problem with Lee dies

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The mechanics of a die in a press is not rocket science. Variances in OAL are caused by inconsistant projectiles, press flexing, or operator error. The seating die once set is not going to turn in or out on you unless it is not installed and set properly in the first place.


It looks to me like the seater plug is being pushed up because the threads are not right.
It would still lock the same every time, unless you are chasing an OAL every time you make a round and readjust it(Bad idea). It is not going to move up and down under load at a setting it was left at.
 
I, too, have a problem with Lee dies. They're just too inexpensive to impress anyone with my wealth and expensive toys. I have the same problem with my watch - it isn't a Rolex. I get no respect.
 
:D

I own a lot of Lee stuff. I'd have never bothered trying reloading without an inexpensive choice like Lee.
I have three pressses and a bunch of support goodies and hardware now, Dillon, Lyman, RCBS, and Lee. It is all good and all works.

Looking at my Lee dies, I'd guess they are likely to outlast me.
 
My Lee dies, 45ACP, 38spcl, 223 and 9mm, crank out the same rounds every time; powder & COAL. It's all in the setup.
 
I use LEE dies for pistol. They worked consistently day one and now, many many thousands later.
With the LEE turret press, the handle pull needs to be methodical and consistent.
If the dies are sticking, they are likely out of proper adjustment. Mine do not change. The "turret" can flex "up" a skosh, but adjusting the spiral indexing rod and a consistent handle pull reduces any oal variations to insignificant.
For bullets with very different nose-shapes, LEE offers a seating stem "custom fit" if you send them a few bullets. Was $9.

CALL LEE if none of the above are the problems.
 
I have dies by Lyman, RCBS, Redding, Hornady, and Lee. They all work just fine. I use Lee for 9MM, 45ACP, .223, and 30-30. I haven't had any problems.
 
All three calibers that I load are Lee,not 1 issue.You will find their customer service is one of the best.Give it a try.
 
Lee makes quality products, they would not be as large as they are or have lasted as long as they have if this was not the case.

For those that think their success is only because of their price, then with that logic the YUGO would have been a huge success.
 
I seen the last Yugo about 10 years ago & was blown away that there was still one on the road.

Thanks for the memory.
 
Ha! Last time I saw a YUGO that puppy was cruising down the interstate about 70 MPH and it sounded like it was about to blow! What a memory! I laughed then and I'm laughing now just thinking about it.
 
If he was going 70 he must have had a tail wind & his breaks quit working again. What sounded like something about to blow was probably the driver screaming for his like.

I was a kid way back then & I liked to ride in them. Seemed fun at the time. My brother had one & spent more time working on it then he did driving. Instead of charging his passengers gas money they had to pay into the parts fund.
 
14 sets of dies, 12 of them are Lee.

I bought a set of RCBS just to see what the difference was, I found no difference in loaded ammo.

I also have one set of Redding, they came as part of a package with a Ruger Redhawk 44 magnum.
 
The vertical play seems to be as the O-ring gives under compression as the bullet is seated. I think there is to much play in the threads. I don't know why its not the same distance every time but its not.
There may be some small variation due to your theads and O-ring. But this is generally dwarfed by the other variables. If variation in my OALs stayed within this range, I'd be very happy, no matter how bad my threads were.

You never mentioned what bullets and caliber you are using. The bullet can be the source of a lot of variation. A plated FP or a JHP bullet can deform quite a bit if the seater plug doesn't fit well, or if you're doing a hard crimp at the same time. Rifle bullets seat by the ogive, and the OAL will vary depending on the bullet consistency.

You can order custom seating plugs from LEE very cheap. Or you can buy extra seating plugs and make your own.
 
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No problem with Lee for pistol and carbine. I do use Forster dies for my 308 precision.
 
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