Which Lee dies ?

[Longstrider]

I have until now been using a set (2) of Lee dies that I inherited, (so other than them being Lee .270Win dies I have no idea what they are), to reload my .270 ammo. However, a $^*!-up on my part has led to them becoming rather rusted and seized. The problem came to light when I loaded up the last few rounds and found that I could easily push the bullets into the cases with my thumb, and I mean ALL the way in Ther innards of the dies is thick with the dreaded brown stuff and I'd rather go new than muck about with them.

I'll be buying a new set for obvious reasons, but am now confused as to what dies I have. I see Lee 2 die sets for sale .... Collet dies, RGB dies and Full Length dies. Now I can understand the term "Full Length", and understand that a collet die only sizes the neck of the case, but what is an RGB die set ?

What do you get in a 4 die set that you don't get in a 2 die set, and if 2 dies are enough to do the job properly what is the advantage of the extras ?

Also, which would you say was the better option, neck sizing or full length ? Most of my brass has been through my own rifle, but I do have some that was bought as "Once fired" that I'd like to make up.

Numpty questions I know, but unless you ask ......

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

RGB stands for Really Great Buy. They come as a full length sizer and bullet seater set. Pretty much all you need, unless you want to crimp as well.

Lee RGB Reloading Die Set 270 Winchester

Lee RGB Reloading Die Set 6.5x55 - 90874 Lee 270 Really Great Buy. Includes Full Length Sizer Die and Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating Die (no

www.theskiptongunroom.co.uk

For under £20 you can’t complain! Although might be worth double checking they’re for .270W as the ad also says 6.5x55.

The collet die will only resize the neck. If you only wanted to neck size then you could get away with one of those and a bullet seater.

However, as you have some once-fired brass you want to ‘make sure of’ then the RGB set is probably the best option. Also, you’ll probably end up having to FLS at some point, and I don’t really think you’ll see much of a difference in case life between only neck sizing with the occasional FLS, and FLS every time.

The four die set usually comprises of a FLS die, neck die, crimp die and bullet seater.

You can probably pick up a RGB and crimp die on the Classifieds forum if you’d rather buy from a forum member!

 

[Alantoo]

The "Ultimate" Lee 4 die set has a F/L Sizing Die and a Collet Neck Sizing Die so you can choose which you want to use...as you are using once fired from another rifle, the first time at least should probably be the F/L die....but you might find your chamber was larger than the other guys rifle.

The other dies in the Ultimate set are the Dead Length Bullet Seating Die and the Factory Crimp Die.

I use all of them at various times. Plus I added the Decapping die to pop the primers out before annealing cleaning and sizing, and the Universal Case Expanding die to flare the case mouth and assist with flat bottom bullets and the lead free bullets with driving bands....you need the FCD to close the case mouth having flared it.

Alan

 

[Longstrider]

Thank you gentlemen RGB looks like the way to go for the time being .. and you're right, at under £20 I reckon I can recklessly splurge on a crimp die or neck sizer sometime in the future if I ever feel the need.

 

[Milk no sugar please]

Don’t forget to buy a shell holder if yours is rusty as the rgb sets do not include this. About £4 so worth having a couple

 

[Longstrider]

The shell holder is fine thanks fella. ( and I already have a couple )

RGB set ordered so I'll be back in business soon I hope

 

[Muir]

Clean your old set. I'll bet it isn't what you think it is.~Muir

 

[25 Sharps]

REALLY GREAT BUY