Anyone using 338 Lapua Magnum Lee Collet Die

[done111]

I'm beginning to gather materials together for reloading 338 LM. My normal reloading equipment for a caliber is a Lee collet for the neck, a Redding body sizing die and a set of Redding Precision shell holders to size the body and bump the shoulder around 0.002". I seat the bullet with a Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater.

Question is for the 338LM....... is the Lee collet still a good option or does it not work as well on larger brass. It looks like i need a Lee Large series that requires me to remove my insert on my Chucker for 1-1/4 x 12" threads. I looked for these in stock and they may be kinda scarce.

Also, based on you alls experience, has anyone had trouble loading virgin Lapua 338LM brass straight out of the box or did you have to run it through a die before first loading.

Thanks for your help.

Don

 

[muleman69]

I loaded right out of the box with no problems and decent accuracy,watch for dinged necks .

 

[Texas10]

I prefer to neck size until the brass is fully fire formed, then FL size and move the should back as necessary. I think I got 3 firings on Norma 338LM brass before needing to FL size to get smooth bolt lockup. I prefer neck sizing when possible, I typically chamber the spent brass to check fit before deciding which die to use.

 

[centerlineseal]

I loaded right out of the box with no problems and decent accuracy,watch for dinged necks .

This

 

[Sniper338]

Clean it up a bit, primer pockets. Then use a 338 expander mandrel, run it through the necks, neck turn to just clean up necks if you do that, then load at shoot.

After that, trim and clean up the brass. I FL bushing size every time.

 

[muleman69]

This

What'd you say?

 

[centerlineseal]

I also was able to load 338 LM Lapua brass straight outa' the box with no problem, ... I did watch out for bent/dinged necks.

 

[muleman69]

Clean it up a bit, primer pockets. Then use a 338 expander mandrel, run it through the necks, neck turn to just clean up necks if you do that, then load at shoot.

After that, trim and clean up the brass. I FL bushing size every time.

If you Fl every time ,how do you go about finding the correct bump? Just wondering?

 

[muleman69]

I prefer to neck size until the brass is fully fire formed, then FL size and move the should back as necessary. I think I got 3 firings on Norma 338LM brass before needing to FL size to get smooth bolt lockup. I prefer neck sizing when possible, I typically chamber the spent brass to check fit before deciding which die to use.

I like your methods

 

[Sniper338]

If you Fl every time ,how do you go about finding the correct bump? Just wondering?

After the first firing my die gets set up to bump it back a hair. Then its the same everytime after that.

I dont reload the 338 any different than anything else..

 

[muleman69]

I also was able to load 338 LM Lapua brass straight outa' the box with no problem, ... I did watch out for bent/dinged necks.

I do inspect primer pockets and chamfer and deburr if needed

 

[klamathsteel]

One of the OP's questions was, " for the 338LM....... is the Lee collet still a good option or does it not work as well on larger brass". I can't say for the 338LM cause i don't have one but since i started using the Lee Collet neck die for my 300 WM my accuaracy has improved greatly and ES/SD is in low single digits. I don't neck turn (yet) and not convinced i need to. I'm really liking the die. 20 bucks on Amazon