Hi all,
When I began my reloading journey, I expressed interest in Lee Loaders (Hand Dies) the chorus sounded 'Get a press or you won't be able to full length size!'.
However, I am of a stubborn disposition and decided to do some research. Turns out you can resize with a simple tool, but the process is just a little more complicated.
Basically, you lube a case as per normal, but instead of using a press for pressure, you place the die into a contraption (usually a vise, but a bottle jack, tame elephant or anything that can provide sufficient pressure is fine) and press until the case is flush with the die. To release, you use a ramrod to push it out. Results have been good for me with an older 'long action' cartridge (270 Winchester). I would not recommend this process be used with sharp shouldered cases.
I've found three makes of Vise Dies so far, L.E Wilson (on the right edge , they only make a press version now), Lynman (centre,also stopped making them) and Simplex of Australia (left edge, in production).
To me, the L.E Wilson is the 'Cadillac' make as an extra tool to press the case flush is included. The others require some form of protection for the case head (a bit of wood or rubber vise jaws).
@enfieldspares very kindly sold the L.E Wilson die set to me, internet/eBay prices for this old tool are crazy.
As for accuracy, they work just fine. I don't full length size on every loading and these tools suit my needs. As usual, caveat emptor.
When I began my reloading journey, I expressed interest in Lee Loaders (Hand Dies) the chorus sounded 'Get a press or you won't be able to full length size!'.
However, I am of a stubborn disposition and decided to do some research. Turns out you can resize with a simple tool, but the process is just a little more complicated.
Basically, you lube a case as per normal, but instead of using a press for pressure, you place the die into a contraption (usually a vise, but a bottle jack, tame elephant or anything that can provide sufficient pressure is fine) and press until the case is flush with the die. To release, you use a ramrod to push it out. Results have been good for me with an older 'long action' cartridge (270 Winchester). I would not recommend this process be used with sharp shouldered cases.
I've found three makes of Vise Dies so far, L.E Wilson (on the right edge , they only make a press version now), Lynman (centre,also stopped making them) and Simplex of Australia (left edge, in production).
To me, the L.E Wilson is the 'Cadillac' make as an extra tool to press the case flush is included. The others require some form of protection for the case head (a bit of wood or rubber vise jaws).
@enfieldspares very kindly sold the L.E Wilson die set to me, internet/eBay prices for this old tool are crazy.
As for accuracy, they work just fine. I don't full length size on every loading and these tools suit my needs. As usual, caveat emptor.
