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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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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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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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Simple solution... just tighten the die just a hair by turning it say a 1/8 to a 1/4 turn...clock wise...


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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.


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Seafire’s solution worked for me when I experienced that issue.


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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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Originally Posted by southtexas
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.


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I have several Lee collet dies that I have had to sand down the mandrel to get better neck tension.

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Originally Posted by nmitchell
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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Originally Posted by southtexas
Originally Posted by nmitchell
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.

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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.


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Put a mic on the mandrel you have now and see what's what.

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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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Originally Posted by mathman
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.


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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.

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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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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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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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Originally Posted by southtexas
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

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Having said that, MAGA.
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