|
|
|
Discussion Forums
Forum Index
> Rifles general discussion
> Lee Crimping Dies & Concentricity
Lee Crimping Dies & Concentricity
@ 07:27 am (GMT) |
MarkThought I would have a go at crimping some .223 cases I reloaded.The case concentricity on my reloads before crimping was .001, but after crimping blew out to .007. When you roll the crimped cases on a mirror you can see that they are crooked I made sure that my crimp was light. I am using a Forster press with Lapua cases & Nosler projectiles Also is there any way to take these dies apart? |
Replies
@ 11:51 am (GMT) |
Scott CampbellRe: Lee Crimping Dies & ConcentricityHi Mark,Did you trim your cases prior to loading and seating? (to ensure uniform lengths) I use the Lee trim-to-length sets which seem to work OK - ditto for my crimp dies. Also was the .007" runout an average measurement of a number of cases, or just a one-off? Good that you have the means to measure case runout accurately - that is a bonus. To take the die apart - just pull the collet out of the die body - you will see that it is held in place by a C spring riding in a groove - lightly oil and push it back in after cleaning (if necessary). Ensuring uniform case length and experimenting with crimp pressure is about all I can come up with for now - also taking an average measure of, say 5 - 10 cases, may tell you something. Then load two lots of 5 rounds - one lot crimped - the other un-crimped, same load etc, do a 100yd group test and let your rifle do the talking! You may have to fiddle round a bit but hey! - thats all part of the fun. Flicking off an e-mail to Lee Precision may be an option, or give Dan at Reloaders a call and see what he thinks. Hope this helps, Regards, Scott. |
|
@ 06:18 pm (GMT) |
MarkRe: Lee Crimping Dies & ConcentricityHi ScottAll cases were trimmed prior to reloading using my Wilson case trimmer. The .007 was an average based on the 10 cases crimped with some being greater than .007 & some under. But all were over the pre crimped concentricity of .001. Thanks for the tip on taking the die apart 😊 Its all a learning experience |
@ 09:12 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Lee Crimping Dies & ConcentricitySomething not quite right there Mark. Could be a faulty die.If the neck tension is very poor before crimping, it would not take much to knock things out of whack during crimping. So this could also be a factor. |
|
@ 11:47 pm (GMT) |
Scott CampbellRe: Lee Crimping Dies & ConcentricityHi Mark,I would second Nathan's comment regarding the die, given that your case prepping work has been really thorough. I had a similar problem with some .222 dies some years ago. Should this be the case, you may want to consider a Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die. I bought a set for my 22-250 Winchester Heavy Varmint rifle some time ago and in my opinion it lives up to the manufacturers claims. This should take care of any neck tension issues, particularly with good brass such as Lapua. I realise it is an extra cash outlay, particularly if there is no chance of being compensated if the die is faulty, but it is an option. It definitely is a learning experience as you quite rightly say! Best wishes for a positive outcome. Regards, Scott. |
|
@ 11:05 pm (GMT) |
Mark BuckinghamRe: Lee Crimping Dies & ConcentricityThanks Nathan & ScottCase neck tension is .004 using a Redding bush die. My cases are Lapua & were all annealed before reloading. I am going to take the die apart as it seems very stiff & give it a good clean & light oiling & try crimping some more. |
Please wait
ABOUT USWe are a small, family run business, based out of Taranaki, New Zealand, who specialize in cartridge research and testing, and rifle accurizing.
|
KNOWLEDGEBASE |
KNOWLEDGEBASE |