The Basics of Reloading Dies -- PART 1

[coolgun789]

Haha, thank you for explaining the dies. i'm new to reloading and i was using the decapper to seat the bullet :p

[wp4866]

my rcbs carbide sizer for ruger .45 single six is not letting all my reloads enter the cylinder. the last 1/4 inch or so must be tapped in with a plastic hammer. rcbs says to not take the shell holder within a nickel's depth of the rim which leaves quite a bit of the case unsized. ever had this problem?

[rldel149]

@wp4866 Me personally, no, but I have mainly used LEE and Hornady dies. I couldn't recommend second guessing why RCBS has that particular instruction. It is curious.

[fusionstar916]

My lee dies have steel nuts.

[SPCkeith]

Im trying to decide if i want to get RCBS or redding for 30-06, 223, and 300 win mag. any advice/ guidance? thanks.

[rldel149]

@SPCkeith "... RCBS or redding ... thanks." - Both make good products but I have grown to prefer Hornady dies. I think I still have 1 set of RCBS dies in something I don't use, Redding in .270 (good dies but had a bad experience w/the company). I ended up sticking a die, they said if I mailed it in they'd fix it, I did, they did, and billed me. Never said anything about that ahead of time. I've had both RCBS and Hornady drop in the mail for me for free - needed very rarely w/either. - jmo.

[rage801]

nice vid! THANKS!

[importsstillsuck]

damn i have a lot to learn...

[swdw973]

It would be fair to point out that with the Lee turret loaders, the extra turrests are cheap enough you set up seperate turrets for each caliber and you don't have to worry about reseating the dies.

Also the Breech lock challenger uses quick disconnects you can put on each die set. again this is a set once and forget it method

As for metal quality, you can use RCBS dies in a lee press.

[rldel149]

swdw973

It would be fair to point out that with the Lee turret loaders, the extra turrests are cheap enough you set up seperate turrets for each caliber and you don't have to worry about reseating the dies. [end quote]

But then your dies are mounted and exposed (not safely tucked away in their cases). And how would you store the turrets w/dies protruding out top & bottom?

Also, I haven't priced a LEE turret but if it cost more than $7 or $12 a quality lock nut would be less expensive.

[rldel149]

swdw973

Also the Breech lock challenger uses quick disconnects you can put on each die set. again this is a set once and forget it method [end quote]

The Hornady Lock-N-Load single stage has a bushing system that allows a die to be set and quickly mounted/demounted in the press as well.

There are many ways to get the job done, a great deal is personal preference. I do use some LEE dies but have eBayed off most calibers, still have, I don't know 3 or 4 maybe.

Best of luck this season

[swdw973]

Get a plastic box of the correct size, just like you have for some of your other equipment.

3 hole turrets ar about $10 and 4 hole about $12

Also, I forgot to mention, you have some really great videos here.

Very informative and well done for home filming. keep up the good work!

Apologize for not saying that earlier.

[WB8WOJ]

I would like info to the Nut Lock used: From whom,Part No. and cost.I would like to change mine very good idea for repeating your section .. Thanks Dale

[rldel149]

Dale,

Youtube won't post any messages w/links in them but in my opinion there are at least 3 top choices 1) Hornady Shure-Loc & tied for 2nd place is Forster Cross Bolt & Lyman Split-Lock. I rank Hornady #1 because they put flat-spots for a tool to grip & the other 2 are knurled round.

You can Google them by brand & trade name and find some online retailers.

All are available in the typical 7/8" x 14 tread.

Typical prices at mail order shops will be $3.59 to 3.99 ea when buying singles.

[rivemor]

I have a Dillion 650 Auto Prog press can I use Hornady dies in this press?

[rldel149]

I can't say with 100% knowledge but I suspect so. With rare execption (some special presses - the .50 BMG for example - too big), virtually all use the same standard threads (7/8"-14tpi).

You just need to verify your Dillion 650 Auto Prog accepts 7/8-14 dies. That would be my guess.

[2967575]

verey nice video im thinking of reloding and you just gave me a good tip of buying good stuff

hehehehe buy some nuts ive got two and

they are not for sale

[rldel149]

Keep a good grasp on them -- they will be the only things that doesn't get taxed this year.

[2967575]

thanx for the tip heheheheheh

[jsm666]

Thanks for this. I went with Lee dies because although I knew they're not fantastic quality, they're cheap for a beginner and in an emergency you can unlock the decapping pin rod and drive out a stuck case with it. I've already had to do that once. Takes five minutes. No sending dies back to the factory, and no unexpected bills!

As my shooting skill gets better, I agree, I'm going to want better dies. But these are good for a start.

[rldel149]

Good post.

[idahochas]

I use the Lyman T-Mag press and RCBS FL Dies. I have never had an issue with either. Great quality imo.

[rldel149]

T-mag is a good press no doubt. I appreciate the visit.

[JByer323]

I've only watched this first video of yours, but so far, I think you're spot on.

Lee makes fine products, but they're not as well made, precise, or durable as others out there. But the price is right.

Now if I can choose any brand of dies for everyday reloading, I'll take Redding. Their competition dies are just fantastic, and their competition pro dies run like clockwork in my Dillon.

Never used Forster's dies, but I've got their press.

[rldel149]

Thanks for the comment!

[RedDelPaPa]

I think the idea that Lee was thinking of that you are not, is the fact that with the lee lock ring, the die can still have some movement in the press for self centering /self alignment purposes, yet have enough tension that its adjustment doesn't change until you change it. Another reason Lee dies produce the highest quality ammo.

[rldel149]

I thank you for your comment.

However generally accepted facts do not support those opinions.

First and most importantly movement in anyone's press results in lower quality products. It is in effect making "sloppy ammo". There are many reasons to hand load, perhaps accuracy of the firearm and ammo combination tops the list.

[IMO] Anyone's dies, presses, and combination thereof which allows movement in the dies, ram, shell holder, etc. is bad. Rock solid exacting repeatability is best. [IMHO]

[rldel149]

Secondly - locking ring/nut function:

My personal experience is the Lee locking ring will adequately secure the die in place for the sparse low quantity batches I typically run - IF I TORQUE THE DEVIL OUT OF THEM.

Further IME, where they fail miserably is in every other function of a locking ring. When I adjust, use, remove and pack away a set of dies with a real functioning locking rings; I can put them back in the press two years from now and they are where I left them.

[rldel149]

Secondly - locking ring/nut function (cont.)

Hornady isn't the only company making quality dies; but others often lock by screwing into the threads. Thread-locking has a higher risk of buggering up the threads than split-ring/squeeze type - agreed?

Consider straight walled cartridges like the 38spl/357, 44mag, 41mag... 500sw or in rifles 45-70, .458, 458lott - anything with a pre-seat flare and/or roll-crimp. These are CASE LENGTH DEPENDENT. SLOP now & BUGGERED TREADS later are not the best.

[rldel149]

With regard to locking rings/nuts I perceive distinct differences among industry offerings and have given the reasons for these preferences.

I try to allow for other's opinions too. I do, I really do and I never want to be harsh with anyone. However I feel obligated to respond to misinformation when presented.

I hope this explanation is taken in the spirit offered.

[RedDelPaPa]

I think Lee does extremely well at offering the absolute best bang for the buck. And some of their stuff is upgradable if you're willing to pay a little more. For example, the hornady lock rings. I think the Lee Classic Cast single stage press is the best single stage press you can buy. And the cheapest. And made in the USA.

[RedDelPaPa]

That's not entirely true. A decapping pin for example, is best left with some movement available so that it can self align. Same goes for a bullet seating cone. I also think the tool steel used for Lee dies is just as good as any other mfg's. I'm not knocking your opinions though. I think it would be great if Lee shipped their dies with lock rings that have both the o-ring and an allen lock screw. Or at least offered them as an option to anyone willing to pay a little more.

[rldel149]

Is there a cheaper press than the Lee Reloader Single Stage Press - it is like $25 w/a 2 year warranty. But today on MidwayUSA it only gets 4 stars out of 46 reviews.

Look at Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Press - same site $80. Cast iron w/a 2 year warranty.

But for $80 you can get an RCBS Partner Single Stage Press w/a lifetime warranty (it is aluminum).

If you are going to buy a single stage press why not buy a Lyman Crusher 2 Single Stage Press w/a lifetime warranty for $109 (cast iron)

[rldel149]

For the same $109 you could get a Redding Boss Single Stage Press - cast iron & carries a lifetime warranty. For $137 the Big Boss & $154 big Boss II.

For $120 Hornady makes a single-stage w/a quick-change feature - & a Lifetime Warranty.

I can go on and on. It is a personal choice on what to buy but look at something other than the front end dollar.

---

Decapper... no, you don't want it sloppy either. If you setup isn't sloppy, you can hit center every time. JMO

Thank you for your opinion.

[rcooper260]

If you dont like lee dies why did you buy so many??

[rldel149]

If you don't reload much nor often, they'll work satisfactorily and it seems like like you save some money - until you think about having to buy nuts, then not so much. Purely on price before I really learned the product.

Look at the example provided.

[rldel149]

Lets take the time to look at an example of my latest rifle's caliber - .458 Win Mag

LEE 22.99 + 3x 3.89 (HDY - any split will do 22.99 + 11.67 = 35.66 (Pacesetters + split rings)

Compare to quality die sets (all 3 die sets)

HORNADY - 39.99 Cust Grde New Dim - Split-nut

RCBS - 39.49 (Note: setscrew nut

REDDING - 43.49 (Note: setscrew nut

FORSTER - --.-- doesn't do big bore .375 max

Note all prices are Midway #31 published.

[rldel149]

Now, I have covered the locking ring issue and there are even comments by others who have had the same problems but it just shows the true nature of Lee's business model. Lee is smart. I tip my hat to them. Lee owns the low-end market. Nobody touches their prices.

For you to understand why I grade Hornady nuts above all others you need to see them. Go to Midway USA's web site & do a search for LOCKING RING in RELOADING.

(see list)

[rldel149]

LOCKING

1) split-rings lock-on to the die by squeezing the die - Can't bugger the threads.

2) setscrew locking rings lock-on to the die by binding the die treads - brass setscrews less likely to damage treads but often break and don't hold as well as steel setscrews. Steel setscrews bugger the die threads.

3) LEE - They don't lock. They only sort of resist turning by the friction of the rubber O-ring. This means YOU MUST ADJUST BULLET SEATING and SIZING DIES EVERY TIME YOU USE A LEE DIE.

[rldel149]

REMOVAL FROM PRESS

1) Nuts - have "flats" that with a tool, you an get a good grip on your die (to which it should be locked not "sort of"). On a single stage, a big wrench from the garage might do but on turret presses and auto-progressives you can be a little tight on space.

2) Rings - knurling improves grip a little but if you ever have to put a pair of Vice Grip (R), pipe wrench, or other "biting pliers", you bugger the outside of the nut.

[rldel149]

Of all of my dies, the yellow cup LEEs are the only ones I have to grease with gun action grease after each and every use just to keep my fingerprints from rusting into the dies.

I know the rust is only cosmetic but it is a symptom (propensity to oxidize) alloy LEE uses. If you use LEE dies and store them in a damp garage or basement - I'll bet you found this out already.

Now outside - even if it grew 3 mils thick - not so much of a problem. But what is my solution inside the die?

[rldel149]

Mine don't either when they are screwed down in the turret.

[tharr2008]

I have been using Lee Dies for years and never had a lock ring move.

[pingpong909]

haha the last thing u said..

"you just buy somebody elses nut"

great stuff btw! im planning on loading my own rounds when i get my Rem 700 .308..

[Liberty4Ever]

I use 5W20 full synthetic motor oil (Castrol Syntec, etc.) for resizing lube. It's much better lube than any of the commercial lubes, and I've tried most of them. It's also $5 for a lifetime supply, it's easy to apply, easy to remove, and so little is needed it doesn't load up the tumbling media with case lube when the cases are tumble cleaned. Check it out:

watch?v=THOL_S7Hngs

The case lube portion starts at 4:20.

Synthetic oil is also good oil for the ram and other reloading press parts.

[Liberty4Ever]

I like the Lee dies. Great quality and value! I clean them to remove polishing grit when I first get them and then I immediately lube them to prevent rust. I will often polish the expander (decapping rod) using MicroMesh or Abralon. It takes less than a minute and puts a mirror finish on it. I NEVER use nickel plated brass for reloading. It chips and flakes when resized and can scratch dies. I do put the $3 Hornady locking rings on the Lee dies and use the Hornady die wrench to snug them.

[Foxsniper]

Hi there. I had the same problem with lee dies. I use two nuts around the die this acts as a locking nut.

Works for me.

Good video

[rldel149]

Well it is opinion. I probably can do a Rockwell hardness test on the dies to further express why I have the opinion I do (that and their nutts bite). It isn't anything against Lee Precision - as you can see, I have several sets. They just aren't made of the came caliber (yes.. pun intended) as Hornady, RCBS, Redding, etc. Still, my Lees will likely outlast me! Dollar-for-dollar they are a deal.

[tequenikal]

mostly good info, except for the comment about Lee dies not being good dies. I've got a set for 38special that has reloaded over 10,000 rounds.

[MSVLian]

I know a little more now, thanks for making this! i think Ill get Hornady die!

[Live414]

Thank you for going to the trouble of making this video for us shooters.

With the price of ammo, we will all have to learn how to reload!

[pistoljock148]

Must see for noobs

[dfxjedi]

nice video.