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Joined: Apr 2003
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
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Just loaded some rounds. Adjusted the die as recommended. Upon seating the bullets, about 60% of the bullets were tight in the neck, the remaining bullets, while not entirely loose, could be moved sightly with finger pressure. My assumption is that the necks of the brass were not of uniform thickness. Is this a correct hypothesis? Probably would not be an issue if these cartridges were just going to the range, But using them in hunting conditions causes me pause.
Would appreciate the benefit of your experiences, thoughts, and suggestions. (If it matters: 257 Roberts, 100gr Hornady ILs, R-P brass.)
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 90
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 90 |
Not a gun writer. I would guess the problem has to do with brass springing. Try annealing your brass or getting an undersized mandrel.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,980
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,980 |
Do a search on here of how to set up these dies by member Mathman The factory instructions do not work as well If that doesn’t work take the mandrel out and spin it in a drill and take a bit off the thickness with some 360 grit sand paper, or order an undersized mandrel from Lee
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,697
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,697 |
Simple solution... just tighten the die just a hair by turning it say a 1/8 to a 1/4 turn...clock wise...
"Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC
“Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
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Joined: Aug 2015
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2015
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The die squeezes the neck around a mandrel. The brass thickness shouldn't matter, that would affect your outside neck diameter after sizing, not the inside diameter. As 375Taylor said above, it sounds like you need to anneal your brass. The loose necks have probably been work hardened and are springing back excessively. That, or you are not providing uniform pressure on your press stroke.
Let's Go Brandon! FJB
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2007
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Seafire’s solution worked for me when I experienced that issue.
You only live once, but...if you do it right, once is enough.
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
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Thanks, guys...very helpful feedback!
Is there any concern of pushing the shoulder back and thereby screwing up headspace by screwing the die down lower?
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Joined: Jul 2013
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,189 |
Thanks, guys...very helpful feedback!
Is there any concern of pushing the shoulder back and thereby screwing up headspace by screwing the die down lower? The die doesn't affect headspace, so it won't be an issue.
I belong on eroding granite, among the pines.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,171
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,171 |
I have several Lee collet dies that I have had to sand down the mandrel to get better neck tension.
Neil
Dong Ha Vietnam '67
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
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I have several Lee collet dies that I have had to sand down the mandrel to get better neck tension.
Neil Sounds like an issue that Lee should address!
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,027 |
I have several Lee collet dies that I have had to sand down the mandrel to get better neck tension.
Neil Sounds like an issue that Lee should address! They'll sell you a mandrel for a nominal fee. Just need to specify the size you want. OR you can cut down the one you have. DF
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,201
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,201 |
As mentioned, the brass might not be springing back consistently enough and may need annealed.
Every one of my LCD's with the standard mandrel sized brass with minimal tension. I have learned to order standard and undersize mandrels when I buy a new LCD, and sand the down the mandrel to "fit" different brands/lots of brass.
Casey
Not being married to any particular political party sure makes it a lot easier to look at the world more objectively... Having said that, MAGA.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
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Put a mic on the mandrel you have now and see what's what.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I find a .002 undersize mandrel is about right. I order from Lee when I order a new collet die automatically now.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Put a mic on the mandrel you have now and see what's what. Ture. I have three standard size 6mm mandrels, none of them mic the same diameter.
Casey
Not being married to any particular political party sure makes it a lot easier to look at the world more objectively... Having said that, MAGA.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
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IIRC, the cost of a mandrel is around five bucks, or so. At least that's what I remember from a while back.
DF
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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How can it be the mandrel when the OP said 60% of the reloads have tight necks/bullets? Technique and brass come to mind here.
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
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Yep, I have found the "springiness" of the brass has much to do with success when using LC dies.
And even though they're more tolerant of uneven neck thickness than expander-ball or bushing dies, uneven necks can still have an effect.
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
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Gentlemen: FWIW: I tried Seafire's advice and that seemed to do the trick.Still puzzled as to why some rounds were initially OK, and others needed an additional squeeze. Must be the "springiness" phenomenon.
Thanks again for all the assistance. That's why I hang around here!.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Gentlemen: FWIW: I tried Seafire's advice and that seemed to do the trick.Still puzzled as to why some rounds were initially OK, and others needed an additional squeeze. Must be the "springiness" phenomenon.
Thanks again for all the assistance. That's why I hang around here!. The simplest solution is always the best solution!
Casey
Not being married to any particular political party sure makes it a lot easier to look at the world more objectively... Having said that, MAGA.
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