Home Forums Reloading Reloading Software Lee Classic loader worn out

I have a Lee Loader that has reloaded many rounds over the years, and am thinking it has worn to the point that not resizing the neck in a 308. I reload the Barnes 130 TTSX and when trying to resize once fired brass, the bullet is not tight in the case...can turn it or pull on it and it moves. Just ordered a new one from Midway, but just wondering if anyone ever seen one wear to the point it not resizing as it should to hold a bullet tight?

wrong forum

You are right FatAkbert .. however, Bluboy, am wondering if you just need to readjust your seating die ?

I remember mine crushing cases and thinking something was seriously messed up. Just silly on my part. But never a bad Idea to take the die apart and clean it and reassemble and adjust from scratch- if you haven't already.

A friend of my brother, had one in .270 and he said his did that.

Anneal your brass?

It's a Lee Loader. Other than bullet seating depth, they don't adjust.

This was advise given to me that worked.

I take it you have their collet sizer? If so disassemble the die and make sure there are no burrs or metal shavings from manufacture left in the working parts. Lube it very lightly with a grease, I use Shooters choice red gun grease but that`s because I have it on hand for my rifles. Any grease will do, even vasaline. If the collet body and tapered ring hang up the result will be a crushed case as you discribe. Reassemble the die and screw it down until it contacts the shellholder on a raised ram.

Now is the tricky part. I add a 1/2 turn to mine and apply pressure by "feel" to size my brass. Too much pressure though will pop the top cap off the die ruining it, so go lightly if you try this until you get the feel for it. The presses that "cam over" such as the Rockchucker can have the die screwed in ~ 1/8 turn at a time and letting the press cam over when sizeing, adjust in small increments until the brass is sized.

It is pretty unlikely there is a problem with the die, the brass may have very thin necks or need annealing