Lee collet die

[singleshotbuff]

Gentlemen,

I recently got a Lee collet die for my M48 Yugo 8X57mm, mostly looking to eliminate the lube and removal step from loading. I installed it in my press (RCBS JR) EXACTLY according to the instructions from Lee. I ran 20 once fired cases through it and proceeded to load them with Jword bullets (I don't have a real boolit mold for this rifle yet).

Problem is I can push the bullets deeper into the cases with (strong) thumb pressure. I can't imagine these rounds will survive the trip from the Mauser mag into the chamber.

I re-read the instructions and found out that Lee reccomends turning the mandrel smaller for better neck tension, or ordering a smaller mandrel from them. Before I do that, I was just wondering if this is common, if I'm doing something wrong or if there is another adjustment I can make? If I do need a smaller mandrel, I'll probably just buy one from Lee and keep this one for when I get to load real boolits in this gun. I think it'll work good for that.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks.

SSB

[dragonrider]

I think you answered your own question rather well. Get another one and don't alter the one you have.

[Scrounger]

Gentlemen,

I recently got a Lee collet die for my M48 Yugo 8X57mm, mostly looking to eliminate the lube and removal step from loading. I installed it in my press (RCBS JR) EXACTLY according to the instructions from Lee. I ran 20 once fired cases through it and proceeded to load them with Jword bullets (I don't have a real boolit mold for this rifle yet).

Problem is I can push the bullets deeper into the cases with (strong) thumb pressure. I can't imagine these rounds will survive the trip from the Mauser mag into the chamber.

I re-read the instructions and found out that Lee reccomends turning the mandrel smaller for better neck tension, or ordering a smaller mandrel from them. Before I do that, I was just wondering if this is common, if I'm doing something wrong or if there is another adjustment I can make? If I do need a smaller mandrel, I'll probably just buy one from Lee and keep this one for when I get to load real boolits in this gun. I think it'll work good for that.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks.

SSB

Seems to me I remember that if you turn the die into the press a little deeper the neck of the case is sized smaller. It's easy enough to try it.

[Carteach0]

Do NOT turn the die in deeper. That will not size it smaller.
It WILL break the blasted collet in the die.....

Been there, done that.

Sigh.

[Bigjohn]

I have 4 sets of LEE collett dies now in different calibres and I have not until now needed to use any of them. All of the cases I wish to use them for are available in berdan priming system hence the depriming pin becomes a problem.
I have therefore not used these dies as the pin could break and damage the die and case. It would be nice if Lee was to offer them with a pinless mandrel (I'm loath to cut them off just to use them with the berdan cases). :coffee:

My question to this forum, If Lee sell spare mandrels for their collett dies, could they take out the pins?

:confused:

John.

[singleshotbuff]

Scrounger,

Tried that, buckled a case shoulder but no improvement in neck tension. guess I'll order an undersized mandrel tomorrow.

Thanks guys.

SSB

[David R]

Can you chuck the mandril in a drill and make it smaller with some sandpaper?

Use fine then extra fine. It won't take much to remove a thousanth or two.

David

[andrew375]

Yes, it is a common problem, I don't know why Lee make the mandrel that big in the first place. I always turn off at least .004" off mine. Incidentally the only part of the mandrel that is critical is the part where the case neck is whilst it is being resized so I turn down the rest smaller so there is a clearance fit. Incidentally don't worry about going a bit too small as case neck dia. is set by the collet and not the mandrel, the die will actually work fine without the mandrel, just be careful when setting it as it also acts as a positive stop to prevent the collet being crushed.

[utk]

Did you try to rotate the case 180 degrees and and giving it another "squeeze"?

[singleshotbuff]

UTK,

Didn't try that, I'll give it a shot.

I called Lee and ordered an undersized mandrel for $5.00, I want to keep the original as I think it may work good with larger cast boolits.

While I was on the phone with the nice lady at Lee, I went ahead and ordered a set of steel 7.62X25 dies for my new CZ52, $28.95. Only AFTER I got off the phone did I bother to check Midway, where I found them for $19.99!!!

DOH!! Oh well, had to call Lee anyway, midway doesn't have the undersized collet mandrel. Plus the girl was really nice LOL.

SSB

[KCSO]

I think maybe because it is easier to turn them down than to build them up. I use the collet dies with cast bullets and for the most part they are right on. For example my collet dies for 303 size the neck perfect for a 313 bullet for one gun, but I need spare mandrels for a couple of other guns as they run from 311 to 316 for the bullets. SAame with 7.62 Russinan with bores from 308 to 312.

[Bigjohn]

Well, I emailed LEE about my problem and they have already replied. It would pay me to get some extra mandrels for my dies which can then be sized as I like plus have the decapping pins removed for Berdan cases.

:drinks:

John.