Lee collet die problems

[BobSki]

To check the pin/ flash hole relationship, I reset the pin to its proper position, I.e. Flush with the top of the decapping collet.

I have 27 sets of Lee dies. Not one of the FL sizing die has the decapping/expander pin flush with the nut securing the pin, they all sit proud by varying degrees. With the pin too low, the case, if enough force is used, will either push the pin out of the top, or if the nut is holding the pin secure enough, and enough force used, you will drive the pin through the case head.

The instructions and also info on "you tube" suggest that the decapping pin should be tightened very tightly (Lee instructions say "considerable torque may be required") with the top of the pin flush or level with the top of the collet, which is why I set mine up like that. From what you're saying then, that may not necessarily be correct.

[Sim G]

The instructions and also info on "you tube" suggest that the decapping pin should be tightened very tightly (Lee instructions say "considerable torque may be required") with the top of the pin flush or level with the top of the collet, which is why I set mine up like that. From what you're saying then, that may not necessarily be correct.

That's about it. The vast majority of my Lee dies, whether that's pistol, rifle, steel or carbide, have at least a couple or three mm of the expander pin sticking out of the top of the nut. And yes, that nut really needs tightening!

[Alpha1]

My advice would be to buy a Lee universal decaping die.

1: Decap your cases first using this die.
2: Throw the expander mandrel away out of your full length sizing die.
3: Lube and size your cases with out the expander button in place.

Problem solved.

[Alpha1]

You are lubricating the cases aren't you.

[Laurie]

HMmmmm ...! So the die works fine without the decap / expand stem, but the said stem is pushed up in the die even with a sized case and/or even where the case has already been decapped? That can only be because the decap pin or something else in the assembly is hitting something it shouldn't. If the decap pin, it's apparently not finding the flash-hole and/or the assembly has been adjusted so low it passes completely through the hole so the bottom of the rod hits the case-web.

Since the die won't decap cases (that's right?) the decap pin must be failing to find the flash-hole suggesting the pin and/or rod are either out of true themselves or are being held misaligned by the top of the die body. If the decap pin has been forced down hard on the case-web it'll likely have been damaged or bent slightly even though the Lee assembly is massively robust compared to most manufacturers' designs with their fragile replaceable pins.

[Matt]

Or it could be the wrong size de capper/ expander that has found its way into a 308 die......

Wouldn't be the first time that a wrong part has found its way into a bin on the assembly line aaarggh

As already suggested, take it out, take a series of measurements and post on here so we can compare with ours that work

Best way to avoid further complication with this, remove the insert, stick it on a bit of paper, write the sizes next to an arrow on the bit of paper where each of your measurements have been taken (include length!) take a photo and stick it on here, my money's on this sorting it

[phaedra1106]

Edit. Matt beat me to it! I must learn to type faster!

Laurie may well be correct, roll the expander on a flat surface and check for any bending. They are pretty tough and not the easiest of things to bend, if it is bent PM me your address and I can send you a spare one in the post tomorrow.

The only other thing (unlikely having looked at the photos) is if the die had the wrong expander.

Lee make three .30cal expanders, 30cal med (for the 308Win, 7.62x54 etc.), a 30cal long for longer cases like the 30-06 and another with a shorter expanded front area for the 30/30.

The one for the 308Win die is part no. SE2169 and the 30/30 is part no. SE2163 both of these are approx: 3.4" long, the longer one which is part no. SE2277 is approx: 3.6" in length.

[BobSki]

Hi guys, well, the expander seems to be straight. It certainly goes through the flash hole without problems. I have added a further photo HEREof the expander next to a metric rule so you can see its dimensions

[Matt]

Have another look at my post a couple up from here.......

The precise measurements need to be taken or you'll just keep on going round in circles........

[Triffid]

It looks to me like the expander plug is too big, so the case won't pass it. Have you tried measuring it . . . I'm not exactly sure but I would expect it to be in the region of .306 to .308".

Triffid

On the new photo you posted, there looks to be a nice shiny ring just down from the widest part of the expander plug. That's where the plug is too big, stopping the cases going in any further and so collapsing the neck as you cycle the press. My bet is that it's the wrong expander: measure its widest diameter.

Triffid