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Lee collet dies (Read 3274 times)

Muddly Participating Member Offline Posts: 15 Joined: Apr 14^th, 2017	Lee collet dies Apr 16^th, 2017 at 10:35pm	Print Post
	I've used Lee collet dies in a number if calibers, with great success. Now that I will be loading for my Encore, I find myself wondering if they would be suitable for loading an Encore. They are easy in brass and don't move the shoulder at all. I've read that shoulder position consistency is critical in this rifle. So. Anyone out there using Lee collets for their Encore, or is there a better choice? Thanks much!


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calledflyer Frequent Elocutionist Online Posts: 3995 Joined: Mar 9^th, 2015	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #1 - Apr 16^th, 2017 at 10:51pm	Print Post
	Although case consistency is to be looked for in the whole field of reloading, in the case of the TC guns the bigger problem is that the case shoulder mustn't move forward or the barrel won't go into battery. I don't think that the collet die would be bad, but after a period of time the cases may need a little more sizing to "readjust" them. This from the use of one of the contenders a long time ago. The Encore probably shares the same traits, though.


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beltfed Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1827 Location: Central Wi Joined: Dec 20^th, 2007	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #2 - Apr 16^th, 2017 at 11:03pm	Print Post
	Ditto, Called Flyer, I shot Contender10 inch 30-30 for years of Handgun Silhouette. Full loads mostly. 160 gr CB at 1900. I used only a neck sizing die for reloading the fired cases from the gun. Only thing, avoid pushing the shoulder back as I had the cases headspacing on the shoulder, not the rim. Had no problem. The Encore is a stiffer stronger action than the contender, and so, unless you put up really hot loads, you should not have a problem using the Lee Collet neck size die *as long as it is set up and used properly*. Note that recently, I was using my Lee Collet NS, on 30-06 fire formed brass, and leaned too hard on some and collapsed/swelled several at the shoulder, so they would not chamber... beltfed/arnie


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calledflyer Frequent Elocutionist Online Posts: 3995 Joined: Mar 9^th, 2015	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #3 - Apr 16^th, 2017 at 11:44pm	Print Post
	Arnie, my Hornet collet sizer would do that to the shoulder really easily with the thin brass. Finally stopped the use of it and just used regular dies. Trying to preserve brass ended up actually costing me some.


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beltfed Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1827 Location: Central Wi Joined: Dec 20^th, 2007	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #4 - Apr 17^th, 2017 at 8:33am	Print Post
	thanks, CF. Indeed, I have to be carefull not to lean on the Rockchucker handle too hard when using the Lee Collet NS dies. A while back, someone mentioned buying a Lee press to use with these dies since (somehow) the Lee press/collet ns die combo works w/o problems.???? beltfed/arnie


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beltfed Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1827 Location: Central Wi Joined: Dec 20^th, 2007	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #5 - Apr 17^th, 2017 at 8:36am	Print Post
	OH, there was something about the Lee press not "going over center at top of stroke. For that reason,I set up the Collet NS die deeper in my Rockchucker so as to avoid the over center end of stroke. again, I still had a couple of '06 brass with swelled shoulder. ---????? beltfed/arnie


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Premod70 Oldtimer Offline Posts: 873 Location: North Carolina Joined: Jan 16^th, 2016	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #6 - Apr 17^th, 2017 at 9:17am	Print Post
	Just keep in mind that as long as you don't over tax the action all will be well. Running pressures that causes the action to stretch will always cause problems for your cases. Work your loads up slowly and back off at the first sign of case growth. This should give you smooth sailing. Also use brass that has only been fired in the chamber you're loading, brass has memory and will return deminsionally to the previous firings, good luck.


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calledflyer Frequent Elocutionist Online Posts: 3995 Joined: Mar 9^th, 2015	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #7 - Apr 17^th, 2017 at 11:58am	Print Post
	Premod, your advice is well taken. At least now it is, because back when we were doing all that silhouette stuff the general trend was to shoot 'em for all they were worth! Scares the s--t out of me to think how many overloaded handguns have been in my hands and next to me on the line! Maybe that's a safety feature of Contenders- won't close on overstoked brass Arnie, I don't know about the Lee press idea- but it's just possible with that company. I'm still using the second press I've ever used, an RCBS, with the ol' Pacific stashed somewhere in my junk.


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MartiniBelgian Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1734 Location: Aarschot Joined: Jun 7^th, 2004	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #8 - Apr 18^th, 2017 at 2:22am	Print Post
	FWIW, I'm using a collet die on my 22 Hornet brass without any issues - but they do need to be adjusted just right. It was one of the things that really helped my rifle to shoot to potential - the collet die combined with a match seater.


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calledflyer Frequent Elocutionist Online Posts: 3995 Joined: Mar 9^th, 2015	Re: Lee collet dies Reply #9 - Apr 18^th, 2017 at 11:18am	Print Post
	MB, the collet die was able to be used with some effort, you're right about that. My frustration was caused by using a variety of bullet diameters that caused trouble with variable neck tension unless the die got adjusted to each and every load change. After a while I just went to the simpler way. I like to fuss with some things, that was one I guess didn't make my list. Still kickin' around here somewhere............


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