I tried to write this question several times and couldn’t quite get it right so here goes:
BLUF: First time using Lee Dies. I want to maximize case life and neck size as often as possible before running a FL. I do not want tight cases when chambering - this is a hunting rifle.
Gear:
Tikka t3x Superlite
Once fired Lapua brass
Lee Ultimate Die Set
Old Bonanza Co-Ax press
I wanted to use the Collet Die alone but resized cases were just too tight in the chamber and marked the case head.
Removed the expander button in the included Lee FL sizer and resized. Cases now fit great.
Ran them back thru the LCD and the FL case was tight over the collet guide shaft (FL provides a tighter bullet fit than the LCD) interesting that with this die set a loader can decide between two different bullet tensions.
Question: Does this overwork the brass too badly? Is it beneficial or harmful to case life & accuracy.
Note to JB: your GG2 load 46g of Hunter / 129gr Hornady IL shot .75 right out of the gate.
Thanks!
You are basically using the LCD as an expander mandrel similar in concept to what the competition guys are doing lately. You should get good results, better runout than using the expander button in the FL die. A bushing or honed die would size the neck much less before the mandrel expands it which would be better.
It sounds like you are on the right track, a body die and the LCD as a neck die is as good as it gets IMO.
