die.

David

 

[rockwind1]

hi,, i recently was using a redding type s match die set for my 308, which has the neck sizing bushing in the f/l sizing die. i kept getting more runout than i personally thought was good. i would size a fireformed case that had very little runout on the neck ( under .002) and it would come out with a smaller neck but the runout had usually tripled or even more. it was very random and disconcerting. i got the 308 lee collet die set and tried it the other day, as far as the neck run out goes, it is defintely less than the redding, so if runout or concentricity is important to you, the collet die worked a lot better for me. i just don't like to see my bullets wobble around as i spin the cartridge in a concentricity guage. so now if i want better runout, i have to use a two step process,,,but i can also decap with the collet die at the same time so it reallly doesn't take any more time.

as far as if it makes a difference in accuracy, i totalllyk don't know.

 

[JimSC]

JimSC is gonna do that. I do not have the Redding’s to do the test. I am trying to see what’s a better route to go. I do not want to bese it in money. Just what is the most accurate result

It would not hurt to have several people try it. I am barely past the infant stages on the precision reloading/shooting learning curve and my equipment and skills reflects it. My test will be nothing to bet the bank on. Even if I were to do everything right there are so many variables to consider. Caliber and cartridge, seating depths, bullet ogive and about a zillion others. What I would like to see is everyone do a simple test and resize some practice rounds using 2 or more methods and post the results. If nothing else just a full length resize using Xbrand die and a neck only size using Xbrand die or neck turned vs factory necks.


The other big question is

Even if I see some statistical significance in runout there is the matter of whether it is practically significant. In other words are my shooting skills honed enough to take advantage of any improvement that may show up at the target ? I am not a World Cup Shooter, I am barely a Neighborhood Cup Shooter so for me this will be as much a practice exercise in trigger and recoil control as a test of my reloading methods

 

[Homerange]

JimSC is gonna do that. I do not have the Redding’s to do the test. I am trying to see what’s a better route to go. I do not want to bese it in money. Just what is the most accurate result

I wouldn't stress about this too much as a novice reloader as the LCD will work fine for most anybody.
Years back before I bought my first one their claimed concentricity advantages led me the LCD way and even though I never check for it the results on paper speak for themselves. I'm still undecided whether the Lee setup instructions are best or the other over center type as I experience some variation in neck tension with an over center setup. Also rotate your brass a 1/4 turn and repeat the NS is what I've read to minimize any possible runout from just a single NS.
I'm just hunting, varminting and paper punching so I don't bother about annealing and am still waiting for signs of case failure.

 

[billlarson]

Yes.... lee al

Would or had anybody used the lee collet die over a Redding s neck bushing die

l the way.... 1/4 the cost...they work....
Bill

 

[normmatzen]

When I started shooting my 6BRX I bought an expensive custom full length sizing die and a bunch of bushings for it. I got smart and bought a custom LEE collet die for 6BRX and haven't looked back. I took out the bushing and guts and use the custom FL die as a SB die and body size with that and neck size with the LEE

 

[DngBat7]

I am newer to reloading, Have been asking a lot of questions on the forum. I have learned over the years to get what’s “right” the first time around. With other hobby’s or my career, I would buy the “second best” to try to save money and it’s never ever worth it. I isaually end up selling it, losing money, and then have to get the one I originally should have got. I am tired of doing things that way. So if a Neil jones bullet seater is 180. And a Wilson or Redding is 120, even tho I’m not a professional, I would rather spend the extra 60 now and get the best. Kind of my take on things.

 

[DngBat7]

When I started shooting my 6BRX I bought an expensive custom full length sizing die and a bunch of bushings for it. I got smart and bought a custom LEE collet die for 6BRX and haven't looked back. I took out the bushing and guts and use the custom FL die as a SB die and body size with that and neck size with the LEE

Those are great ideas. What’s the custom dies do you use? What do you use for bullet seater

 

[!Peter!]

From memory to minimize runout with bushing dies Redding recommends to not to size the neck diameter buy more 3 thou in a single step.

FWIW, I full length size with a type s die with a bushing to size 2 thou over final neck diameter then use a LCD to give final diameter. I found this also reduced the marks that the LCD leaves on the outside of the neck.

 

[Homerange]

From memory to minimize runout with bushing dies Redding recommends to not to size the neck diameter buy more 3 thou in a single step.

FWIW, I full length size with a type s die with a bushing to size 2 thou over final neck diameter then use a LCD to give final diameter. I found this also reduced the marks that the LCD leaves on the outside of the neck.

If you're leaving collet marks then you're using too much force.
Also try turning the brass 1/4 turn for 2 neck sizes as it improves concentricity and only takes s second or two more.

 

[Chief 101]

I won't speculate right now but should be able to give a opinion in a week. Next time I process .260 practice cases I am going to divide the brass into 3 piles and size using different methods and check the run out on each method to see if one or the other method stands out in any way. Just a quick test using fifteen cases per method but if one is markedly better it should stand out.

I like this, and the LCD whenever I have a chance to use one. Be sure to use it correctly. I know there are instructions on here somewhere, this is where I found it. The instructions that come with the LCD are there and important to follow to get the job done correctly. I polished the mandrels down a wee bit for my use but you may or may not be happy with the mandrel size they send you. Looking forward to your results.

 

[L W P]

Would or had anybody used the lee collet die over a Redding s neck bushing die

I like my Redding F/L bushing dies and Wilson bullet seaters. My run-out with my Redding F/L bushing die(.290") using the expander ball that just barely touches the inside neck with Lapua SR unturned 6.5 Creedmoor brass is .0005" - .0025". Sometimes I use a mandrel after sizing to uniform the inside of the necks dia.,but it doesn't do a lot different than the expander ball. More testing is needed for that. I also have Lee locking rings on my Redding sizer dies that have a oring on the bottom for helping the case to self a-line when being resized. I think that that helps a lot, IMO. Good Luck

 

[slurpin dog]

Dan, if you get a Lee Collet you will not be disappointed. Search on this site for Valentine's instructions on how to adjust and use the collet die. Do NOT use the the instructions that come with the die, unless you have a Lee press.

 

[Homerange]

Dan, if you get a Lee Collet you will not be disappointed. Search on this site for Valentine's instructions on how to adjust and use the collet die. Do NOT use the the instructions that come with the die, unless you have a Lee press.

I never got why this would be so.
Originally I only had a Lee press and how I only use LCD's with an RCBS and there's no difference in results.
On the other hand I've had neck tension variation with the Valentine method.

Please enlighten us.

 

[slurpin dog]

I never got why this would be so.
Originally I only had a Lee press and how I only use LCD's with an RCBS and there's no difference in results.
On the other hand I've had neck tension variation with the Valentine method.

Please enlighten us.

Using John Valentine's cam over instruction, i get consistent neck tension by camming over center. Using Lee's instructions I do not like guessing how much pressure I am applying. If the method you use works for you I would never suggest you change.

 

[DngBat7]

Using John Valentine's cam over instruction, i get consistent neck tension by camming over center. Using Lee's instructions I do not like guessing how much pressure I am applying. If the method you use works for you I would never suggest you change.

Is there any way to provide a link to his instructions? I can not find them

 

[Homerange]

Using John Valentine's cam over instruction, i get consistent neck tension by camming over center. Using Lee's instructions I do not like guessing how much pressure I am applying. If the method you use works for you I would never suggest you change.

Thanks.
What if any case length issues do you see ?
Any resistance to bolt closure ?

 

[Homerange]

Is there any way to provide a link to his instructions? I can not find them

Forum search finds plenty of mentions and I think this is the first time I saw it:
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/lee-collet-die-experience.3885018/#post-36644901