Neck Sizing Concern with 338 Win Mag Nosler Brass

[stevelsd]

No problem. I’ve spent a lot of time with the Lee collet dies. One tip I do is anneal after each firing. It will give you constant feel of the collet sizing the neck against the mandrel.

RL338, I have spoken to Lee Precision techs at least 3 times in the last 15 years regarding the collet dies and how much pressure should one use with the dies. I have received some different answers each time, so I just pull the RCBS rocker arm down with some good pressure, turn the case 1/4 turn and do it again and then one more time, 3 times all together for each case. When I test the concentricity after completely reload, I am very satisfied with the tiny amount of runout.

My question to you and all who use the collet die is do any of you use a "cam over" technique (which Lee says not to do, even if it is slight) or do you just pull down a perceived amount of pressure to tighten the neck tension?

Thank you
Steve

 

[jimbires]

I do not cam over . I set the die low enough it can't . I push the brass up firmly into the die , and hold it a second or two , that's it .

there is no reason to use great force with the collet die . all you're trying to do is squeeze the neck until it's snug against the mandrel . once the neck is against the mandrel nothing else happens , regardless how hard you lean on the press . I have read about guys blowing the top out of the die from pushing so hard .

 

[RL338]

I don’t allow for cam over. When not done right that aluminum cap will pop off. I also have the undersize mandrels in case neck tension is to light.

 

[stevelsd]

I don’t allow for cam over. When not done right that aluminum cap will pop off. I also have the undersize mandrels in case neck tension is to light.

Super Excellent. Now I feel very confident on that discernment regarding the "cam over" approach. There is one "YouTube" reloader that is suggesting "cam over" (years ago but video is still out there) but I have stuck with what Lee Precision states.
I really feel I just got the correct and reenforced answer from one who knows from real life experience".
My Friday has started out fantastic!
Thanks, RL338
Steve

 

[Dr. Vette]

You already heard it, but I'll also say I don't cam over. Annealed brass (or brass in general) isn't so stiff that it takes that much force to reshape it.
It gets a firm press, and that's all.

 

[stevelsd]

View attachment 25498
Is your collet machined out for the belt? Or possibly not machined deep enough. Something is definitely up with your collet then.

Great news!
I sent the die to Lee 10 calendar days with two Nosler cases that did not fit (I have 45 of them )
Got the new collet die today!! Ya'll saved me around $70+ for a new bag of 338 Win Mag cases. I almost threw out the Nosler cases even with only first firing or 1 reload. (The prices for this caliber's brass is crazy!) Super thanks everyone! I would not have pursued this if not for all of your comments.

RL338 !!!!! You were right on the money. Your picture said a million words.
Guess what? My new collet is machined out for the belt. Whoohooo

Thanks again all
Stevelsd

Oh I explained my user name 11+ years ago on here but for those wondering and who grew up in the 60's and 70's. Remember all those school tests where you had to put in order, your last name, first name and middle initial. Well those are mine! Back in 2005 I worked for ATF for around 3 years. I only had a Hotmail email address upon arriving in DC from Colorado and when I had to list an external email address, I got a very huge frown from some top brass when they saw "steveLSD" (I learned quickly not to say "like the drug") lololol

 

[RL338]

Good to hear Lee came thru for you.