Lee Classic Problem

[OleEd]

I switched from a RCBS single die set I bought back in the 1970's (Still like new and use it with my 223 Rem reloads) to load 357s and had only "Operator Headspace Errors" with it. SInce I am shooting a lot more and reloading a lot more, I went to Lee Classic reloader with Lee Dies.

Problem: Every Die (380, 9mm, 38/357, 45ACP, and 223 Rem) when I taper or regular seat and crimp goes out of adjustment +/- (Nearly always +) after about 4 - 5 crimps with every die set. I tighten the dies "Firmly" but the ^*(*# adjustment screw which I can't tighten is screwing with my head.

Now I became so frustrated with the Lee 38/357 die seater, I replaced it with my old RCBS die. I now have very very few adjustment problems but continue to check after every 10 rounds. I clean the dies when that bumping feel from excess wax build up happens.

Can't afford changing to another reload set so not an option. So any suggestions on how to keep the seater die adjustment screw from changing the COAL adjustments so often would be appreciated.

 

[RandyP]

Slight variances in OAL are normal because the seating die is NOT pressing down on the 'point' of the bullet, the seating stem contacts further down on the ogive of the bullet. Some competition rifle reloaders suggest measuring 'OAL' using calipers that measure from the ogive, not the end of the bullet.

I use all Lee gear and have not seen any 'wandering' of my seating die at all.

 

[rcmodel]

I agree, as I have never had a Lee seater stem change while using it.

Unless I subconsciously reached up there and gave it a twist to see if it was still tight or not.
Like I do do all the time with other brands of dies with lock-nuts.

rc

 

[Ol` Joe]

What Randy said.

If you measure a couple bullets from base to tip you will see there is a few thousanths variance in most of them. Your seater if contacting the tip of the bullet instead of down around the ogive near the point of full bullet diameter will seat to a more even COL, but the distance from the rifling your bullet sits will vary.
The base to ogive measurment should be much tighter then the base to tip or base to ogive to tip. This is the length the bullet sits in the case and affects the case volume, and pressures to some degree. The "jump" or distance from the bullets contact to the rifling is the more important of the two.

I`ve a couple Lee seaters and haven`t seen any trouble with them but, I do use other brands much more frequently for my seating.

 

[Hondo 60]

Until yesterday, I hadn't seen any wandering either.
But I bought some 220 gr 44 cal berrys.
My OAL was anywhere from 1.608 - 01.618 (I wanted 1.610)

I think the seater stem is not a good fit for that bullet.
With the holiday i haven't had a chance to dig into it at all.
It'll probably have to wait til Tuesday or so.

 

[AABEN]

Check your bullets see if the head is a little different. Also mike them to see if they are the same in length. Good Luck

 

[Eb1]

I have never had 100% success rate of OAL with any seater die that I use for my non-match reloading.