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Lee Collet Die FYI

I've been using the Lee collet dies since the late 80's and own several. I certainly agree that when you have a short neck or when chasing the lands to the very end of the barrel life the new feature on the collet isn't the best or if you turn necks. At least with a washer/shim of proper thickness the original #'s can be maintained. I believe that Lee tried to fix something that wasn't broke.JMO


Murray,
I totally agree!... ain’t broke don’t fix it!
I’m a f/l fan but like the collet die for neck turning .
Wayne
 
@bozo699 I too am a f/l length guy. Always got my best accuracy when doing f/l, only I use the collet die along with the Redding body die. Always got my best run-out #'s that way, and less expensive than most custom dies.
 
I read the first post about the new collets just after posting a long section on what i saw and if anyone had similar results. Now i know........
 
For those that still like the old way just use a shim of proper thickness between the shell holder and die to size the portion of the neck not sized by the new collet. Should work. That is what I've been doing with various collet dies to suit other cartridges. JME


I have tried this approach after seeing that the top part wasn't being sized (didn't know about the 2019 > collets) What then happens is the lower portion just above the shoulder is now left un-sized. So which is better, having the top or bottom not resized?

Unless you do it the normal way and redo it with a shim in order to get the whole neck sized. But it is making the process longer again. :-(
 
Both in my opinion! I use the collet die for neck turning. I know many use bushing dies but in my mind I want the whole neck sized. On new brass which I normally use just an expander but fired brass I like the collet die but no biggy I’ll still be fine no matter what they do with there dies I just don’t know why they “Fixed” a already good thing! If flat based and cast bullet users wanted something different they should have added new not deleted old imho!
Wayne
 
Again, please call Lee to let them know. Sometimes we preach to the choir.

262-673-3075
 
I have tried this approach after seeing that the top part wasn't being sized (didn't know about the 2019 > collets) What then happens is the lower portion just above the shoulder is now left un-sized. So which is better, having the top or bottom not resized?

Unless you do it the normal way and redo it with a shim in order to get the whole neck sized. But it is making the process longer again. :-(
What I do is first use the collet die with no shim then re-do the case with the shim. I realize this is an extra step but to get it the way I want I've no choice.
 
What I do is first use the collet die with no shim then re-do the case with the shim. I realize this is an extra step but to get it the way I want I've no choice.

So, If I understand this correctly you shim the Die so it is setting higher in the press, thus the case mouth is setting lower in the die when sized? .020 - .025 shim?
 
So, If I understand this correctly you shim the Die so it is setting higher in the press, thus the case mouth is setting lower in the die when sized? .020 - .025 shim?
No. What you do is use a shim/washer of proper thickness between the shell holder and the collet die. The washer must slip over the case in the shell holder. When you size a 6br case in a 6mm PPC collet die the case is longer thus it extends beyond the collet fingers and does not get sized. You then slip the shim/washer over the case in the shell holder and repeat the process. With the washer it allows your set-up to engage the collet sooner, when the case neck hasn't passed beyond the collet fingers thus sizing the remaining part of the neck. By doing both processes you get all of the neck sized, but it adds an extra step.
 
No. What you do is use a shim/washer of proper thickness between the shell holder and the collet die. The washer must slip over the case in the shell holder. When you size a 6br case in a 6mm PPC collet die the case is longer thus it extends beyond the collet fingers and does not get sized. You then slip the shim/washer over the case in the shell holder and repeat the process. With the washer it allows your set-up to engage the collet sooner, when the case neck hasn't passed beyond the collet fingers thus sizing the remaining part of the neck. By doing both processes you get all of the neck sized, but it adds an extra step.
Murray brook has it right.....been using a Redding body die and 6PPC collect die + the same washer for a long long time. Produces very little run out, uniform neck tension and excellent accuracy.

All the top of the line 6BR dies are in my possession, and each one is a quality part....however I find the collect die to deliver consistent and repeatable neck tension.......yup my necks are turned with a skim pass and Lapua brass is used. 6BR zero freebore with .272 neck in 12-14 twist is an amazing shooting platform capable of astounding groups. But this is all old news.....definitively not fakes news though.....enjoy the day!!

Mitch.
 
Lee pushes their crimp die, if you used the crimp die the part of the neck no touched by the collet would get sized. Just thinking!

I use the washer system to alter a collet die. 6PPC to 6BR and 6x47L, 7-08 to 7x444 and 280, 308 to 30X444 and 30-06. You can't go the other way! Wish someone would make a universal collet by caliber and spacers to adjust length. You do have to be careful using a standard collet on an AI case. You can bump the shoulder, so you use a shim. As long as 3/4 of the neck is sized, I'm happy.
 
Lee pushes their crimp die, if you used the crimp die the part of the neck no touched by the collet would get sized. Just thinking!

I use the washer system to alter a collet die. 6PPC to 6BR and 6x47L, 7-08 to 7x444 and 280, 308 to 30X444 and 30-06. You can't go the other way! Wish someone would make a universal collet by caliber and spacers to adjust length. You do have to be careful using a standard collet on an AI case. You can bump the shoulder, so you use a shim. As long as 3/4 of the neck is sized, I'm happy.
Good idea on the collet & spacer neck die. I've modified several collet dies for use on Wildcats ( a LOT of work and in the end I wish I had have just sent Lee the $75).

Using the collet die for use on Ackley cartridges works well, just adjust the height to miss the shoulder.
 
I've been using the Lee collet dies with Redding body dies for a while and in my mind have it down to a science. Last year I added a 6mm Creedmoor barrel so naturally added a 6mm creemoor collet die mid 2019. Yep sure enough the stinking thing has the short collet. I've been so busy this year I haven't had a chance to use it yet. One of the things I like about the design of the collet die is it will actually squeeze out minor imperfections in case neck wall thickness. Sure I can use a shim but its a P I T A.

Here is the question. Is there anyone here loading for precision that is using one of the new collets? What are your findings.
 
I've been using the Lee collet dies with Redding body dies for a while and in my mind have it down to a science. Last year I added a 6mm Creedmoor barrel so naturally added a 6mm creemoor collet die mid 2019. Yep sure enough the stinking thing has the short collet. I've been so busy this year I haven't had a chance to use it yet. One of the things I like about the design of the collet die is it will actually squeeze out minor imperfections in case neck wall thickness. Sure I can use a shim but its a P I T A.

Here is the question. Is there anyone here loading for precision that is using one of the new collets? What are your findings.
Every thing I load is for precision. I dont have collet dies for every cartridge but LCN die with Redding body die sizing produces the straightest ammo possible.
 

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