Replacing Lee FL die set...recommendations pls?

[Sheprador1973]

Hi all. My Lee die set has just upset me for the last time i suspect. Another stuck case requiring full dismantle etc. Was thinking about the affordable RGb sets but fancy trying another brand.

Can anybody recommend an affordable but reliable die set please? I've just been looking at the RCBS Comp die sets (perhaps overkill for my needs) and the Hornady Custom Grade 2 die sets. My requirements are simple: I want to reliably reload .308 for my stalking rifle, so no neck sizing, bumping or crimping necessary. Thank you

 

[Sheprador1973]

Oh, and I'm using a Lee cast press if it makes a difference. Also, it might be advantageous to be able to better set neck tension so haven't yet ruled out bushing dies.

 

[SpikeD]

Lee dies are usually pretty good, I would investigate more as to why the cases are getting stuck, changing to another brand is unlikely to solve the issue.

What case lube and neck lube are you using? If you are full length sizing make sure you have a good coverage on the case but not so ,much as to cause dents. I have found that Imperial case wax and graphite neck lube via an RCBS brush the best combination for me.

I find other manufacturers dies better finished externally than Lee but not as robust, after 40 odd years of reloading I couldn't say my ammunition was magically improved by one brand vs another. We all have our favourites but Lee are a good place to start with.

Competition dies are probably not going to make much difference unless you are trimming all of your cases to the same length, uniformimg primer pockets, weighing exact powder charges and chasing the lands etc. Not really needed for stalking.

I do like the Lee factory crimp dies, they save a lot of grief when crimping and for a stalking scenario are a good low effort way to ensure consistency in bullet pull even on bullets without a cannelure.

 

[bluesako]

forster dies are great i have used them now for over 10 years well made never given me a problem just get a standard set f\l and seater it wont break the bank g,l bs

 

[billgatese30]

I'd agree with @SpikeD, while Redding/RCBS etc are all nice dies and externally are very well finished compared to the Lee, internal dimensions should be the same so you are unlikely to see any difference in a change. Lubrication is the key to not getting cases stuck.

 

[NP435]

RCBS are the vast majority of my dies, the other is Redding. Normally poor lubrication causes a stuck case. So far, I haven't managed that. My first loads were done in 1978.

 

[Cyres]

Lubrication issue!
Nothing wrong with Lee.
D

 

[Sheprador1973]

Thanks for the replies, informative and useful. I agree that I'm not ilikely to get into uniforming pockets, neck turning etc but achieving a consistent neck tension would be desirable, Will a standard Lee FL die achieve this? Must admit I'd not ever considered crimping as assumed that was the reserve of semi-auto/military users. Have now removed the stuck case but remain skeptical of the decapping pin securing system on the Lee (its not threaded so seems to slip easily...until you want to release it of course). Seen the Hornady Custom Grade on sale so considering giving them a try, But have heeded the advice above re lubrication (again, just been using the Lee tube since beginning reloading).

 

[Stumpy2]

I had this problem and a can of hornady one shot lube sorted it out.

Always use enough lube…

 

[moeggesit]

Almost certainly a lubrication issue, however it may be worth checking that your dies are clean a not full of dried up gunk. Give it a good clean as if it is a rifle chamber.

In terms of dies I don’t think you can beat Lee for quality or value (not just cheap).

I also really like some of the Reading and Hornady series.

RCBS, Lyman, CH4, Simplex, Dillon, all do the job equally well unless there is a very specific task you have in mind then one feature may tip the balance.

 

[takbok]

Lee lube and dies are more than adequate. Use enough lube and also make sure inside of necks are lubed.

 

[NP435]

Thanks for the replies, informative and useful. I agree that I'm not ilikely to get into uniforming pockets, neck turning etc but achieving a consistent neck tension would be desirable, Will a standard Lee FL die achieve this? Must admit I'd not ever considered crimping as assumed that was the reserve of semi-auto/military users. Have now removed the stuck case but remain skeptical of the decapping pin securing system on the Lee (its not threaded so seems to slip easily...until you want to release it of course). Seen the Hornady Custom Grade on sale so considering giving them a try, But have heeded the advice above re lubrication (again, just been using the Lee tube since beginning reloading).

If you can source Corrosion X, I did put that in my Fl dies to see if it would give less effort and yes it did, a margin of safety if nothing else.

 

[308FNSPR]

Check your case lube

 

[urban]

Have now removed the stuck case but remain skeptical of the decapping pin securing system on the Lee (its not threaded so seems to slip easily...until you want to release it of course).

I use Lee full-length dies in .223 and 6.5 CM, with Lee lube. I don't suffer from stuck cases.

However, I don't like decapping with the sizing die for a couple of reasons. Firstly I decap cases before I clean them and therefore using the sizing die for decapping means you're more likely to get muck inside the die (how much this matters is debatable). Secondly, universal decapping pins are easier to get replacements for than the decapping pin in the sizing die and it's very annoying to bend one and not have a repacement available.

In my experience, the Lee decapping pin securing nut needs to be done up very tight to stop the pin slipping in normal use - but once youve done that it stays put OK.

 

[angusb1]

I use Lee full-length dies in .223 and 6.5 CM, with Lee lube. I don't suffer from stuck cases.

However, I don't like decapping with the sizing die for a couple of reasons. Firstly I decap cases before I clean them and therefore using the sizing die for decapping means you're more likely to get muck inside the die (how much this matters is debatable). Secondly, universal decapping pins are easier to get replacements for than the decapping pin in the sizing die and it's very annoying to bend one and not have a repacement available.

In my experience, the Lee decapping pin securing nut needs to be done up very tight to stop the pin slipping in normal use - but once youve done that it stays put OK.

I also use the universal decapping die for the same reason. It keeps any crud out of the resizer.

 

[crow juice]

Hi all. My Lee die set has just upset me for the last time i suspect. Another stuck case requiring full dismantle etc. Was thinking about the affordable RGb sets but fancy trying another brand.

Can anybody recommend an affordable but reliable die set please? I've just been looking at the RCBS Comp die sets (perhaps overkill for my needs) and the Hornady Custom Grade 2 die sets. My requirements are simple: I want to reliably reload .308 for my stalking rifle, so no neck sizing, bumping or crimping necessary. Thank you

Like numerous others above I think the most likely cause of your problem is not getting the case throughly lubricated . That being said i think Lee makes good serviceable dies and I have 4 or 5 sets of the 4-die ultimate rifle sets that I use regularly. I really like the Collet Neck Sizer and the Factory Crimp die. I am not crazy about the Full Length Sizing die because the de-priming stem is held by a collet and often slips ( This is true of Hornaday dies too) . I much prefer the system on the RCBS where the stem is threaded into the top of the die and held by a lock nut. I think Redding and Forrester do something similar.

Maybe you should try a different lube. I recently changed from Lee lube to Hornaday One Shot and it is a little easier for me to use.

 

[jthyttin]

Have now removed the stuck case but remain skeptical of the decapping pin securing system on the Lee (its not threaded so seems to slip easily...until you want to release it of course)

Make sure the decapping pin position is right. Take the pin out, and put die, empty brass and decapping pin side by side on the table.

You want the actual decapping part of the pin positioned so that it will pop the used primer out, but the pin body does not contact the bottom of brass (inside). You also want "fat part" of the decapping pin (that calibrates the neck inside diameter on handle up-stroke) to be significantly below the neck/shoulder area of the die. Otherwise you could get epic problems if the case is forced between die body and the calibration part of decapping pin.

 

[cjm1066]

Started with Lyman, have RCBS, Hornady and Lee, the Lee are 222 and given by a friend so are a keeper.

Differences, the Hornady has a floating bullet aligner, that’s especially good with flat base bullets otherwise no differences.

I did stick cases in a 25/06, that was a lube issue, an appropriate size socket and washer as a spacer, then a tap and die – cheapies off ebay removes them easily. The 25/06 is now gone but that another story.

 

[bluesako]

i know a guy who is always getting cases stuck in his die, i asked him how long have you had your dies, he said about 12 years, i said how many times have you cleaned them, he said never end of conversation.