Getting buckled brass with Lee collette sizer

[w123driver]

I am trying to neck size 260AI brass using Lee Collette sizer,it was custom made to the particular gun). Getting buckled brass all the time; don't want to ruin any more. The brass is well lubed and nothing appears seized in the die. What I am doing wrong. The die sits in the press so that shellholder just touches when the ram is raised. Thank you

 

[daj]

If you mean the shoulders are collapsing as the case neck feeds into the collet, the brass may have been over-annealed.

 

[memilanuk]

Sometimes the collet will get stuck closed if you run the press ram up against it with no case in it. Take a screwdriver and *gently* open it back up and try again. Sometimes they get dirty and start getting 'grabby' - a thorough cleaning sometimes helps. If the die is working right, it shouldn't need any lube at all.

The other option is I think some don't come as well finished as they should... no amount of opening or cleaning helps, they just eat cases on a random,and frequent) basis. Some people say they've gotten relief from polishing the inside of the collet; I've never had any luck that way.

Good luck,

Monte

 

[jwv2001]

You've raised the ram on an empty die and caused the collet to squeeze closed too far. Do as Milanuk described. Dissamble the die and pry the 'fingers' of the collet open slightly. Never raise the ram on an empty die.
One thing good about the collet die is that you never have to lube the cases at all.