george_s

I am new to reloading, and just bought a lee anniversary kit and a set of .270 collet dies. not really sure of the difference between the rgb, pacesetter and collet dies, looking for any tips. also, how do you use a case length gauge, and do i need one of those right away? thanks!

Josh 24:15

mounting man

The Collet die is a neck sizing type of die. The RGB dies and Pace setter sets,are full length sizing dies. Just follow the directions,that should be with the collet and it will come to you.
Case length gage,you really should have one !!!!!!!!!
To make case length checking simple,to start,get the ones from Lee . The trimmer and shell holder,plus the trim gage,for you chosen caliper. You just use these to check and trim the cases. The proper measurement is built into the trim gauge.
Check the Lee on line site.Lots of directions for their products,on line.<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Mounting Man/in PA.

hornetguy

as mm stated, the collet die sizes only the neck of the fired case. It does this by squeezing the neck down against a mandrel... no sliding action is done against the brass, so no lubrication is needed. You will need to have cases fired in your rifle for the collet die to work, since it only sizes the neck. If someone fires a cartridge in their rifle, and it's chamber is slightly larger than yours, and you neck size it, then chances are it will not chamber in your rifle. Full length sizing is good in a lot of ways, as you will take the brass back to &quot;factory&quot; dimensions, and they will chamber in any 270 rifle. Many people like to fl size for their hunting ammo, because it usually is a looser fit in the chamber, allowing for small amounts of debris, such as pocket lint, etc, to be on the cartridge and not lose your chambering ability. Disadvantages are the possibility of less accuracy (because of the loose fit), and reduced case life. If all you are loading is hunting/plinking ammo, I would probably opt for full length sizing. If maximum accuracy is your goal, and utter reliability in chambering isn't a high priority, then go with neck sizing. Either way, bottom line, is do what works best for you in your rifle.

&quot;Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.&quot; Santayana

george_s

thanks mm and hornet. i ordered the case gauge and full sizing die from lee on line. does the collet die crimp the bullet in place, or do i neeed to get a die for that too?

Josh 24:15

mounting man

The collet die,will remove the old primer and size the neck,of the case.Bullet seating is a different die.
Depending on what gun you are using,you may not have to crimp the bullet in.Lever actions and other tube fed guns,you crimp. If you care to crimp them,Lee's factory crimp die is excellent. It will not mess up your cases,if they are not all the same length.
Here are the stepes,as i do them:
Fire new shell cases[in my gun].
Set up collet in the press and run cases through.
Check cases for flaws.
Clean primer hole and replace primer.
Charge with powder.
Set up bullet seater die and set bullets.
[If I am going to crimp them],I set up my Lee factory crimper die and run them through and place these in a marked container.This has a record of the powder,the amount,the bullet,the C.O.L.,date and how many times these were loaded,on it.<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Mounting Man/in PA.

george_s

Thnks mm, just received my lee factory crimp die in the mail. i appreciat the help!

Josh 24:15