How does a Lee Collet die work? Can anyone discribe its parts and function

Is it just a neck die and cant resize the body?

They are neck size dies only. A mandrel fits in the case neck and then a set of 'fingers' squeeze the brass against the mandrel to perfectly size the neck only.

Does the mandrel come in different sizes like size bushings?

quote:

Originally posted by GSP7:
Does the mandrel come in different sizes like size bushings?

To an extent. You can either polish down the mandrel that came with your die - Lee recommends reducing the diameter of the mandrel with .001". Alternatively, you can order an undersized mandrel from Lee - they used to charge $5, but I'm not sure what they charge these days.

Some people reduce the mandrel diameter with more than .001" - although Lee does not recommend that (read die instructions).

The Collet is not as versatile as a bushing die with respect to controlling neck tension. And they tend to work best with brass which is not work-hardened. Other than that, and other than the build of the die is typical Lee "quality", they work really well and produce very straight ammo for little cost. Try one, you may well like it so much you'll get a whole bunch more.

quote:

Is it just a neck die and cant resize the body?

The Lee Collet die is a neck sizing die, and will not size your cartridge body (i.e. no FL sizing function). However, if you happen to turn the die too far into your press (which I managed to do inadvertently one day), you may find sizing the neck will leave you with an expanded shoulder diameter and cases that either chamber hard or not at all. In this case, set up the die properly, and have at it sizing necks only.

- mike

I want some neck tension on my bullets . I want to get away from the to much neck squeezeing and expander ball stretching cases length that happens with a standard die.

quote:

Originally posted by GSP7:
I want some neck tension on my bullets . I want to get away from the to much neck squeezeing and expander ball stretching cases length that happens with a standard die.

Then the Lee collet die is for you. Like the captain and mho explained, there is no expander ball to jerk the resized neck around. You adjust the die to get greater neck tension. Once you adjust so far and reach the limit, then you pull out the mandrel and reduce its size by no more than .001" Another benefit is no need for sizing lube with a collet die.

Im thinking Ill get the Lee collet Delux die set, Rather than mess with reddings bushing stuff.$$$$$

With Lees Collet Die set , Or their Delux die set that comes with a full length die also. Are the bullet seating dies for these to sets exactly the same?

Collet die set says its a " DEAD length bullet seating die"

Delux die set says its a " "bullet seating die"

Whats the difference in a "DEAD Length" Bullet seating die?

I think I just found out the answer both the collet die set, and the delux set come with the Dead length seater die, which does not have a crimp feature.

That might be so you'd have to by Lee's factory crimp die. Which may not be a bad idea anyway.

Nope , dont neep crimps

You might really like the Factory Crimp Die. I do - just wish I had it in all my calibres!

You don't need to lubricate cases with the Lee Collet die. So you can avoid getting lube accumulating below the neck.

FYI, Lee's factory crimp die IS also a collet die. If you find out how much you like the collet sizer, you might also like their collet crimp die. Maybe not for this cartridge, but somewhere down the road.

I've had good luck with the collet size die even with old brass (8- 10 times loaded). I usually neck size one or two firings and then full size the next time. I have lee crimp dies but seldom use them, if you're going to crimp, though, they are the way to do it.

I've polished the mandrels down about .001 on both of my collet dies. From the factory they just didn't quite give enough neck tension for hunting loads (banging around in the magazine, pockets etc). I used Brasso to get a mirror finish on the mandrels after using fine grit sandpaper to get them to size.