Lee Target Loader problem

[snaginn]

I have a problem with my Lee Target Loader (.308W) in that the cartridge binds in the die with bullets of 0.308" diameter. Bullets of 0.305/6" work however. Has anyone here experienced this problem?

[skeettx]

Hello snaginn
WELCOME on your first post :)

Lee Target Loader
Great tool
Are you
1. Sizing the brass all the way to the base of the die
2. Inside neck reaming
3. De-capping when driving out of the die
4. Cleaning primer pockets and re-priming
5. Using the base collar and die and adding powder
6. Using the base collar and die, and punch, seating the bullet?

Sounds like you are not using the base collar??????

Mike

https://goo.gl/images/9DQY8z

[snaginn]

Thank you for your reply, Mike!
-I use new Norma brass and I resize all the way to the base,
- inside neck ream,
- knock out the case from the die,
- prime,
- add powder,
- put the case in the base/head alignment chamber,
- place the die on top,
- insert the bullet
- seat bullet with the seater head

[skeettx]

Well, sounds good to me, might need to fire the brass and then neck ream a second time?????

[chris112]

Suggest you go back and read the instructions since what you are describing shouldn't happen. Just in case you don't have them;
1. Deprime.
2. Clean primer pocket.
3. Resize (Lee target model only neck sizes).
4. Neck ream.
5. Knock case from die.
6. Trim if needed.
7. Chamfer mouth (if needed).
8. Prime.
9. Place case in head alignment chamber and set die over it and drop in powder charge.
10. Drop bullet in.
11. Insert bullet seater and press down until it stops against the stop collar.
12. Crimp if needed.

Thats the process and I follow it every time I use the Lee Target model. Never had the problem that you describe. Only other thing I can think of is that the bullets are oversize.

Good luck
Chris

[EDG]

The neck of the sizer die is tapered. When the case neck is bored you get a constant diameter hole cut by the reamer even though the neck is now tapered on the outside.
When you knock the case out of the die you back the neck out of the tapered die neck.
The depth of the base counter bore gives the neck room to expand when you seat your bullets.
Verify that you are using the die base properly.
Also check the diameter of the reamer and the diameter of the reamed necks.
A deeper base counter bore may be required to let your case neck back out of the die a little more.

[snaginn]

Thank you all.
I am sure the bullets are not to blame. They are computer lathe turned to exact diameter. I have measured a random selection and they all measure .308".
I will go through the procedure again with one-fired, re-reamed cases.
Again, thanks!
Pétur

[snaginn]

Hello, EDG!
I have a set of Mequon Improved loader for 7x57mm with a centering rim like the one in the Target Loader but considerably deeper. Placing 3 shims, (0.129" total thickness) gave bullet seating without problems.
Thanks again, EDG!

[EDG]

Glad you got it to work. The tapered neck and counterbored base is how Lee was able to size and seat with the same die body on both the Classic and Target Model Loaders.
You can see a longer neck is a little more flexible with Lee's little tapered neck trick. He built an empire starting with that trick.


Hello, EDG!
I have a set of Mequon Improved loader for 7x57mm with a centering rim like the one in the Target Loader but considerably deeper. Placing 3 shims, (0.129" total thickness) gave bullet seating without problems.
Thanks again, EDG!

[snaginn]

Brilliant man, Lee!