LEE Pistol Dies: Overview and Setup
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
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Important: See disclaimer at end of video description.
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Full story: bit.ly/2cLU7q9
This video shows the various types of LEE pistol dies and die sets that cover both autoloader and revolver pistol cartridges. If you want to reload anything from 9mm to 45 ACP to 38 Special to 44 Magnum to 357 SIG, this video will show you what LEE pistol dies will work for your application, show you how to setup your dies, and show you exactly what you get in the corresponding die sets from LEE.
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Ultimate Reloader LLC / gavintoobe Disclaimer:
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Ultimate Reloader LLC / gavintoobe Material Connection Notice:
The following Ultimate Reloader partners are featured in this video:
- LEE Precision
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Good to see someone with such knowledge and equipment give Lee a fair review.
I love Lee stuff. Most of their stuff, dies especially, have worked out well for me over many years.
Lee is the best value in dies out there. Many of us that started with little money were able to do so because of Lee.
I started with Herters, then Lee
...I hear folks knocking Lee all the time...I LOVE Lee products...never a problem and their prices are right...NO ONE makes a simpler - or faster - case feed system...I just bought the Pro 4000 - bringing my reloading into the house from the oppressively hot garage ( So Florida's interminable summers suck with the heat/humidity) I've been reloading since I came home from Germany in the summer of 1974 (my first press was an RCBS Rockchucker that I bought at the post Rod & Gun club in Illesheim 50 years ago in 1972...this will be my first experience reloading .38/.357 - I've loaded .44 Mag/Spl, .45 ACP, 9 mm, .45/70 and 5,56 in the past
Would have liked to watch the actual adjustments for those of us that are new to reloading.
I love my Lee dies...excellent product and value...no one else maked the Factory Crimp Die (FCD) it is worth its weight gold...
I'm not much of a Lee fan but I just got a set of their 25-20 dies with the collet crimping die. Very impressed with the whole set.
Excellent production: Clear, precise, intelligible, professional with great video and audio. Well done. Much appreciated instructions.
two and a half years ago while considering reloading I watched a lot of videos including this. Thank you for the video.
I've got lee carbide pistol and lee rifle dies. They are fine for the reloading I am doing.
I have also purchased the lee bulge buster kit and the lee decapping die.
My entire setup has paid for itself compared to current ammo prices. I've not reached 2019 prices and don't think I will with the prices.
One thing I tell people who are interested is they need a solid well lit bench. For some this can add $250 to the cost of a setup.
Thank you again for helping me get started.
thanks Gavin, I really appreciate your tutorials.
Your reloading set up is so neat .Hats off.
Thank you so much for posting this vid. I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to set up the .357 sig crimp die and you got it covered here answered all my questions. Thumbs up and subscribed
You are welcome!!!
Really good instructions, thank you. Just ordered the factory crimp die for 45acp and 10mm auto as I had the carbide three die sets already. Great job, thanks again.
Thanks Gavin great video this is the best channel I've learned so much from you
I know this is an older video, but still relevant. Lee tells us to bottom the full lenght sive and deprime die on the shell plate and then turn in more. I, like you show, just bottom that die snugly to allow the press stops to be the limit of travel. I get better OAL consistency that way. Also, new loaders not familiar with the collet crimp die may think you goofed by turning it in an extra turn past contact with shell plate since they may not realize that die is spring loaded by the collet.
You sir are a gem when it comes to reloading !!!!!
All of my dies are Carbide Lee dies except for one set of Dillon dies. I've tried Dillon, Lee and RCBS dies. Lee are definitely my favorite.
I’ve just begun to get into reloading. I’m on a budget but I still want quality. I’ve found Lee offers both affordable options and good products.
Good summary!
I love the dies, hate the stupid boxes/cases the come in. I have problems opening the plastic box. But, great dies for the $$$!
7 years ago I bought .45 Colt & .223 die sets along with the cheapest Lee press and all these years later its all I need. Also Lee casting molds.
Very professional videos...very informative. A pleasure to watch.
Outstanding work and best preloading video I have seen thank you Gavin
Some talk bad about lee does, but ive been using mine with a headspace comparator to make match ammo with less than .002 of runout for years now. The only thing is i traded the expander ball decapper for a lee neck sizing mandrel in the fl sizer die. Better neck tension and uniformed runout. Same goes for the pistol die sets. Made many accurate cartridges using lee
Another very well explained video Thank you from a new reloaded 👍🇦🇺🇦🇺
I had problems with my 300 blk chambering untill i got a lee FCD and now they chamber good
FCD's can help with a lot of problems! :)
I see that this video was done before the introduction of the spline locking rings currently in Lee Die sets. My die sets where all purchased late '80's and early '90's in the round three die boxes.
Thanks for the informative video. I am just getting started in reloading. I have a good friend suggest that I use Lee Dies. So your video was the first time i have seen a reload press in use.
Thx for posting another great video. Learning a lot!!! 👍👍👍👍👍
Glad you liked it! I love producing this kind of technical content...
after long study, research and a Lymans 50th anniversary manual
I decided to take up reloading.
my first and only ( so far ) purchase is the 4 die set by Lee for my 38special / 357 magnum revolver.
I am trying to decide on what press to start with. other things like a good beam scale etc etc. ..
I have decided on a Lee press.
any advice as to single stage, 4 turret, I'm not going into business so don't feel the need to Mass produce ammo. ( progressive presses )
more like a relaxing hobby.
the 4 turret Lee classic seems
like a middle ground.
any suggestions from anyone with experience regarding any tools needed for this new hobby
would be most welcome.
I wish the best to all.
A peaceful and Merry Christmas!
tjmooremusic good deal, you are going to have a ton of fun!
My first press is a dillon XL750
My only complaint is that it's too fast
It's a great press. But the reason I took up this hobby is to pass the time.
I did add a single stage press to decap, remove primer pocket crimps and pull bullets. I could have done these operations on my dillon XL750 press but what kind of reloaded would I be with only one press on my bench
I think I should have bought a turret press.
Friends of mine that are wanting to work up "THE Ultimate Load" for a new, long range rifle, will often try several different die sets, from the different manufacturers, hoping to get that "One Perfect Combination"!
Now, these same fanatical re-loaders will often then offer quite mixed "Reviews" on the different brands!
One man, with a heavy barreled "Tactical" type rifle, chambered in .30-06' states that he found best accuracy only with his Hornaday dies. Yet the same man, with his long range (400 yards?) VARMINTER says the Redding dies work best!
I guess, if your Retired, with lots of free time and lots of CASH 💸, and your willing to devote hundreds of hours and rounds of ammo at the test range, you can work towards such "Perfection" with your Rifle/Cartridge/Load combination!
But, for the rest of us?
In my family for several generations; if your able to put meat (Deer/Elk) in the freezer every year, you doing GREAT!!!
Cheers!
Love the Lee crimp dies saved my ass from a few times
The key to this video would have been the final adjustments to the flare, seating and crimp die. Also, when using the factory crimp die, what is the function of the roll crimp on the seating die?
thanks for another great video.
I eould really appreciate a demonstration of using the Lee factory crimp die to make a roll crimp for my 357 revolver.
thanks.
Hoping to deep-dive on the Factory Crimp Die this year, stay tuned!
gavintoobe Im subscribed . :)
So the factory crimp die is to better ensure feeding and proper crimp? Thanks you explained it better than Lee's own videos.
Until recently I have only used Dillon and Redding die sets. That was until I added 45acp to my cartridge lineup. I picked up the Lee four dies set, and while I did find them to be a little rough to begin with, after 500 rounds they have come into their own. They hold their settings perfectly when coupled with Hornady "Lock and Load" bushings which make changing dies effortless. My only complaint is the powder through expander. The casings stick even after polishing the expander mandrel to a mirror shine.
If I remember correctly, Lee says that the "sticking case" jerk is a safety that helps to avoid powder sticking in the powder through die
Half the battle with these dies is getting the box open! It can be done without using a screwdriver but I think Lee intended you to use a screwdriver because of the slots they put over the locking tab. If you don't like the locking feature, turn the box lid around 180 degrees and it won't lock. BTW, the Lee instructions are not newbie friendly because under the Carbide Full Length Sizing Die section it says to screw the die down until it touches the shell holder, then raise the ram.. That's backward; raise the ram (with the shell holder installed) all the way and then screw the die down until it touches the shell holder.
very new to reloading.... great video.. love your channel...
Thanks for the great video but I don't go by the COL. I use the clunk test because every chamber is a little differed.
I have used Lee for a long time . They are really economical and long lasting.
And very good quality. Stumpjumper 2
Thanks for the informative video :-)
Another excellent vid. Please review a Lee 4 die rifle set with the neck sizer - THANKS !
Cool- planning a LEE rifle die video, I'll try and include that set!
How about a video on powder checker on a progressive press
Is it better to use case lube no matter what? Even if its carbide?
If you’re on a budget you can get by just fine with a lee press and dies. I think the load master is a pain in the ass but the turret and single stage presses are solid, 15 bucks for a turret head. Try 100 for a Redding like 80 for a Lyman. Yes they hold more dies and are nicer, but for the money I can have 3 lee 4 hole turret dies, run a lee powder thru expander in every set with a funnel and Hornady auto charge, that I just set up for each powder. That all said sometime the more expensive dies are nice tools to work with though, you can just feel the finish and quality of the metal
Hello, I have been watching your videos since I purchased a lee classic turret press. I bought the 500 s&w carbide 3 die set and some unprimed brass, my question is is it normal when using the sizing die that it seems very hard to get the brass to go inside the die. I have never reloaded before and I just don’t know how hard to push the ram up, I guess I’m worried about a stuck case., thanks for your informative videos.
gavintoobe . . . does the bullet seating die also crimp when the handle goes over cam?
I am new to reloading,I am going to reload 45 long colt,I have the lee 3 die set should I have to purchase the factory crimp die
Thanks, good video!
I have a question regarding crimping. The bullet seating die crimps while seating, so why is it necessary to buy the separate taper crimp die? I want to reload 9mm luger for my semi-auto pistol. In my understanding, correct me if I’m wrong, the bullet seater die roll crimps whereas the separate factory crimp die only taper crimps and taper crimp is more suited for semi-auto.
I did not know lee dies could be used with rcbs presses. Thanks
Absolutely!
Gracias
Would you say that adding the lee factory crimp die as a replacement to the stock Dillon crimp die on a Dillon 650 would be beneficial. Current set up is Dillon carbide sizing die, Dillon powder through expander, powder check, Redding competition seating die then the Dillon crimp die.
Most of my stuff is LEE anyway.
However, since AUTO cases headspace off of the CASE MOUTH, can a Factory Crimp Die be used on something like the 45 acp ?
Love Lee dies, so disappointing when your store is out of them and you have to resort to a more expensive brand and have to buy the shell holder additionally.
Yeah, LEE has a solid value here!
Or you buy the more expensive die set to only find the shell holder is out of stock. Or you find the shell holder and the die set is out of stock.
What means "later when we set up the powder measure when can raise and lower the die to adjust the Amount of flare" (at 2nd die) ?
more precisely the meaning of "Amount of flare" ?
I cant translate this in German...
I have the 4 piece deluxe set but in the manual that comes with it they have a warning that you must grease them, thats strange for a carbide set
Hi Gavin
I ran into a lot of problems with switching from ordinary round nose bullets on my 9x19 xl650 to flatnose roundish cone bullets ares 147 gn bullets
I have dillon dies and I am thinking about adding a factory crimp die to my toolhead.
problem is there is virtually no in depth info about factory crimp dies on the tube .
I wonder if you could make indepth viedos about using seating dies with sleeves on progressive presses plus using factory crimp dies.
hope one or two issues can be solved and info gaps get filled
thank you for your work
Love the Lee dies the locking rings not so much.
They work pretty good for me, but not on the Dillon XL-650 (they and most lock rings are too big for that press!)
What I don't like is when you take a die out the Lee lock rings tend to move. Switching over to a Breech Lock System or just buying more Turrets solves the problem.
Do you need the factory crimp die? Starting to load 9mm
Nice video! I love Lee pistol die sets. They're priced well below their true value.
I’m just getting into reloading. I cleaned all my brass and have a rock crusher supreme press but no dies or bullets/powder yet. The dies are still confusing to me. Do you have a suggestion for a book I can read to understand the basics?
Just today I got a Lee breech lock challenger kit. I also got the 9mm four die carbide set. Your video is a great one for someone like me who is new to reloading. The range i shoot at recommends using plated bullets for the indoor range, such as Berry's or Ranier. Do you have a suggestion for powder for my Ruger SR9? Thank you for any ideas you have.
Jim Vandemoter great, glad I could be of help! A powder that is very versatile and helps remove copper fouling is CFE pistol. Else look at w231 hp38 or bullseye.
Good video, but no mention of the rifle die sets. Here in the UK, only the privileged few have section 5 certification for pistol ownership. The rest of us, who are by far, the majority, are rifle shooters / reloaders. The rifle die sets are slightly different, and it would be good to see a review of their suitability for reloading for accuracy using hard cast lead bullets in rifle cartridges like the .303 British, which is in almost every rifle owners collection here in the UK.
Nice. Very helpful for me, that just got a reloading press recently. I do have a few issues with loading lead cast bullets with some lead overrun on the case. Is there a way to adjust the amount of flare on the case to be slightly wider?
Yes, just screw the die SLIGHTLY further into the press. Too much flare will destroy cases quickly so make small adjustments. If you are seating bullets and crimping at the same time, this can also lead shaving in some cases.
@@Sherman62 thanks. I appreciate it
Gavin...Love your channel...
Question....Will a Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure screw into and work with the Lee pistol powder thru expanding die?
Thanks in advance!
Jeff S
No, you just use the powder die (lower part of the Hornady Lock-N-Load case activated powder measure) that comes with the measure. But, you can use the expander stand-alone in a station by itself by screwing the funnel adapter (acts as stop) into the top of the die.
Does the Hornady Powder measure attach to the expander die?
I wish Lee had a locking ring, but this was a very informative video.
Any lock ring that uses standard threads will work, but now you can get Lee branded lock rings, 3 for 13.98 or 4 for 17.98 factory price.
very helpful vid. does the bullet seating dye crimps as well? 2nd ? - is there such a thing as over crimping?
The bullet seating die will provide a roll crimp if set correctly but the way it makes the crimp can lead to deformed cases, especially if you don't carefully check your case length. Use the factory crimp die, you will love it.
I'm all confused I'm about to start reloading using a Hornady LNL progressive press. I will be loading 40 S&W and 9mm. Could you help me with the setup for the stations. Station one will be sizing primer. Then do you handle the expander at the powder measure station and is that something you have to buy from Hornady to adapt to the measure? I would like to use a Bully bullet loader and maybe a case feeder is that right? Thanks for your help
I have a question about the dies sets. I was talking to a Lee rep. and he told me that pretty much I would need the 3 die pacesetter dies for rifle cartridges and the 4 die deluxe cartridges would be better suited to the pistol calibers. So what is the difference when both sets decap, seat the bullet and then crimp it? If it is possible to get the 4 die set for all pistol and rifle calibers, I think I would rather do that than having to buy a crimp die for the pace setter die sets.
I was in the same situation. The 3 die set is $45 but no factory crimp die which is $28 =$73 the 4 die set is $72 so I'm getting the deluxe 4 die set. Using a single stage press for 45 Colt
I watched this specifically for the 357 SIG portion. I have a little better understanding even though I will be on a single stage press while doing mine. One question though, what is the purpose of the powder thru die if on a single stage press? Will it be un-used?
My LNL AP's don't work well with the Lee sizing dies in 9mm or 38 Special, not enough chamfer on the die opening, so case mouths get pinched when being pushed in.
I've noticed that with 44 Mag in some situations- too much case rim "air gap" lets tall cases tip ever so slightly. Try a LEE steel die- they have huge chamfer!
Yes, cases leaning slightly is the real culprit, more of a problem with taller calibres like 38 Special rather than shorter ones like 9mm.
I gave up Trying to load 357sig
Whats the diference between 9x19 dies vs 9x21 dies? Want to purchace pls help
They are 2 different calibers, 9x19 is 9mm luger, which is probably what you are after.
@@WinchesterMod94 true but 9x 21 will work fine on 9x19 and u want dies with a taper crimp. I bought Hornady dies at schools and it says 9x21 & their Xpert said it would work fine on 9x19
I like RCBS Lee is 2nd
I noticed when you set the bullet seating die you used an empty case, not an finished cartridge. I was shown to do it with a cartridge is this wrong for any specifc reason? I only load 9mm although I would think it makes no difference. Thanks for the knowledge!
You could use a cartridge as well- back the seating plug out, crank the die down until resistance is felt, secure the lock ring, then turn the seating plug in until it contacts the bullet (plus a touch more turn-in).
gavintoobe thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to respond, not to mention all your vids. Merry Christmas!
I very much appreciate your videos. what advise could you give in regards to getting a moderate to strong roll crimp for leverguns and or revolvers?
tjmooremusic if you're looking at using Lee dies I've found I've gotten a stronger roll crimp from the dead length Cedar than from the collet die that I have with 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum. However I would like to compare something like 44 Magnum or 357 Magnum Factory crimp die compared to the dead length seater without seating stem.
Would the Lee 4 die set work with the Hornady PTX (powder through expander) that comes with the Hornady LNL AP? Thank you!
No, but you can use the expander that comes with the lee die set, just not with the Hornady powder measure. :)
@@Ultimatereloader Thank you for the very prompt response Gavin! Keep up the great work and you're the one who got me into reloading!!!
I pretty much only using Lee dies for all handgun calibers. Nothing to complain so far.
PS: Are you reloading .357 Sig with regular 9mm (.355/.356) bullets?
gavintoobe Thanks, good to know. Then I might look more into .357 Sig ;)
Hi bro how did you buy please tell me you buy this online please tell me app name
I am just getting into reloading so I am gonna be watching all videos. Any advice would be appreciated. I just ordered my Lee kit today. I have several reloading books as far as load data, newer versions from 2020.
@Joe Chance I just received my Lee 50th Anniversary Breech Lock Challenger kit and the bench auto prime. I have the Lee Book, and several more for the load data and info.
We must have bought the same set up...lol I got the 50th kit as well and the auto bench prime and shell holders and several books, Lee, Lyman, Hornady, Berger, Speer and waiting on the Sierra. I just got my Tumbler, universal trays, and waiting on the Chargemaster Lite and the RCBS Trim Pro 2.
...how about showing how dies are made???
Is there a way to tell if you have a roll or tapered crimp die ?
Nick- typically revolver dies will have a roll crimp, where autoloader dies will have a taper crimp. Hope that helps!
Thank you that does help. Would it be safe to say that 45ACP will be tapered and 45 long colt will be rolled ?
Also heard that Lee dies that say Grey are carbide and the others are steel ?
Yes, absolutely!
Now let's see you setup a 650 using the Lee dies.
That's a good suggestion- I've used a mix of LEE dies on the XL-650. The powder measure is the primary concern- the Dillon units likes to be in station #1 (above powder measure return bar bracket!) - so the best option on the XL-650 is to use a LEE powder measure, or to use the Dillon expander and powder measure in station #2 (the expander comes with the caliber conversion kit) - meaning you wouldn't use the LEE powder expander at all with that setup.
*correction- meant to say Dillon measure likes to be in station #2!
The issue I've had is getting the lock rings snug. On some, I've had to move the lock ring below the die because there weren't enough threads to tighten it normally. And the O rings never work. Again not enough room.
I use Lee dies on my 650
I just found your channel. I am wanting to start reloading. What press would you recommend? Single stage preferred. I was looking at Hornady or RCBS and was told by a friend to stay away from Lee.
Charles Drake I think one thing you need to decide is whether or not you want to Prime on press or off press that will rule out some product offerings.
gavintoobe Thanks. I went with a Hornady Lock n Load single stage. I will be hand priming off press.
Depending on your needs and how much ammo you want to make. I started out on a Dillon 650 XL
Hi, it Is any particular reason of why aré using Lee dies on a rcbs... And you dont do it on Lee LM ? Thanks
It's the press I had setup, and I like to mix and match (show different dies on different presses) :)
Thank you for your response. So I can buy the Lee LM, that I am not going to have any porblem... ?
Yes, Lee dies are designed to work great on Lee presses, including the Loadmaster. They also work great on other presses wtih 7/8x14 die threading.
gavintoobe
Thank you brother !
Man ive been watching so much reloading vids but I feel like i still know nothing.
Stay with it- overwhelming at first, and then it's straightforward!
Fuckk Face that's how I was. I watched videos for over a year before I even touched my press. It takes a long time, but eventually you get comfortable
I'm in the same boat. I watch videos daily and feel the same way.
Hi, the guys from 6.5 said I should be asking you my question I had for them, I hope you can help shed some light on this for me: I was thinking of getting a Lee Load Master set up to do my reloads and other pistol rounds; 380-45. Any experience or suggestions?
I realized I comments on a 223 video and figured I would do so on a pistol video as that's what my question pertains to (sorry to comment twice) happy new year!
Ryan- how many calibers will you be reloading? Pistol and rifle?
@@Ultimatereloader I currently own & I am looking to load ammo for .380ACP, 9mm, & 40S&W. I am also looking into getting a a pistol in 45 & when I get a rifle it will probably be 556.
Since you was using lee dies, why not use a lee press, that would have been better demonstration on how to set up dies
Gavin, do you still think Lee dies are a good value? It seems they’ve went up in price quite substantially. I bought my 4 die 9mm set a few years ago for $35, a buddy just paid $48 for the same set.
Excellent video, but I am still struggling with 3 die set vs 4 die set. I saw another video using a single stage Lee press (which is what I have) and a 3 die set. Bullet seating and crimping were done one stroke with the same die. Would the 3 die set for 9MM Luger be the correct choice. I get the impression that the 4 die set is used with multi-stage presses. Correct?
For a single stage press I recommend going with the 3 die set. Both would work but the 3 die set will be considerably quicker because it will be one less pull of the lever per every round finished which adds up to a lot of time saved.
for someone that knows nothing about this kind of stuff and trying to learn, this vid was confusing
No lock ring on Lee dies like rcbs and most others.Their full length resizing dies for rifles are just as bad no theaded lock ring on the depriming stem a collet set up that sucks.
No instructions came in any of my Lee die sets. The pin in my 45acp decap die didnt reach far enough to push out primer but you dont do a good job explaining that.
Been using RCBS dies for 50 years, Lee dies to me are confusing and gimmicky.
More features and cheaper .