My Lee .380 sizer die is probably the first Lee product I've been disappointed with. I was unable to get acceptable neck tension with it. I started researching solutions and discovered 2 things:
I measured the I.D. of both dies using mitutoyo calipers (not pin guages) and found that the Lee 380 sizer is .366" and the 223 rem SB is .364”. That .002" makes all the difference in the world when it comes to erratic performance and incomplete powder burn.
I'm going to get a new sizer for 380 because I like the convenience of the carbide, but I question the need to get the Lee 380 undersize die.
Does anyone have an RCBS, Hornady, or other 380 sizer die, and do you know it's inside diameter?
- Many people have the same problem with the Lee 380 sizer die. They often solve the problem by getting the undersize die, which is .004" smaller.
- Some people size 380 with a 223 rem die.
I measured the I.D. of both dies using mitutoyo calipers (not pin guages) and found that the Lee 380 sizer is .366" and the 223 rem SB is .364”. That .002" makes all the difference in the world when it comes to erratic performance and incomplete powder burn.
I'm going to get a new sizer for 380 because I like the convenience of the carbide, but I question the need to get the Lee 380 undersize die.
Does anyone have an RCBS, Hornady, or other 380 sizer die, and do you know it's inside diameter?