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Re: Shoulder bumping how does that work

Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 3:31 pm
by Alpha1
I get it now. I have tried full length sizing my 6.5x55 brass but it has not solved my problem. I tried machining a Lee die but gave it up as a bad job.
I was surprised how hard they are. I don't really want to fork out for a Forster die then machine it and find out it does not help. I thought the Lee would be a cheap option to machine I was wrong. Its back to the drawing board I suppose.

Re: Shoulder bumping how does that work

Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 4:10 pm
by ovenpaa
Lee dies are super simple to machine once you know how, what do you want to change on it?

Re: Shoulder bumping how does that work

Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 6:03 pm
by Alpha1
I just want to skim a thread depth of the length of the die.

Re: Shoulder bumping how does that work

Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 7:51 pm
by Maggot
ovenpaa wrote:Also with the Forester example you can change/remove/machine you own bushings so you are only setting the shoulders back which means you can then do the neck sizing as a separate stage if you so wish.

Forster dies are easier to machine than Lee which is always handy.
I must admit I was surprised at how close mine was when I set it up (to the jaws in the coaxial press).

You don't need to be moving the brass much.

Re: Shoulder bumping how does that work

Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 8:02 pm
by ovenpaa
I use carbide inserts for machining dies. The DCMT would be the logical choice however I find the DCGT works better for fine cuts on hard materials as it does tend to cut as opposed to just push the material away. For machining the bore such as work on universal de-cappers I use solid carbide tooling.

Re: Shoulder bumping how does that work

Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 8:32 pm
by Alpha1
I have a cutting tool and a parting off tool that uses carbide inserts. All though the cutting tool insert is not the same profile as the two you recommended. I need to acquire some more insert holders of different types. Most of my stuff is HSS that the guys at work have ground for me. What speed do you run at when machining the Lee dies.

I have just spent the evening with my target master and measuring bits and bobs reloading 6.5x55 ammo in 120g. 140g and 144g for a range to morrow. Fingers crossed everything goes according to plan. fingerscrossed

Re: Shoulder bumping how does that work

Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 8:33 pm
by ovenpaa
About 1100 RPM, it is an odd speed/cutter combination however it seems to work very nicely for me.

Re: Shoulder bumping how does that work

Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 11:29 am
by waterford103
I use a toolpost grinder on Lee dies , never had much luck machining them and getting a good finish .If I anneal and machine it's no problem then re-harden and temper but that's a PIA .
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