Problem with Lee 38 spcl dies in Dillon 550

[robpete]

I was setting up my 550 to load 38 specials for the first time tonight. I faced one big problem....the dies seem to be to short. I was able to load 357 mag, but had to thread the dies down pretty much entirely. I think it's worth mentioning that I'm using the custom magnum toolhead(spacer was properly positioned). Is this a known problem with lee dies for longer cases and the 550?

[Echd]

I have the standard toolhead, but no problems with lee or lyman dies in 38 spl.

[dudel]

Lee dies are shorter. For 45GAP, I had to screw the Lee dies so far down, that I had to put the locknut under the 550b tool head.

[ku4hx]

Yep, as the saying goes ... "been there; done that." My fix is to never use the thicker Lee lock rings on any of my presses. When I got my RL550B I bought a bag full of their lock rings. Being thinner they have worked for me, but some Lee dies are just really short.

[engineer401]

My fix was to buy Dillon or CH dies. I had the same problem with a Lee 223 crimp die. I sold it and bought a Dillon die as a replacement. My solution is not the cheapest but it is effective.

I never thought of placing the lock ring under the toolhead until someone here recommended it. I read or heard somewhere Lee is making longer dies. Lee can verify this for you.

[Shuz]

I've had the same problem with the Lee seating die in my old Dillon 450. Like engineer401, I never thought about placing the lock ring under the die!

[45-70 Chevroner]

Lee dies are shorter. For 45GAP, I had to screw the Lee dies so far down, that I had to put the locknut under the 550b tool head.
I did the same thing a long time ago. The lee pistol dies are a problem in the Dillon, but you can make them work. I solved the Lee 38 die problem though, I bought a Square Deal.

[Djones]

38 spec with my RCBS cowboy dies and Dillon 650 I had to use dillon lock nuts. I was scared I wasn't going to be able to load the 500 brass and boolits I had ready to go! Everything worked out and I hope you to can figure out a solution.

[robpete]

I just listed the Lee dies for sale(on here). I have a Dillon set on the way. Problem solved! Thanks everyone.

[David2011]

Lee dies are shorter. For 45GAP, I had to screw the Lee dies so far down, that I had to put the locknut under the 550b tool head.

I did the same thing once a long time ago. It works.

David

[Shiloh]

I just listed the Lee dies for sale(on here). I have a Dillon set on the way. Problem solved! Thanks everyone.

I went with Dillon's from the start. You'll like them.

Shiloh

[Tatume]

Dillon knows about the thick locking ring on Lee dies and sells thin replacement locking rings. With them, Lee dies work just fine. I have them on three Dillon machines and have no problems with them.

[robpete]

Dillon knows about the thick locking ring on Lee dies and sells thin replacement locking rings. With them, Lee dies work just fine. I have them on three Dillon machines and have no problems with them.

I used the thin rings and the dies were still so short that I couldn't fully resize a .357 case

I will add that my 45ACP dies are also Lee and they've always worked fine in the 550