Lee collet die concentricity

[MikeRu]

Get one and play with it, you’ll wind up
using it for the time savings (eg, no lube to remove) even if you use bushings/mandrels as your main approach. I’ve had very consistent neck tension, low runout and great groups—big fan of Lee and the LCD. Per a previous post, don’t use for expansion. I would anneal each time as suggested above.

 

[Rocketvapor]

I understand how the LCD works. I use a Body only die then the LCD with a mandrel turned to the diameter I want. Size as fired neck, feel the neck being sized (mushy as the collet squeezes the neck), turn a little (not 90, 180 or 270) size again, (not mushy).
But,
with the right sized mandrel in the LCD and running the case in but NOT sizing down with the collet it's still a mandrel. Size the neck down with whatever you want, run the mandrel in.

One thing to remember, size neck DOWN with LCD, brass will spring back a little BIGGER.
Size neck UP with LCD mandrel, brass will spring back a little SMALLER

 

[MikeRu]

I understand how the LCD works. I use a Body only die then the LCD with a mandrel turned to the diameter I want. Size as fired neck, feel the neck being sized (mushy as the collet squeezes the neck), turn a little (not 90, 180 or 270) size again, (not mushy).
But,
with the right sized mandrel in the LCD and running the case in but NOT sizing down with the collet it's still a mandrel. Size the neck down with whatever you want, run the mandrel in.

One thing to remember, size neck DOWN with LCD, brass will spring back a little BIGGER.
Size neck UP with LCD mandrel, brass will spring back a little SMALLER

I’ve had trouble using it to expand the neck, not sure it’s designed for that. You might check with Lee for advice , but if it’s working for you then keep at it.

 

[goodi]

Re neck tension with LCD dies, undersize mandrels are available from Lee.
In the past , I ordered and obtained custom sized mandrels and specific calibre collett dies from dave shonno.(who may still run the custom shop)

 

[Chris Edmondson]

I understand how the LCD works. I use a Body only die then the LCD with a mandrel turned to the diameter I want. Size as fired neck, feel the neck being sized (mushy as the collet squeezes the neck), turn a little (not 90, 180 or 270) size again, (not mushy).
But,
with the right sized mandrel in the LCD and running the case in but NOT sizing down with the collet it's still a mandrel. Size the neck down with whatever you want, run the mandrel in.

One thing to remember, size neck DOWN with LCD, brass will spring back a little BIGGER.
Size neck UP with LCD mandrel, brass will spring back a little SMALLER

Just wondering if you have Lee turn mandrels or you turn them yourself? I'd like to have more options as a LCD afficionado.

 

[Rocketvapor]

I buy one standard mandrel (comes with the die) and the -0.002" undersize for each caliber.
I turn the -.002" down a little to about 0.2215" to allow about 0.0005" spring back.
Just remember to turn down from the case neck contact area to the bottom end.

You could also MAKE a mandrel from a ZZ pin.
About $3 from Amazon.

 

[DLT]

I’ll add that a lcd will only give just so much neck tension before the collet petals contact themselves. Highly doubtful you can get .004 out of one

 

[Tesoro]

I’ll add that a lcd will only give just so much neck tension before the collet petals contact themselves. Highly doubtful you can get .004 out of one

Also depends on the the brass ie Lapua vs Hornady. ( cold butter vs room temperature) And neck wall thickness.

 

[Larry Klutts]

I buy one standard mandrel (comes with the die) and the -0.002" undersize for each caliber.
I turn the -.002" down a little to about 0.2215" to allow about 0.0005" spring back.
Just remember to turn down from the case neck contact area to the bottom end.

You could also MAKE a mandrel from a ZZ pin.
About $3 from Amazon.

ZZ pins work well.